Which US states face severe invasive species problems?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Florida, California, and Hawaii face significant issues with invasive species due to their favorable environments and their locations as major hubs for trade and transportation. Florida receives approximately 40% of all US imports of ornamental plants through various ports, many of which carry pests and pathogens that are invisible to the naked eye. California's Mediterranean climate supports the year-round growth and reproduction of invasive plants. Hawaii's geographic isolation makes it an attractive target for aggressive and invasive species that attack and often displace native species.
Florida Invaders
- Burmese Python: 100,000+ in Everglades reducing mammals by 99%
- Brazilian Pepper: Smothers 700,000 acres of native mangroves
- Cane Toad: Toxic to pets killing 500+ dogs annually
- Transport Route: 60% arrive through Miami port horticulture
California Invaders
- Yellow Starthistle: Poisons horses across 15 million acres
- Mediterranean Fruit Fly: Threatens $45 billion agriculture industry
- Nutria: Destroys Central Valley levees risking floods
- Entry Point: Contaminated shipments at Los Angeles port
Hawaii Invaders
- Coqui Frog: 55,000/acre noise pollution disrupting tourism
- Miconia: Forms monocultures preventing native plant growth
- Little Fire Ant: Stings cause blindness in pets and livestock
- Introduction: 90% arrive via Honolulu cargo shipments
Trade Volume is directly connected to invasion risk. Florida receives around 200 million ornamental plants per year, which have the potential to carry pests, such as the Mexican Fruit Fly. California imports forty percent of the fresh fruits and vegetables consumed in the United States, as well as carrying invasive insects. Hawaii is isolated in terms of geography, and about thirty percent of species arriving in Hawaii establish a population. I've been documenting trade volumes entering Honolulu Airport and have noted that those identifying interceptions prevent new invasive populations from occurring on a monthly basis.
Prevention strategies vary based on vulnerabilities in the given State. Florida's emphasis is on inspecting shipments at ports, with specially trained dogs used to detect invasive species, inspecting approximately 1,000 shipments daily. California uses drone habitat surveillance to identify outbreaks of the invasive Yellow Starthistle. Hawaii requires mandated decontamination of hiking gear to prevent any movement of invasive species. You can report invaders through state apps, such as FISC in Florida or CIPC in California.
Read the full article: Comprehensive Invasive Species List
