From cane toads to kudzu, invasive species (sometimes called alien species) are those that aren't native to an ecosystem and that cause harm to native species, local economies or humans. Invasive species can be terrestrial species, like the pythons invading Florida's Everglades, marine, like the lionfish invading Caribbean waters, or pathogens. Invasive species can cause harm by out-competing native species, or preying on them. They can sometimes increase fire risks or contribute to erosion. Some invasive species have been introduced accidentally and others, like kudzu, were introduced on purpose and then spread more widely than originally intended. Invasive species are found in every type of habitat and are typically difficult to eradicate. Read more about invasive species around the globe and efforts to stop their spread.
Latest about invasive species
Snake choking on invasive fish the size of its head saved by scientist
A snake in France had a lucky escape after attempting to eat a fish with a spiny dorsal fin that had gotten lodged into the reptile's esophagus.
10 times humans messed with nature and it backfired
History is peppered with times when our patchy knowledge of natural systems has led to questionable interventions with unintended — and sometimes disastrous — consequences.
Long-held myth says Hurricane Andrew sparked Florida's Burmese python problem. Is it true?
The 1992 storm destroyed a python breeding facility, potentially setting hundreds of pythons free. But it's likely the invasive species had gained a foothold in the Everglades long before the hurricane hit.
Rare piranha-like fish with 'human teeth' caught by young angler in Oklahoma
The invasive fish, known as a pacu, originates from South America and has evolved human-like gnashers to accommodate its varied diet.
Enormous Burmese python killed in Florida Everglades was about to lay 60 eggs
Invasive pythons across the state are about to start laying their eggs after spring's mating season, with the 16-foot (5 meter) female caught being no exception.
Ecologist Tim Blackburn: 'Moths pollinate a wider range of species than bees'
With colors ranging from candy pinks to golds and sometimes possessing wingspans as big as a bird's, moths are a fascinating group. Ecologist Tim Blackburn tells Live Science about the incredible, hidden world of moths.
Pablo Escobar's 'cocaine hippos' top 200, twice as many as we thought
A new census of the world’s largest invasive species reveals the population is roughly double the size scientists previously estimated.
Burmese pythons are helping rats take over Florida's Everglades — and that could help spread disease
The invasion of pythons has had little to no impact on cotton rats, explaining why some areas are now increasingly dominated by rodents.
