Invasive Species
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
Giant 'toe biter' water bugs discovered in Cyprus for the 1st time
By Patrick Pester published
Scientists believe toe-biting giant water bugs have arrived in Cyprus from the mainland, but they're not sure why or how.
Watch woodpecker evict starling that stole its nest by yanking it out with its beak
By Sascha Pare published
A bird photographer in Michigan has captured dramatic footage of the moment a red-headed woodpecker found a starling in its tree trunk nest and evicted it by yanking it out.
Giant ball of Burmese pythons having sex discovered in Florida Everglades in record-breaking catch
By Hannah Osborne published
In a record-setting expedition, conservationists in the Everglades captured and removed 11 invasive pythons from the environment.
Giant, invasive Joro spiders with 6-foot webs could be poised to take over US cities, scientists warn
By Harry Baker published
A new study shows that invasive Joro spiders are surprisingly "urban tolerant," which could enable them to take over cities and other urban areas across the U.S. East Coast.
Annual cane toad kill-a-thon is about to start in Australia. Here's how to eliminate the pests humanely.
By Sascha Pare published
Instead of bludgeoning Australia's invasive cane toads to death, scientists advise popping them in the fridge for a day or two before transferring them to the freezer to finish them off.
200-pound 'monster' Burmese python finally captured in Florida after 5 men sit on it
By Lydia Smith published
A huge Burmese python caught in Florida is the second-heaviest ever caught in the state, weighing in at 198 pounds.
Snake choking on invasive fish the size of its head saved by scientist
By Ethan Freedman published
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
By Sascha Pare published
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?
By Ethan Freedman published
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.
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