Bahia Honda, a subtropical gem in the Florida Keys, harbors numerous rare plants and animals. Photo © Susan Stein.

Where’s the Native Wildlife?

Miami blue butterfly on Bahia Honda in 2003. This species was last seen on the island in January 2010. Photo: J. Glassberg.

The Miami blue once extended from the Dry Tortugas in the south up along the Florida coasts to about St. Petersburg and Daytona. Its decline resulted from a variety of factors, most notably loss of habitat. On Bahia Honda, however, one of the most significant factors in its recent demise has been a flourishing population of non-native iguanas. These introduced reptiles, which can grow to a yard long, have developed a taste for the young shoots of the gray nickerbean (Caesalpinia bonduc), the host plant for the Miami blue’s eggs and larvae. These ill-tempered and voracious lizards appear to have literally eaten the Miami blues into oblivion on this island.

Iguana basking in gray nickerbean, the host plant for the endangered Miami blue butterfly. Photo © Susan Stein.

And Everglades National Park, one of the nation’s crown jewels, is the epicenter of an invasion of Burmese python, a non-native constrictor snake that research now documents has almost completely wiped out this sensitive ecosystems rabbits, raccoons, deer, and other small mammals. Although the endangered Florida panther may be too large or cautious to be caught and killed directly by these constrictor snakes, by consuming much of the panther’s food source the snake will almost certainly lead to further declines for this endangered large cat.

Stemming the Invasive Tide

Burmese python have nearly wiped out small mammals in portions of Everglades National Park. Photo: by Bob DeGross, National Park Service.

Trying to control these pests once they have established themselves is difficult, costly, and often futile. A far better approach, ecologically and economically, is to keep them out in the first place. One obvious place to start is to better regulate the import of species known to pose a risk to U.S. ecosystems. Last year the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, under pressure from NWF and its partners, made a good start by banning the import of four species of large constrictor snakes that were deemed to present just such a risk.

Unfortunately, bowing to political pressure from a small but vocal lobby of reptile breeders, an additional five constrictor snakes that Fish and Wildlife considers to present an invasion risk, such as the reticulated python and green anaconda, were excluded from that import ban. National Wildlife Federation views the listing of these additional constrictors as “injurious species” under federal law to be a top priority in 2013.

The current system for assessing and limiting imports of invasive and potentially invasive species—designed before the days of lightening fast transcontinental shipping and dramatic expansion of the exotic pet trade—is too slow and unwieldy and badly in need to reform. Fortunately, with NWF support, bills introduced in the last Congress propose common sense reforms that would create a new screening system for evaluating the risk of invasion that species pose, and give the Fish and Wildlife Service greater flexibility and authority to make science-based decisions to prohibit or restrict trade in certain live animals. With the start of a new Congress, reintroduction and passage of bills such as Representative Slaughter’s (D-N.Y.) Invasive Fish and Wildlife Prevention Act is an imperative to better protect our nation from the onslaught of new harmful and costly invasions.

Packing up our campsite back on Bahia Honda in preparation for the long drive home is always bitter sweet. There’s next year’s visit to look forward to, sustained by memories of the snappers we caught this time, and paddles through the mangroves and over the clear waters. But the demise of the Miami blue butterfly on the island—one small but important strand of the key’s biological web—is emblematic of what we already have lost in this “American Paradise.”

How You Can Help

Donate today and help National Wildlife Federation continue to work for wildlife, including Miami blue butterflies and Florida panthers at risk from invasive species.

Great opportunities abound to become involved in important, local on-the-ground wildlife habitat projects. Meaningful project options in most areas are right in front of us—from stream restoration to noxious weed removal to planting shrubs that wildlife need for forage.  Student groups or chapters will help participants prepare to become tomorrow’s leaders who care about our remarkable wildlife.

National Wildlife Federation (NWF) has a more than 20-year history of working with colleges and universities through its Campus Ecology program to improve their overall green educational programming and onsite sustainability. Founded in 1989, its student outreach programs, campus consulting, climate action competition, and educational events and resourcesreach about 1,000 campuses each year.

Colorado Wildlife Federation (CWF), an affiliate of NWF, is creating something new: college student chapters. CWF is encouraging college students who want to do more for wildlife habitat to join or start a new CWF student chapter. We envision that these young people will become lifelong members or supporters as they become informed and empowered to participate in the key wildlife issues that CWF tackles. In addition to meeting monthly at a convenient place, the students will participate in hands-on quarterly habitat restoration projects that CWF organizes. The student chapters will designate a member to attend CWF board and Issues Committee meetings, and to shadow a board or staff member at the Capitol during the state legislative session. These opportunities provide excellent real-world examples of how the students can put their degree to work and build their own networks.

The first event for CWF’s new Metro Student CWF Chapter (Metropolitan State University of Denver) was held on October 5 at South Platte Park in Littleton, a Denver suburb where NWF holds its wonderful Hike & Seek event. Students worked with South Suburban Park staff to remove hundreds of invasive buckthorn bushes from the wetland areas in the park.  Students felt energized as they helped enable native trees and bushes to thrive. In turn, this project enabled park staff to accomplish a large task they could not assume on their own.  College students have a lot of energy!

Students and other volunteers with the Colorado Wildlife Federation remove buckthorn, an invasive species. NWF photo courtesy John Gale.

How to start a student chapter or group:

• Identify a leader. Find an energetic individual at the educational institution such as a professor, teacher, a committed student, or parent who will help recruit and mentor students and facilitate meetings.  If you are looking for a professor or teacher to fill this role, consider an instructor in an earth science course. The affiliate’s staff and board members serve as the catalyst by providing guidance, expertise, and a vehicle for projects that are meaningful for the students and age appropriate as they help protect and restore fish and wildlife habitat.
• Draft goals for the chapter in collaboration with the leader. Will the group focus upon on-the-ground education and habitat restoration projects?  Do you want to include an advocacy education component?
• Recruit members.  We suggest that you review the goals with the students who initially join the new chapter and make adjustments if needed. To work, the goals must be feasible and embraced by the student membership. It also is important to identify and schedule an initial project or event (consistent with the goals) that will energize the group.  Additionally, your organization should consider offering a special student membership rate to the student chapter members.

If you are interested in forming a student chapter, CWF is pleased to offer guidance and expertise. Contact Ashley Rust at arust1@mscd.edu

For more ideas, to support our work, and to learn more about wildlife conservation initiatives in Colorado, visit  Colorado Wildlife Federation  and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And to learn more about NWF’s Campus Ecology program, you can visit CampusEcology.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Ashley Rust is a Colorado Wildlife Federation Board Member & Professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver. John Gale is a Regional Representative for National Wildlife Federation. 

HISD Celebrates New Collaboration with National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-Schools USA Program

October 26 –  The Houston Independent School District and National Wildlife Federation’s Eco-Schools program have established a new collaboration that will help close achievement gaps for disadvantaged students and improve science and math learning through the use of outdoor environmental education.

The new Eco-Schools USA initiative will expand on the current Schoolyard Habitat program between HISD and NWF. It will also allow for further expansion and development of the Green School Challenge, launched in December 2011, by helping schools make their buildings and campuses more eco-friendly.

200+ Scientists Call on Obama Administration to “Look Before You Leap” on Potentially Invasive Energy Crops

October 22 - More than 200 scientists from across the country sent a letter to the Obama administration today urging them to take a “look before you leap” approach to potentially invasive plants grown for bioenergy, warning that some of the crops being considered for large-scale energy plantings may actually be highly invasive and potentially harmful to native species. The letter was sent in response to news that EPA is close to finalizing a rule which would allow fuel made from two known noxious weeds, Arundo donax and napiergrass, to count toward federally-mandated renewable fuels targets.

“Many of today’s most problematic invasive plants – from kudzu to purple loosestrife – were intentionally imported and released into the environment for horticultural, agricultural, conservation, and forestry purposes. These invasive species already cost billions of dollars a year in the United States and are one of the primary threats to North America’s native species and ecosystems. It is imperative that we learn from our past mistakes by preventing intentional introduction of energy crops that may create the next invasive species catastrophe – particularly when introductions are funded by taxpayer dollars,” states the letter.

And here are highlights from NWF in the News:

• Fox Business: The Risks of an Oil Spill in Straits of Mackinac (video)
• Great Falls Tribune: National Wildlife Federation seeks dialogue on bison in ranch country
• The Intelligencer: Haycock earns prestigious environmental certification
• Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Conservation a top priority for hunters, anglers
• The Wichita Eagle: Conservation lands await farm bill approval
• Denver Post: Presidential candidates should make energy and public lands in the West a priority (OpEd)
• Public News Service (TX): “Miracle Plants” or “Noxious Weeds”? EPA Weighs Status of Invasive Species

For more, visit www.nwf.org/News

The endangered Least Bell’s Vireo is one of many native species negatively affected by giant reed. Photo credit: Flickr, Steve Maslowski/USFWS

The EPA is currently in the final stages of approving a very problematic rule that would actually provide incentives for companies to plant certain invasive species. The rule would allow a plant called Arundo donax (also known as Giant Reed, Colorado River Reed, and Giant Cane), a known invasive species, to qualify as an “advanced biofuel feedstock” under the Renewable Fuel Standard. This means that producers would get money from the federal government for growing giant reed as a source to create biofuel.

Growing plants for energy can potentially be a cleaner and less harmful alternative to fossil fuels, but only if it is done responsibly. Planting a species that has been listed as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species is not responsible.

What would the impacts of this rule be?

This USDA map shows the predicted distribution of Arundo donax. As you can see, much of the U.S. is suitable for the species. Credit: USDA APHIS.

“If a species with such a well-documented track record of escape and negative impacts can be considered, then apparently no plant, no matter how invasive, will be off the table for future consideration. It certainly would set a terrible precedent.”

State and local groups across the country are particularly worried that if giant reed is planted on a large scale for biofuels, the results could be devastating:

“Should Arundo donax reach the Columbia River, an environmental disaster of unimaginable proportions would follow.” - The Native Plant Society of Oregon

“The large planting of invasive giant reed presents an incalculable risk to the people and ecosystems of Alabama. The potential for irreparable damage to the state’s natural ecosystems, which provide vital ecological services to the present and future citizens of Alabama, is great.” – The Alabama Invasive Plant Council

Read a letter signed by 100 local, state, regional, and national groups from across the country opposing the proposed rule.

What is Giant Reed?

Giant reed (Arundo donax), also known as giant cane, is a large, fast-growing grass that is native to India and can grow up to 30 feet tall. Because it grows very quickly and can get quite large, there has been a lot of interest in using giant reed to create biofuels, and companies in Oregon, Florida, and North Carolina have already planting it for this purpose. Unfortunately, the very same characteristics that make giant reed attractive as a biofuel crop make it a very highly invasive species.

Giant reed has been placed on noxious weed lists in Texas, California, Colorado, and Nevada and has been noted as either invasive or a serious risk in New Mexico, Alabama, and South Carolina. USDA, in their June 2012 weed risk assessment, concluded with very high certainty that giant reed is a high risk species, noting that it is a “highly invasive grass” and a “serious environmental weed.”

Giant reed has invaded vast areas along rivers in Texas, as seen in this aerial view near Big Bend National Park. Credit: John Goolsby, USDA

Once giant reed has taken hold, control is difficult and costly. In California, costs range between $5,000 and $17,000 per acre to eradicate the weed. Other estimates put that cost as high as $25,000 per acre.

Given the clear risks associated with growing giant reed for energy, the last thing we need is to be spending taxpayer-funded money encouraging producers to plant this stuff. There is still time for EPA to hit pause and fix the rule before finalizing it. If they do not, that $120 billion figure will only rise further.

On a clear, summer day, downtown Seattle appears etched into the skyline (left), but Central Washington wildfires muddle the view today (right). Credits: Cierra Hunziker, Patricia Tillmann.

Wenatchee wildfires have near- and far-reaching effects

As reported on KUOW’s Weekday this morning, grassland and timber wildfires near Wenatchee have raised the Haze Index to a 6 in the area (listen to 1:00 to 11:33). The reduced air quality is a problem for sensitive populations such as those with respiratory conditions, as well as firefighters who are getting “kettle cough” from the smoke. Even in Seattle, Janet Pierce, Spokesperson for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), suggested sensitive populations should be cautious about the air quality and check the news for updates (current air quality is also available from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency).

Air quality is not the only issue facing those in the Wenatchee area. Many are worried about losing their homes and not receiving the proper notice to evacuate. Ms. Pierce assured listeners this morning that the Sherriff’s office is knocking on doors to notify those needing to evacuate. She also educated listeners about the three-level notification system used by DNR. It is a “Ready, Set, Go” system, where Level I means “Get Ready” and Level III means “Go.”

While I am reassured by the availability of warning systems throughout Washington State, I remain worried about the apparent increases in our region’s susceptibility to wildfire due to fire suppression, pests, and climate change.

Fire suppression, pests, and climate change exacerbate wildfire

Fire is a natural and necessary process in Washington’s forests, but forests in the Wenatchee area remain prone to excessively large or hot fires due to a history of fire suppression, pest management decisions, and other activities. Fire suppression allows dry underbrush, dead trees, and branches to build up on the forest floor, providing more than adequate fuel for fires and increasing the probability of fires that are larger and hotter than they were in the past. Climate change projections for Washington, specifically projections of increased summer temperature and decreased summer precipitation (relative to 1916-2006), indicate:

 “Regional area burned is likely to double or even triple by the end of the 2040s, although Washington ecosystems have different sensitivities to climate and thus different responses to climatic change” (University of Washington Climate Impacts Group [CIG], 2009).

Pests such as insects are also a natural part of forests, but the increasing presence of invasive species such as spruce budworm and pine bark beetle can leave a large number of dead trees. As noted in a recently released study by The Nature Conservancy, these trees are quick to ignite in a fire, which can further exacerbate fire severity. With climate change, the vulnerability of Washington’s trees to mountain pine beetle outbreak is projected to increase, especially for pines and trees at higher elevations (see CIG study). In fact, Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark issued Forest Health Hazard Warnings in response to declining forest conditions in several eastern Washington counties.

The risks of wildfire can be addressed with effective and proactive management

I know wildfire is a natural process and I appreciate its vital role in healthy forest and grassland ecosystems. But I also understand it puts homes and people at risk and that climate change, in combination with forest and pest management decisions, is projected to increase that risk. Fortunately, scientists and managers are working hard to come up with effective, proactive management strategies to help forest and grassland ecosystems, as well as the people and wildlife in those systems, adapt to a changing climate. Learn more at the CIG page and the Climate Adaptation Knowledge Exchange.

And be sure to visit our Facebook page or Twitter account (@nwfpacific) to let us know what you think about the blog!

When Monsters Attack

Non-native fish and wildlife are creating havoc in our eco-systems from Minnesota to Florida. They are decimating the landscape, kicking out native wildlife from their habitats, and costing taxpayers billions of dollars. The sad thing about this plot is that some of these invasions were preventable through improved processes in wildlife importing.

Snakes in the Glades

University of Florida researchers holding a Burmese python caught alive in the Everglades in 2009. Photo courtesy of U.S. Geological Survey.

They pose a serious risk to the endangered Florida panther by competing for the same food sources. The internet is full of photos of battles between these monstrous snakes and powerful alligators.

Their apparent ability to adapt to our southern climates may allow the snakes to migrate further away from the Everglades.

Flying Fish of the Heartland

The south isn’t the only place under invasion from alien creatures. The American heartland is struggling with aquatic aliens collectively known as asian carp. Asian carp is a catchall name for species of silver, bighead, grass, and black carp from Southeast Asia. They were imported in the 1970s to filter pond water in fish farms in Arkansas. Flooding allowed them to escape. They are slowly migrating north up the Mississippi tributaries and there are fears that they will soon reach the Great Lakes. Once established they are virtually impossible to eradicate. Females lay approximately half a million eggs each time they spawn putting pressure on native fish populations. The huge, hard-headed silver carp also pose a threat to boaters. The fish can leap out of the water when startled by boat engines, often colliding with people and causing injuries.

Rodents of Unusual Size

Further south on the Mississippi river a large rodent, known as nutria, is creating a nuisance in the wetlands. Originally imported for the fur trade from South America, nutria currently populate 15 states. They were introduced to Coastal Louisiana in the 1930s and have caused a devastating effect on the fragile Mississippi River Delta. Eating the stems of wetland plants, nutria overgraze a wetland area eventually turning the wetlands to open water.

The Birds

Resembling the Hitchcock film, this flying creature can be found throughout the U.S. and has the claim of the “most hated bird in North America.” The European Starling was imported as a New York businessman’s not-so-brilliant idea to import exotic birds mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays to Central Park. Over 200 million European Starlings are now residents of American farms and cities. These nuisances run off native birds and cause over $800 million in damage to agriculture each year. That’s only the tip of the problems these birds cause.

How to Stop a Monster

All four of these alien invaders have one thing in common—human introduction to North America. The humans may have been well-intentioned, but they did not consider the long-term consequences of bringing exotic wildlife to our country.

There are still no regulations to analyze the risks of non-native species before allowing them to be imported. As a result, native wildlife—and public health—is threatened by additional invasive species. Recently the House of Representatives introduced a bill, the Invasive Fish & Wildlife Prevention Act of 2012, to improve the initial screening process for importing exotic fish and wildlife. While it won’t end the current invasions, it may prevent future ones.

Non-native species create imbalances in our ecosystems, putting endangered wildlife at risk. It costs taxpayers billions of dollars every year to deal with the invaders. It’s time to be proactive about wildlife importations.

Help protect native wildlife, including Florida Panthers, from invasive species like the python.

The samples were among over 400 samples taken in August of last year, and are the first positive samples for Asian carp eDNA in Michigan or Ohio waters since eDNA surveillance began in 2010.

Four of the samples from Sandusky Bay (Ohio waters) were positive for bighead carp, and two samples from north Maumee Bay (Michigan waters) were positive for silver carp. In response to the findings, officials began electro-shocking and netting last Friday in Sandusky Bay, and no evidence of Asian carps was found.

Environmental DNA analysis is being increasingly used to monitor for the potential presence of invasive Asian carps in the Great Lakes. The technique (which involves analysis of material in water such as scales or mucous) can indicate whether a species has been present in the area in the recent past, though there can be positive results even if a fish is dead.

Bighead, silver, and grass carp (top to bottom). Photo from U.S. FWS.

The study found that along with Lakes Michigan and Huron, Lake Erie was at greatest risk of introduction, given high potential for bighead and silver carp to arrive, spread, survive, and establish breeding populations.

This risk assessment followed on a recent assessment by USGS researchers which indicated that conditions in tributaries and the open water of Lake Erie would be sufficient to allow Asian carps to spawn and mature in the lake.

According to Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the positive results have led to a plan of action among state and federal agencies and the eDNA research team. MDNR has also created a Web site for reporting on Asian carps sightings.

These results further highlight the urgency of both addressing the ongoing threat of migration of Asian carps from the Mississippi River Basin to Lake Michigan (through acceleration of a determination on viable hydrological separation measures in the Chicago Area Waterways System) as well as enhancing early detection and rapid response efforts in the region, in particular in areas considered to be at highest risk of introduction of Asian carps.

The report found that it would take as few as 10 male and 10 female Asian carp to establish a reproducing population in the Great Lakes. Read the report here.

The Canadian study came as scientists in the U.S. continue to find Asian carp DNA in waters connected to Lake Michigan — well beyond an electric barrier that was supposed to halt its advance toward the Great Lakes.

“This report underscores the severity of the threat Asian carp threat and the need for leadership so that we can solve the problem once and for all,” said Andy Buchsbaum, director of National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes Regional Center. ”The Asian carp are moving toward the Great Lakes far faster than the government response, and this report shows that the cost of inaction will be devastating. President Obama and Gov. Romney need to declare that they will take the necessary action to build an effective physical barrier to keep the Asian carp out of the Great Lakes.” Read the Great Lakes Pledge here.

Asian carp were imported to commercial fish farms in Arkansas in the 1960s. They escaped into the Mississippi River system in the 1980s and have been swimming up the river, toward Lake Michigan and Lake Erie.

Asian carp breed like mosquitoes, eat like hogs and leap out of the water when disturbed by the sound of boat motors.

Although Asian carp could live in all of the Great Lakes, the Canadian study concluded that the invaders would have major ecological impacts in lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie and Ontario. Asian carp would transform the ecosystems in those lakes, disrupt native fisheries and create new food webs, according to the study. Other findings were:

– Chicago area waterways and canals are the most likely entry point through which Asian carp would access the Great Lakes. The probability of entry of Asian carp entering Lake Michigan through the Chicago canal system is “very high,” with a “high” degree of certainty.

– Asian carp could survive in the relatively cold waters of all five Great Lakes.

– There is enough food in the lakes to support Asian carp.

– And there is suitable spawning habitat for Asian carp in tributaries that flow into all five Great Lakes.

Watch NWF’s video to see how Asian carp could wreak havoc on the Great Lakes.

Spring flowers, by Wikipedia user Halpaugh.

By Larry J. Schweiger

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.”

–Rachel Carson, The Sense of Wonder

I have long been fascinated by the biological richness of western Pennsylvania and, like Rachel Carson, I find reserves of strength in the beauty and renewal of nature. As a boy, I had the good fortune to know Roger Latham, then the outdoor editor of the Pittsburgh Press. A well-recognized wildlife scientist, he gave wonderful wildflower presentations that included the many graceful images he had captured on film.

Roger’s passion for native wildflowers hooked me. I saved my money from milking cows and baling hay on a nearby farm and bought a 35-mm camera and proper lenses to photograph blossoming plants. Armed with the two-volume Wild Flowers of Western Pennsylvania and the Upper Ohio Basin, I went on a spring mission to find the rare beauties that dotted the varied landscapes. Since Pennsylvania has 2,151 native plant species, I had my work cut out for me.

Years later, while working for the Pennsylvania General Assembly, I discovered a flaw in the U.S. Endangered Species Act: the law prohibits destruction of federally listed plants only in “areas under federal jurisdiction.” Unfortunately, more than 70 percent of federally listed plants occur outside of those areas. In 1974, I wrote a bill that extended protection to Pennsylvania’s threatened and endangered plants against bulldozers and other threats.

For the next eight years, I followed in Roger’s footsteps, crisscrossing the state and giving presentations to hundreds of garden clubs, civic groups and sportsmen’s organizations in order to rally support for the measure, which finally was signed into law by the governor in 1982. Today, the Commonwealth lists 682 plants as endangered, threatened, rare or undetermined.

I share this story because wild native plants in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation increasingly are falling victim to habitat shifts caused by rapidly changing climate and, in many areas, by feral hogs introduced to North America from Europe.

Today, feral swine populations are exploding around the country. Now estimated at more than 5 million, the animals are eating, rooting and wallowing their way through forests, fields and wetlands, aggressively devouring and destroying native plants and damaging important wildlife habitats. Invasive swine also are causing millions of dollars in damage to agricultural crops and are threatening humans, native wildlife and livestock, which can be impacted by novel pathogens that the feral creatures may transmit.

At NWF’s annual meeting in May, delegates from 48 state and territorial wildlife affiliate organizations passed a resolution to draw attention to this growing problem. Because existing laws, regulations and management tactics have proved insufficient to stop the spread of swine populations, we are calling for increased coordination between local, state and federal agencies to minimize the animals’ impact and contain their numbers. Authorities need to give more attention to the possible role of large predators and other control strategies. Farmers, ranchers and hunters also can do their part to help.

It is a fool’s errand, of course, to think that we can somehow eradicate 5 million hogs hiding in the nation’s swamps and forests. But with some thoughtful resource management and collaboration, much of the damage caused by the creatures can be reduced or avoided in the future.

More than anything, we need a proactive approach for dealing with such alien invaders. NWF has long been a proponent of legislation that would help protect the nation from the economic and environmental threats posed by invasive species. Recently introduced into the U.S. Congress, H.R. 5864, the Invasive Fish and Wildlife Prevention Act of 2012, would strengthen regulators’ ability to make rapid, science-based decisions about whether nonnative fish or wildlife species pose a risk to ecosystems, cause economic damage or threaten public health. The legislation also would prevent more damaging invasives from entering the United States, using proactive rather than reactive approaches.

As the world globalizes trade, we must take steps to end accidental and intentional importations of nonnative fish and shellfish in bilgewaters. We should restrict importation of exotic animals as pets, and we must end the introduction of foreign species for commercialized hunting and fishing. Working together, we must call on Congress to pass protective legislation, and we must mobilize action at the local level to contain the exotic invaders that already are thriving in our nation.

Help protect wildlife, including Florida Panthers, from invasive species like the python.

While some may say that Pharaoh brought his troubles on himself, we actually did introduce some of these pests ourselves, albeit with the best of intentions, only to suffer the havoc they now wreak.  Fortunately, in several cases there are also actions we can take to eliminate them before things get out of hand.

The vibration of boats' motors spurs asian carp to jump out of the water. (credit: USFWS)

Ten of Our Very Own Plagues:

1. Asian Carp

   Fast-growing, aggressive fish that are outcompeting native species for food and habitat in much of the Midwest, where they have no natural predators. They are on the verge of invading the Great Lakes, which would have devastating consequences for fish populations, spawning habitats, anglers, boaters and the biggest freshwater ecosystem in the world. Aside from making them into gefilte fish, here’s how you can help.

2. Cane Toads

   Originally introduced to fight crop pests, at which they were unsuccessful, when provoked cane toads secrete a toxin that is dangerous to pets and native wildlife, including their predators. With each female capable of producing 30,000 eggs in one sitting, they breed like warty, poisonous rabbits. It’s like that time Bart lost his frog in Australia.

3. Starlings

   Famously introduced in 1890 as part of the romantic notion to bring all birds mentioned by the Bard to New York City, starlings spread and thrived. Now, despite their beautifully mesmerizing murmurations, starlings are causing $800 million in agricultural damage per year and millions more in damage to the airline industry.

4. Kudzu

   

   The Vine that Ate this House (Credit: Natalie Maynor)

   Now known as the “Vine that Ate the South,” it was originally cultivated to feed livestock and prevent soil erosion. But it grows too well, taking over houses, choking out sunlight, and destroying other forest species. Kudzu, along with several other invasives like Garlic Mustard and Asian carp, is edible. Do your part, click for recipes.

5. Giant reed

   Currently used as a bioenergy crop in Florida and Oregon and being considered for use in North Carolina, despite its listing as a noxious weed in a number of states. It also invades important riparian ecosystems and displaces native species across the southern half of the country. In California, giant reed caused extensive damage to ecosystems and human infrastructure in many coastal and inland watersheds. More than $70 million has been spent over the past 15 years to control this invasive weed. Check out NWF’s new report on avoiding the use of invasives for bioenergy sources.

6. Zebra mussels

   

   Zebra mussels growing on zebra mussels (Credit: USFWS)

   By devastating the food chain, reducing fish populations, chocking water pipes and infrastructure and encrusting fishing equipment, boats and docks, these mussels have revealed the danger of biologically unsafe shipping practices. Learn more about NWF’s work to stop untreated ballast water from pouring non-native aquatic species into the Great Lakes.

7. Stinkbugs

   They’re stinky. They’re taking over. Enough said.

8. Emerald Ash Borer

   Since 2002 this pest has killed tens of millions of ash trees in the country. After devastating the tree-lined streets of Detroit, they are now munching their way across 15 states, eliminating habitat and creating fire hazards that imperil wildlife, humans and property.

9. Burmese python

   

   Burmese Python, (credit: South Florida Water Management District)

   
   Snakes on the Plain! Everglades National Park is infested with nearly 100,000 of these gargantuan snakes, many descended from abandoned pets, and they’re making their way up the coast, as far north as Virginia. These pythons were recently listed as “injurious” by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, which means FWS can prohibit their importation to the US and their use in interstate commerce. Given they are capable of eating goats, crocodiles, pets and livestock, and the threat they pose to birds, I’d say “injurious” is putting it lightly.

10. Climate Change

    Ok, so it’s not a plant but it’s definitely plaguing us with increased extreme weather events, milder winters, drought, hail the size of snowballs, record-breaking floods, tornadoes in unanticipated regions and much more.  Unfortunately, it’s also giving many of these species a leg (or a leaf) up towards making themselves right at home in America. According to Harvard researchers, climate change is providing welcome conditions for invasive plants to dominate the landscape, which will only add to the burden facing farmers, ranchers, gardeners, and all Americans.  You can help by taking action to fight carbon pollution from power plants.

Want to learn more about how to set Americans free from these invasive plagues? Check out NWF’s work to stop invasive species and how you can help.

What invasive species do you see in your area? How are they impacting your local environment? Let us know, down below.