Cane toads were brought over as a way to control crop pests. Oh Exotic One – Where Did You Come From? This invasive species spread rapidly and strangled native plants by blocking their access to light. They not only damage crops and other property; they gnaw prodigiously through wetland plants, causing significant soil erosion and turning swamps into open waters; their extensive burrow systems can destabilize roads, bridges, levees and golf courses; and they can transmit diseases like tuberculosis. Thistles Many different kinds of thistles can be found in NC, including musk thistles which I see most often. Invasive Species: Kudzu, English ivy, feral cats, feral horses, lionfish, Asian carp, Japanese beetle, and cane toads are some examples of invasive species. If you need a custom essay or research paper on this topic, please use our writing services.EssayEmpire.com offers reliable custom essay writing services that can help you to receive high grades and impress your professors with the quality of each essay or research paper you hand in. Bullying is not just a problem in school yards; it’s also a problem in nature! (Yes, really.) Bighead carp (Hypophthalmichtys nobilis) are also highly adaptable. How did they get there? Reason in U.S.: Introduced into the U.S. in the 1970s to help keep fish farms clean, Destructive superpowers: Out-compete native fish for food and habitat, Newsworthy moment: Wildlife authorities cautioning against massive carp leaping into people’s boats. http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=70&fr=1&sts=sss&lang=EN. Invasive Aquatic Species (IAS) Home; Our Work; Environment; Invasive Aquatic Species (IAS) Some examples of aquatic bio-invasions causing major impact are listed in the table, but there are hundreds of other serious invasions which have been recorded around the world: Name. Since then, California has relaunched efforts to eliminate these rodents, which can be prolific breeders. Aquatic invasive species have done serious damage. READ MORE: How Burmese Pythons Took Over the Florida Everglades, Other names: Wild or feral boars, hogs or pigs; Eurasian or Russian wild boars, Originate from: Parts of Europe, Asia and North Africa, Reason in U.S.: European settlers brought them for food beginning in the 1500s; others brought them for sport hunting in the 1900s, Destructive superpowers: Devour crops and native vegetation, Newsworthy moment: Twitter's 2019 viral meme of '30 to 50 feral hogs'. When these reptiles become larger than the owners had expected they release them into the wild and let them roam freely. Perhaps the best-known example of biodiversity impacts from an aquatic invasive species is the introduction of Nile perch (Perca niloticus) to Lake Victoria (Africa) in 1954. When an animal, fish, insect or plant is taken out of its original ecosystem and introduced to … Globalization has fueled the problem of invasive species. The exact threshold for when a species is considered invasive is still under some debate, but clear differences can be drawn between the terms ‘introduced’ and ‘invasive’. READ MORE: 9 Powerful Snakes from History and Mythology, Other names: feral cats, outdoor domestic cats, Originate from: North Africa and Southwest Asia, Reason in U.S.: European settlers brought them as pets, Destructive superpowers: Kill native birds and mammals, Newsworthy moment: Author Jonathan Franzen saying 'cats must die'. Invasive Species - Research Paper Example. Cholera Vibrio cholerae (various strains) Various strains with broad ranges. One problematic example of invasive species harming ecosystems in Florida is the introduction of pythons and boa constrictors. To make matters worse, Northern Pacific seastars reproduce very quickly. More examples Invasive species are a major threat to the livelihoods of the people who live in the areas they colonize. Some non-native species are particularly good at growing in areas that have been disrupted by the worst invasive species on the planet — humans. Described by some as a cross between a beaver and a sewer rat, with large orange buck teeth, nutria can grow as large as 20 pounds. From now until Nov 30th, use code BF52020 at checkout for FREE SHIPPING on all Wildlife Adoption Kits! Alternately, species that are resistant to invasive insects and diseases may be planted instead of nonresistant species. Photo Credit: Georges Seguin Why are they a problem? • IAS have major impacts on human health, livelihoods and food security, and undermine progress towards achieving many of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This is just one of many forms of best practice which can deter invasive species from escaping, reducing both financial losses and environmental impacts. Examples of invasive species in a sentence, how to use it. Without anything to keep their population in check, some invasive species—especially the prolific breeders—often flourish. Invasive species can be described as any living organism, that overtakes a foreign area. Around the world, invasive species take on different shapes and sizes and invade all types of habitats. Free learning resources for students covering all major areas of biology. 20 examples: This a change can be the result of invasive species such as cogon grasses… Free learning resources for students covering all major areas of biology. Invasive and Exotic Pathogens . The following species have been listed on an invasive species list in North America. Here are seven invasive species that still pose a threat to the U.S. today. Kudzu has been sold as a plant for gardens and for eating. As adults, Asian longhorn beetles emerge from the tree, breaking through the bark leaving large holes. http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Forests/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_166979.html, Introduced To: Asia, Central America, South America. Experts estimate that kudzu grows at a rate of 150,000 acres each year and has spread as far as British Columbia in Canada. An Important Message for Earth Rangers Clubs. Wells provides a frightening description of a world overcome by an invasive species of Martian plantlife called simply "the red weed":. Examples of Organisms Endangered Due to Invasive Species. They also compete for food and shelter with native animals, causing a decline in the number of native species in the area. When Europeans colonized North America, they brought cats with them as pets. That means there aren’t any species to stop them from taking over an area. . Why are they a problem? Solutions to invasive species . Invasive species also spread successfully through the use of roots or rhizomes (for example, more than 2 meters/year for taxa spreading), and such strategies enable them to spread over a considerable area. (Smithsonian Environmental Research Center) by Tina Tennessen. Conclusion Exotic and invasive species are two types of non-native species, which are introduced to ecosystems by … With top ten countdowns, animal guessing games and epic animal showdowns, this is a journey you won’t want to miss! Mongooses also carry rabies and other human diseases. A unique approach using music as a medium to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in lakes and rivers is being used in Wisconsin (USA). How did they get there? More examples They also attach to the outsides of boats or get carried around by floating vegetation. Invasive species. Though the HISC is still in the process of creating administrative rules to officially designate species as invasive, the species below are well-described by the federal definition of invasive species: alien species whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or […] Invasive species can cause infrastructure damage and they are notorious for damaging the agricultural industry. This introduction was intended to augment fisheries in the lake, and thus to provide an extra source of protein, jobs, and income for locals. Many animals that attempt to eat a cane toad die instead. European starlings form huge flocks, many times with more than 3,000 birds. Exotic invasives are everywhere and North Carolina is no exception. Regardless of what continent you live on, the waters that surround it are home to marine invaders. Invasive species can be confused with the exotic species as they are both non-indigenous species. Feral swine. However, they escaped into the Mississippi River basin, scarfing up the base of the aquatic food chain, with some species eating as much as 20 to 100 percent of their body weight daily. Every ecosystem imaginable has at least one example of an invasive species. Explain, using examples, the difference between an introduced, invasive and pest species (3 marks). Zebra mussels also leave very little for native mussels to filter, causing them to starve as well. 1 Japanese knotweed. Invasive species that are closely related to rare native species have the potential to hybridize with the native species. This results to various negative outcomes to the species in the ecosystem. These displaced native When European colonizers sailed to the Americas, they disrupted existing animal populations while also introducing new ones. As larvae, they eat the soft sappy bark, which makes it hard for nutrients to reach other parts of the tree. How Burmese Pythons Took Over the Florida Everglades, Bugs of War: How Insects Have Been Weaponized Throughout History, 9 Powerful Snakes from History and Mythology, WATCH: Full episodes of Swamp People: Serpent Invasion online. Marijuana is believed to be native to Central … The large numbers of invasive species prevent us from maintaining detailed information on ALL invasive species. Invasive: a species of plant or animal that outcompetes other species causing damage to an ecosystem – this can be a native or non-native (exotic) species. of marine invasive species, defined as non-native species that cause or are likely to cause harm to ecosystems, economies, and/or public health (ISAC 2006). A few examples: Kudzu Commonly found on the sides of highways. In this top ten, we take a look at ten invasive species from the Global Species Database’s 100 most invasive species. http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=18&fr=1&sts=sss&lang=EN, Native To: Eastern Asia and some Pacific Islands. I DIDN’T KNOW THAT STAR FISHES WHERE OF THAT COLOR, The cane toad makes animals sick if they eat it, © 2020 | Earth Rangers is a registered charity: 8922 00528 RR0001 | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Contact Us. Other examples of cultural control activities include maintaining a level of canopy closure that impedes shade-intolerant invasive species or developing advanced regeneration that can compete with invasive plants before removing the overstory. Invasive Species Council ( nisc) and the Invasive Species Ad - visory Committee ( isac) adopted a set of principles outlined in Appendix 6 of the Management Plan. By 2000, Florida was receiving reports of established populations of Burmese pythons in the state. Invasive species, any nonnative species that significantly modifies or disrupts the ecosystems it colonizes. Another example of an invasive species is the corn rootworm, the major pest to corn in the United States. In one year, one female can have between 18-30 babies! In 1890 and 1891, Schieffelin unleashed approximately 100 imported Europeans starlings into New York City’s Central Park. Invasive species are non-native plants, often introduced by humans, that are capable of spreading and have negative effects on human health, the economy, and the ecosystems which they invade. For more information on each species, including the listing sources, images, and publication links, click on the species. These plants are thick and dense, clogging up rivers and making in nearly impossible for animal life to move through them. They can destroy native plants, gobble up native animal populations and introduce disease, upending the delicate balance of organisms that provide food or support for each other, or provide a check on each other’s growth. When a flock this size feeds on fruit and grains, it can cause serious damage to a farm. Examples of invasive species in a sentence, how to use it. With invasive species the next tier is early detection and rapid response whereby a monitoring or surveillance programme is in place to detect the arriving species, sometimes through citizen science, and a resourced eradication plan is ready to go. Examples of exotic plants that are firmly rooted in American agriculture include oats, rice, and wheat. Many trees don’t survive once they are infested with Asian longhorn beetles. They take food and habitat away from native fish and have been known to prey on the eggs of other fish species. Sometimes humans move animals and plants around the world deliberately, for example to change an environment, as a form of pest control, to hunt, as horticultural specimens or to keep as pets. Newsworthy moment: In 1960, a swarm of 10,000 starlings flew into a passenger plane taking off from Boston’s Logan Airport, disabling the engines and causing a crash that killed 62 people. People buy these snakes as exotic pets but often they don’t realize that they can reach lengths between 10 and 20 feet. Large boats have tanks in their hulls that are filled with seawater to counterbalance cargo weight. Stash the Trash like these Super Rangers! In this top ten, we take a look at ten invasive species from the Global Species Database’s 100 most invasive species. Biodiversity: The millions of species that share space on Earth are a large-scale example of biodiversity. They are not native to the ecosystem and can potentially cause harm. There are 30 species of invasive non-native (alien) animal that are listed as of concern to the EU because of their:. © 2020 A&E Television Networks, LLC. There is a long list of insects, animals and plants that have spread across the world, endangering biodiversity. Small Indian mongooses were brought over for pest control for rats and snakes. Kudzu is an aggressive vine, capable of growing up to 26 cm (a little less than 1 ft.) a day. Aquatic invasive species have done serious damage. They are particularly fond of oak trees. WATCH: Full episodes of Swamp People: Serpent Invasion online and tune in Thursdays at 10/9c for all-new episodes. Today, there are more than 200 million European starlings in North America; considered noxious and destructive, they compete with native species and destroy crops such as grains and pitted fruits. They are usually hardier, more demanding and reproduce much faster. How did they get there? When an animal, fish, insect or plant is taken out of its original ecosystem and introduced to a new one—whether by accident or on purpose—it's less likely to have any natural predators. Invasive species are species that have been introduced into a new area they have never been to before. In 1979, staff members at Everglades National Park discovered Florida’s first recorded python, which was likely a Burmese python. In one area where they were introduced, their population reached an estimated 12 million seastars in just two years. The Non-native Species Secretariat (NNSS) has the responsibility for helping to coordinate the approach to invasive non-native species in Great Britain. They block sunlight and oxygen from getting to other plants below the water, causing the ecosystem to change dramatically. They are known as one of the world’s worst weed, found in more than 50 countries. A few examples: Kudzu Commonly found on the sides of highways. How did they get there? From there, the voracious gypsy moths, which appear initially as spiky caterpillars, have spread throughout the northeastern U.S., threatening more than 300 species of trees and shrubs, reducing animal habitats and presenting an increased fire hazard. http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=81&fr=1&sts=sss&lang=EN, How did they get there? Why are they a problem? Small Indian mongooses are aggressive predators. http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=50&fr=1&sts=sss&lang=EN, Native To: Northern South America, Central America and Mexico, Introduced To: Many countries with warm climates, like Australia. Check out this Mission – it’s For the Birds! \"Invasive species\"they may not sound very threatening, but these invaders, large and small, have devastating effects on wildlife. When carp eat, they stir up sediments and organisms from the lake and river beds changing a clear lake into murky one and changing the type of species that can survive there. Eugene Schieffelin was such a fan of William Shakespeare that he decided to introduce a bird mentioned in his play Henry IV into the U.S. However they move, invasive species can alter ecosystems, food webs, and economies. Water hyacinth was brought over as a decorative plant, for animal food, as part of the aquarium trade, by getting stuck on boats and through the spreading of seeds. But many owners released the huge creatures, which reproduce rapidly; females are known to produce 50-100 eggs per year. Why are they a problem? French artist and astronomer Étienne Léopold Trouvelot first brought gypsy moths to the U.S. in the late 1860s to see if they could produce textiles better than silkworms. Rabbits reproduce very quickly. The cane toad was cute untill i red its bio lol, me and mendy are dooing a project on invasive species, I never knew some of these species are even real. With nothing around to keep their numbers in check, populations of cane toads in non-native habitats have exploded and they are taking their toll on native animal and plant species. Write CSS OR LESS and hit save. Non-native species can often exist harmoniously in an ecosystem. People buy these snakes as exotic pets but often they don’t realize that they can reach lengths between 10 and 20 feet. Unfortunately, that isn’t an option for many species. Author and bird lover Jonathan Franzen, for one, has drawn criticism for his statements on this issue. Massive populations of zebra mussels filtering water can severely impact native plankton, which reduces food for fish. Invasive species tend to displace the native species and even alter the entire ecosystem. Cane toads have an amazing defense mechanism; they produce toxic ooze. Probably the best example is the cane toad, introduced into Queensland, Australia, in the 1930s. Asian carp refers to several carp species native to Asia including grass carp, silver carp, bighead carp, black carp, common carp and others. Join Earth Ranger Emma as she travels the world on a quest to solve some of nature’s greatest mysteries! Twice a week we compile our most fascinating features and deliver them straight to you. They also carry disease like pseudorabies and swine brucellosis. 10 Invasive Species 169 40% of all harmful weeds, 30% of arthrop od pests, and 70% of plan t pathog ens, and cause subst antial losses in total crop production each year [ 85 ]. Native to. There are, unfortunately, hundreds of other invasive species examples in the United States and ar… Invasive Species Council ( nisc) and the Invasive Species Ad - visory Committee ( isac) adopted a set of principles outlined ... For example, an invasive weed that is undesirable as a food source may outcompete and displace native grasses and broadleaf plants. They are both species that have introduced to a new area they aren’t native to. Why are they a problem? They will even take over other birds’ nests, leaving native birds without a place to lay their eggs or raise their young. Invading marine species were first introduced to the northwest Atlantic region by early explorers, either purposely for food sources or accidentally through fouling on the hulls of wooden ships and other means. What Makes an Exotic Species Invasive? These snakes, which can grow up to 20 feet long or more, were brought to Florida as part of the exotic pet trade. http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=111&fr=1&sts=sss&lang=EN Some are more ambitious: One killed and swallowed three deer—a doe and two fawns—over a three-month period. INVASIVE SPECIES EXAMPLES. Most marine invasive species stow away in ship ballast. Reason in U.S.: French artist and astronomer accidentally let them loose, Destructive superpowers: Strip trees of leaves and make them vulnerable to disease, Newsworthy moment: Defoliated more than 2 million acres in three years alone. Discuss two principles of effective biological control agents (2 mark). Asian Carp Photo Credit: Frank Vincentz. In The War of the Worlds, H.G. They have caused soil erosion from burrowing and overgrazing, leading many species who depend on that environment to suffer. They came to Louisiana in the early part of the 20th century as part of the fur trade, but as the market declined, traders released them into the wild, where they have wreaked havoc and spread to each coast. In the U.S., there are four invasive species collectively known as "Asian carp”: bighead carp, black carp, grass carp and silver carp. Global Species Database’s 100 most invasive species, http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=60&fr=1&sts=sss&lang=EN, http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/ECOCOMM.NSF/B724CA698F6054798825705700693650/19CF2902BD848550882574160056CDD1?OpenDocument, http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=111&fr=1&sts=sss&lang=EN, http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Forests/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_166979.html. They swarm agricultural feeding troughs, contaminating food and water, and are linked with diseases like histoplasmosis, a lung ailment afflicting agricultural workers. Japanese Honeysuckle I see this a lot in suburban areas. Learn more about invasive species, how they are problematic, and solutions for … Back in 2013, he told New York magazine: “The bird community’s position is, we need to get rid of the feral cats, and that means cats must die.”, Other names: Common starling, English starling, Originate from: Parts of Europe, Asia and Africa, Reason in U.S.: A Shakespeare fan went too far. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Some of the more publicized invasions in the United States include the zebra mussel into freshwater lakes, the sea lamprey into the Great Lakes, lionfish into the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico and the plant Kudzu into the south. Other names: Coypu, swamp rats, river rats, Destructive superpowers: Damage crops and natural resources. How did they get there? This definition also concerns species that have spread previously but not currently because of competition. Invasive species can be described as any living organism, that overtakes a foreign area. European starlings were brought over as a way to control pests, as pets and by a group of people trying to introduce all the birds mentioned in the works of Shakespeare into North America. http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=60&fr=1&sts=sss&lang=EN Invasive species examples All kinds of plants and animals, including trees, fish, rodents, insects, and fungi, can become invasive. Zebra mussels are one of the most aggressive freshwater invaders because their population numbers grow so quickly. Cats are a beloved pet in the U.S., which is why it comes as such a shock to many Americans that they are seen as a destructive invasive species here as well as in the U.S. and many other parts of the world. Some examples include plants, fungi, insects, or amphibians. Northern Pacific seastars are aggressive eaters. Invasive species are plants and animals that are brought to a new habitat and bully the native species to the point where many can’t survive. For example, Everglades National Park educates visitors and the public about multiple invasive species afflicting South Florida, including Burmese pythons, lionfish, and invasive exotic plants. READ MORE: Bugs of War: How Insects Have Been Weaponized Throughout History, Destructive superpowers: Annihilating native small mammal populations, Newsworthy moments: Killed a two-year-old child; swallowed three deer. Earth Rangers is the kids’ conservation organization, dedicated to educating children and their families about biodiversity, inspiring them to adopt sustainable behaviours, and empowering them to become directly involved in protecting animals and their habitats. http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=82&fr=1&sts=sss&lang=EN, Native To: The Amazon basin and waterways of Western Brazil, South America, Introduced To: Africa, Asia, North America, Australia and New Zealand, How did they get there? Japanese Honeysuckle I see this a lot in suburban areas. Asian longhorn beetles were brought over in shipments of wooden packaging materials and trees. http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/ECOCOMM.NSF/B724CA698F6054798825705700693650/19CF2902BD848550882574160056CDD1?OpenDocument, Native To: Black, Caspian, Aral and Azov seas, Introduced To: Russia, Europe and North America. These plankton-eating fish then have to find a new source of food or move to a new lake in order to survive. As they grow, the larvae burrow into the middle of the tree leaving large tunnels as they move, making the tree physically weaker. Asian carp refers to several carp species native to Asia including grass carp, silver carp, bighead carp, black carp, common carp and others. How did they get there? In the 1970s, the U.S. imported them to help keep aquatic farms clean, control weeds in canal systems and help with sewage treatment. Since then, these animals have flourished while harming native species. Why are they a problem? They can also be attached to boats and fishing equipment or be transported along with live fish. They’re also an expensive pest to deal with: Between 1980 and 1994 alone, the U.S. spent an average of $30 million annually on gypsy moth eradication, suppression and research. estimates, conservatively, that invasive swine cause upward of $1.5 billion in damage annually to all manner of agriculture, including rice, corn and grains. An example of an invasive species that has caused harm to humans in recent years is the West Nile virus. Invasive species in the largest biology dictionary online. Extinctions have proliferated. FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. here are also examples of species being introduced by governments to create a natural predator for a species that is regarded as a pest—either an indigenous species or another introduced species—and these experiments can go disastrously wrong. Why are they a problem? 5 Invasive Species You Should Know A ship flushes and refills its ballast task in mid-ocean to prevent marine organisms from moving from one port to another. Invasive species in the largest biology dictionary online. This prevents native plants from growing and changes the ecosystem structure. Non-native: a species that originated somewhere other than its current location and has been introduced to the area where it now lives (also called exotic species). How did they get there? These birds are also aggressive, fighting with native species over food and territory. Invasive species are a significant threat to many native habitats and species of the United States and a significant cost to agriculture, forestry, and recreation. They have been blamed for the decline of the critically endangered spotted handfish. http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=113&fr=1&sts=sss&lang=EN, Native To: Europe, Asia and Northern Africa, Introduced To: North America, Southern Africa, Australia and New Zealand. We asked them to introduce us to five marine invaders. While the exotic species tend to lend in causing no harm to the native species. For example, invasive plants can alter the fire regime (cheatgrass, Bromus tectorum), nutrient cycling (smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora), and hydrology in native ecosystems. http://www.issg.org/database/species/ecology.asp?si=74&fr=1&sts=sss&lang=EN. Invasive species are one of the leading threats to biodiversity and impose enormous costs to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and other human enterprises, as well as to human health. Note: Our species profiles provide general information about species considered to be invasive. For more information on how invasive species reach the U.S., the risks they pose, and ways to prevent their damage, click here. However, when some species are … All Rights Reserved. They have been a particularly virulent problem throughout the south, especially in Texas, where their incessant rooting and voracious eating destroy crops, erode soil and uproot tree seedlings, causing deforestation. The former applies to any organism that has been introduced into a non-native habitat, but may or may not be able to establish itself. ... Invasive species can be disturbed by human activities such as forest-clearing, road-building, home -building, mining, erosion control, fire prevention, and more. The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center’s Marine Invasions Lab travels the globe to better understand the movement and impacts of invasive species. This Invasive Species Essay example is published for educational and informational purposes only. This is not a list of all invasive species, nor does our information have regulatory implications. They have been outbreeding native species and pushing them out of their own ecosystem, while expanding into new waterways. Earth Rangers: Where kids go to save animals! For more information on each species, including the listing sources, images, and publication links, click on the species. Invasive species Definition and Examples - Biology Online Dictionary Natural disturbances such as fires and floods can also enable invasive species to gain traction. The history of invasive species is usually one of unforeseen consequences. March Break Madness: Are You Up for the Challenge? Unfortunately, they blew out of the building he was living in near Boston—oops!—and spread into the Massachusetts countryside. The history of invasive species is usually one of unforeseen consequences. Why are they a problem? Rodents of unusual size. Kudzu, a quick-growing vine, was brought to the U.S. from Japan in 1876. Within 50 years, they had spread across the continent. Newsworthy moment: A Louisiana hunter, likely incentivized by the state's $6-per-tail bounty on the swamp rats, handed in nearly 11,000 tails to the 2019 nutria culling program. Invasive species examples All kinds of plants and animals, including trees, fish, rodents, insects, and fungi, can become invasive. Historians believe ancient Egyptians were the first to domesticate cats, and that these pets spread to Europe during the Roman Empire. Please note our profiles are not inclusive of all invasive species, nor does our information have regulatory implications.. How do invasive species spread? • Invasive alien species (IAS) are species introduced into places outside their natural range that have negative impacts on native biodiversity. Their population numbers grow so large and they eat so much that they have pushed native plant species to the brink in certain areas. The following species are examples of non-native invasive species which have either become established in Great Britain and are causing problems, or are present in the UK and likely to cause a significant negative impact if they become more widespread. The evolutionary impact of invasive species. Our Species Profiles section provides general information about species considered to be invasive.