By: Yunchao Zhang and Noah Lee

EXOTIC SPECIE

S

Photos by Greenberg art and NPS

What are exotic species? Non-native, Non-endemic “Unnatural”, “Artificial” Usually not domesticated Brought in from outside its natural distribution NOT ALL are problematic Most are invasive

Photo by Wikimedia

The Negative Impact Huge Threat to biodiversity-second only

to habitat destruction Ability to change a habitat Endangers native species Alters gene pool Costs $1.4 trillion every year globally Very difficult to get rid of

Photo by Pnej

Causes Increased international trade Increased tourism When European settlers brought

hundreds of plants to North America Accidental and intentional release Increased sea travel-Ballast

Photo by Birdphotos

Specific Examples

Asia Chestnut Blight Fungus Zebra Mussel Australian Paperbark Tree Brown Tree Snake Nile Perch Sea Lamprey Goats of St. Helena

Asia Chestnut Blight Fungus

Photo by Delaware Nature Society

Zebra Mussel

Photo by Lakeside Views

Photo by Uniserve.edu

Australian Paperbark

Tree

Photo by Onionhound on Wikimedia

Brown Tree

Snake

Nile Perch

Photo by Jirehtoursandtravels

SEA LAMPREY

Photo by Armin Kubelbeck

Goats of St. Helena

What can you do? Financial support Do not buy non native plants Do not release animals into the wild Do not “Pack a pest” Volunteer Be Educated

What Others are Doing Global Invasive Species Program Federal Invasive Species Council Parks, NPS, UN, EPA, NFWF Ballast Water Regulation More Conducted Studies Preventing Potential Invaders

Contacts Local parks The NPS, EPA, and

NFWF Voice your opinion

to EVERYONE

Photos by James Montgomery Flagg