Invasive Species Team

The Everglades is especially vulnerable to the introduction, invasion, and establishment of invasive species because of its subtropical climate, the existence of major ports of entry, and the large-scale pet, aquarium, and ornamental plant industries active in the region. Combatting invasive species is integral to successful ecosystem restoration and to the sustainability of south Florida.

WRDA 2020, Sec. 504 directs the Task Force to develop a priority list of invasive species that significantly impact the structure and function of ecological communities, native species, or habitats within the South Florida Ecosystem. The University of Florida and the US Geological Survey collaborated to accomplish this by developing the OERI Invasive Species Prioritization Tool (ISPT). In order to use this tool, Everglades scientists and natural resource managers must be recommended and approved. If you, or others you know, meet this qualification and would like to contribute, please click on the "Taxon Expert Recommendation Form" link below. If you already have credentials and would like to access the ISPT, please click the "ISPT" link below.

The Task Force has developed an Invasive Species Strategic Action Framework (Framework) that is organized along the four phases of the Invasion Curve.

More information can be found in the Framework and its companion documents and the Invasive Species section of the Task Force’s Biennial Report.

Invasive species reports & products

NEW!!!

Priority Invasive Species

The Water Resources Development Act of 2020 directed the Task Force to develop:

A list of priority invasive species and
Recommendations to protect the South Florida Ecosystem.

A team of experts has been created representing federal, state, Tribal, and local governments, academia, and regional Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs). A work product for the first phase of the Invasion Curve, Prevention, includes a Priority Prevention Species list and a suite of recommendations.

Case Studies

The Framework includes Case Studies that highlight programs within each phase of the Invasion Curve: Prevention, Eradication through Early Detection & Rapid Response (EDRR), Containment, and Long-term Management & Resource Protection. The case studies below are from the 2020 Framework update.