By: Glenda E. Carter
Florida is home to some of the diverse ecosystems in the United States: lush wetlands, vibrant coral reefs, subtropical forests, and freshwater springs. However, this biodiversity is increasingly under threat, not just from hurricanes or pollution, but from invasive species. These non-native organisms are gradually altering Florida’s environment in ways that are complex and often difficult to reverse.
In Ecology of Florida: A Field Guide to the State’s Natural Wonders, Ecological Complexity and the Human Impact, biologist and author J. Nicholas Ehringer devotes an entire chapter to this growing issue. He explains how invasive species—from reptiles and fish to plants and microscopic organisms—have quietly but persistently disrupted Florida’s ecological balance. The impact is not only biological but also cultural, economic, and felt deeply by the communities that call Florida home.
The Problem with Invaders
Florida’s subtropical climate and extensive trade routes make it especially susceptible to non-native species. These organisms are often introduced through the pet trade, aquarium dumping, imported goods, or landscaping practices, and thrive in the state’s warm climate with few natural predators to help regulate their populations.
Burmese Python: Perhaps one of the more well-known invaders, this massive constrictor snake from Southeast Asia was introduced through the exotic pet trade. Now established in the Everglades, it has contributed to significant declines in populations of raccoons, opossums, birds, and even alligators, leading to a decrease in mammal sightings in some regions by over 80%.
Lionfish: Native to the Indo-Pacific, lionfish have become established in Florida’s coral reefs. With no natural enemies and an insatiable appetite, they consume juvenile fish that are critical to reef health. Their spread poses a potential threat to delicate reef ecosystems and Florida’s fishing economy.
Invasive Plants: Species like melaleuca trees, Brazilian pepper, hydrilla, and water hyacinth crowd out native vegetation, alter water tables, disrupt fire cycles, and clog aquatic systems, endangering both fish and bird life.
A Complex Ecological Puzzle
Ehringer emphasizes that invasive species don’t simply arrive on their own. They are the byproduct of human decisions—urban development, global trade, tourism, and insufficient import regulations.
Ecology cannot be separated from human activity. Once introduced, invasive species reproduce, migrate, and interact with native species in ways that can make eradication very challenging.
What Can Be Done?
While the challenge remains significant, Ehringer highlights some ongoing efforts and potential solutions:
- Python hunting initiatives to help manage snake populations.
- Lionfish derbies to help reduce numbers on coral reefs.
- Wetland restoration projects aimed at restoring balance to aquatic systems.
However, isolated campaigns alone are unlikely to be sufficient. Success will require ongoing public education, ecological literacy, and collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and citizens. Every Floridian can contribute by planting native species, reporting unusual wildlife sightings, or simply learning more about what belongs and what doesn’t in the state’s ecosystems.
The Bigger Picture
The invasion of exotic species in Florida is not just an environmental issue. It is a story of resilience, oversight, and the consequences of failing to address ecological warning signs. By spotlighting this crisis, Ehringer helps readers understand how nature responds to disruption and how humans must take responsibility for the balance they affect.
Want to know what’s happening beneath Florida’s waters, across its forests, and within its wetlands?
Learn the science, the stories, and the solutions in Ecology of Florida by J. Nicholas Ehringer.
