Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area

WORKING TO PROTECT THE EVERGLADES FROM INVASIVE SPECIES

Have you spotted an invasive animal or plant in Florida? Please report all sightings to IveGot1!

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2022 Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area Annual Summit

- July 19th - 20th, 2022

South Florida is a hotspot for biological invasions.

Plants and animals from all over the world arrive in South Florida’s ports every day. Some of these nonnative species escape from their cages, aquariums, or garden beds into the wild. Some are intentionally released. Some take well to the subtropical climate and rapidly increase and expand their populations. We call these species invasive when they hurt the environment, the economy, and/or human health. Hundreds of invasive species now call South Florida home, harming our agricultural and tourism industries, our native plants and animals, and our quality of life. Invasive species complicate and slow down restoration of America’s Everglades ecosystem. Governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and universities are working together to address this growing problem within the Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area.

What's New?

Early Detection, Rapid Response Plant Species for Everglades CISMA

You can now support Friends of Everglades CISMA Inc in the Amazon shopping app! Follow these instructions to turn on AmazonSmile and start generating donations:
1. Open the Amazon Shopping app on your device
2. Go into the main menu of the Amazon Shopping app and tap into ‘Settings’
3. Tap ‘AmazonSmile’ and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process

Did you know?

  • Florida has more nonnative reptile and amphibian species than anywhere else in the world.
  • Invasive plants and animals cost Floridians more than $500 million each year.
  • There are more species of nonnative lizards breeding in Florida than native lizards.
  • More than 80% of the nonnative reptile and amphibians in Florida arrived here through the pet trade.
  • Worldwide, invasive species are one of the top causes of species endangerment and extinction.

Definitions

Native species are animals and plants that live in an area naturally, without any human intervention.

Nonnative (exotic, alien) species are animals and plants living outside their native ranges as a result of human activity.

Invasive species are nonnative plants or animals that cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health.