What is an Invasive Species?
An invasive species is an organism that is introduced into an area beyond its natural range and becomes a pest in the new environment. They are also referred to as alien, non-native or introduced pests. An invasive species does not occur naturally in a specific area and therefore may not have any natural enemies. The introduction of invasive species may cause economic (including agricultural) or environmental harm, or harm to human health.
How Do Invasive Species Get Into California?
The two main ways pests enter California is on commercial shipments of plants, food and other materials, and when travelers bring prohibited fruits, plants, seeds, animals and other items back from abroad.
What Kind of Damage Can Invasive Species Do?
Invasive species are considered the second greatest threat to biological diversity after habitat loss. If allowed to enter and become established in the state, these pests and the diseases brought with them increase food and fiber costs, increase pesticide use and cause damage to native species of plants and animals, forests, watersheds, lakes, rivers and water delivery systems. California’s agricultural losses to exotic pests exceed $3 billion annually.
Who Monitors and Works to Control Invasive Species?
State and Federal authorities, including the California Department of Food and Agriculture and United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, work together to monitor and control invasive species. California also recently formed the California Invasive Species Council, comprised of representatives from the California Department of Food and Agriculture; California Natural Resources Agency; the California Environmental Protection Agency; the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency; the California Emergency Management Agency; and the California Health and Human Services Agency.
What are California’s Top Invasive Species Threats?
The invasive species that are currently being monitored as the most damaging in California are the Medfly; the Mexican Fruit Fly; the Oriental Fruit Fly; the False Codling Moth; the Light Brown Apple Moth; the Gypsy Moth; the Asian Citrus Psyllid; and Sudden Oak Death.
I Don’t Work in Agriculture—Why Should I Care about Invasive Species?
The risks from invasive species stretch well beyond agriculture and affect every Californian. When exotic insect pests are excluded from the state, we all benefit in the form of lower food costs, increased recreational value of public and private lands and protection of urban and rural landscapes.
What Can I Do to Stop Invasive Species from Entering California?
If you are traveling outside California’s border, one of the most important things you can do is not bring back any fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, plants or other natural items unless they have been cleared by the appropriate officials. Cooperating with customs officials and others who are watching for invasive species is the best way to help keep the unwanted pests from entering California in the first place.
Report a pest: www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/reportapest/
Environmental and Economic Costs
Associated with Non-Indigenous Species
in the United States
Throughout the U.S. more than 50,000 non-native species cause major environmental damages and losses of more than $138 billion per year.
A June 1999 article from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University assesses the magnitude of the environmental impacts and economic costs of these species. It provides analysis on a wide spectrum of species including plants, mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, fish, arthropods and annelids, mollusks, weeds, vertebrate pests, insect and mite pests, plant pathogens, livestock and human diseases.
The article identifies ecological factors that may cause each of these non-native species to become abundant and persistent. It then documents the economic impact of this proliferation.
The environmental and economic assessment was written with the hope of advancing the argument that investments made now to prevent future introductions will be returned many times over in the preservation of natural ecosystems, diminished losses to agriculture and forestry, and lessened threats to public health. Read more…
