Defenders' Experts
Invasive Species
Invasive species are
plants, animals, and microbes that are out of place and out of control. Nearly half of the species currently listed
under the Endangered Species Act are threatened by invasive species. After
habitat loss and global warming, invasives are considered the third most serious
threat to biological diversity.
Broken Screens: The Regulation of Live Animal
Imports in the United States
Released in August 2007, this report
examines the low level of
protection in the U.S. from the risks that the importation of non-native animal species pose to our environment and to public
health.View the full report and supporting information.
Invasive species come with a high economic cost as well: in the U.S. alone, invasive species cause $120 billion per year in damages and control costs.
About Invasives
Why do some species become problems? How do they get here? What kinds of damage do they do?
Information by State
The most problematic invasive species vary by state and region, as do the tools available to help address the problem. In this section, you will find fact sheets about the invasive species problem in each state, and links to each state’s laws, regulations, and authorities.
What You Can Do
Make sure that you are not accidentally contributing to the invasive species problem. The best way to fight invasive species is to keep them out to begin with.
Resources
Use our extensive list of invasive species resources to learn more.
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