Invasive species can take over ecosystems, diminish the productive capacity of agricultural lands, and degrade recreation areas. Plus, it’s expensive to stop them from spreading. Over the past several years, the rate of introduction of invasive plants has risen significantly. To date, more than 800 aquatic and terrestrial species have invaded Texas, and experts predict the trend will continue to increase.
If you love Texas’ beautiful countryside, spend time in the outdoors, or are in a business that depends on healthy natural resources, invasive species impact you. These invaders take over large areas of land and water. They threaten the survival of native plants and animals, decreasing the biodiversity that makes Texas so unique. For example, elephant ears, or Colocasia antiquorum, is cultivated and sold as an ornamental landscape plant. However, when this species escapes to the wild, it grows thickly along lakes and rivers where it completely eliminates native plant species.
People, often accidentally, transport invasive species into new areas on boats, vehicles, argo ships, airplanes—even their own bodies. It is very expensive to prevent, monitor, and control the spread of invasives. They damage crops, fisheries, forests, and other vital resources. Invasives cost the US $137 billion annually, with some of the most harmful species costing over $100 million annually. Existing impacts in Texas are more than one billion dollars per year.
