Invasive species are organisms that are not native and cause harm. California has many different kinds of plants and animals, and non-native species can easily establish themselves.

Invasive species can be found almost everywhere. They can push out native plants and animals, and change the environment.

What is an invasive species?

California is vulnerable to invasive species.

Invasive plants can change the land and water.

Invasive animals and pathogens harm native wildlife.

Forest pests can quickly change a landscape.

Controlling invasive species requires science, policy, and public help.

Invasive species are plants, animals, or pathogens that live outside their native range and cause harm.

Invasive species can cause habitat loss, disease, and disruption of the environment.

California has many ways for invasive species to enter, such as ports and trade.

When a species arrives with no natural checks, it can survive and spread.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife works to reduce the effects of invasive species.

Invasive species affect water, agriculture, conservation, and recreation.

Some of the most disruptive invasive species in California are plants.

Giant reed is a plant that can crowd out native vegetation and alter the environment.

Aquatic plants can also be invasive and transform water systems.

Invasive plants like Hydrilla verticillata and Egeria densa can form dense masses and harm the environment.

Yellow starthistle is another invasive plant that can harm native grasses and agriculture.

Invasive plants can dominate soil and water, and harm native plants and wildlife.

Many invasive animals do damage because they eat almost anything and breed quickly.

The American bullfrog is an example of an invasive animal that preys on native species.

Bullfrogs have also been linked to the spread of a wildlife disease.

Other invasive animals like crabs, snails, and ants cause trouble.

The European green crab is an efficient predator that can harm shellfish and native animals.

The Chinese mitten crab burrows into banks and can increase erosion.

The New Zealand mud snail can monopolize food resources and alter nutrient flow.

Argentine ant colonies can displace native insects and reshape ecosystems.

Freshwater mollusks like quagga and zebra mussels are a major concern.

Quagga mussels can carpet hard surfaces, clog infrastructure, and change food availability.

Other invaders arrive through less obvious pathways.

The channeled apple snail can reproduce rapidly and damage aquatic crops.

Red-eared sliders often start as released pets and compete with native turtles.

Nutria destroy wetland plants and destabilize levees and irrigation channels.

Introduced animals push ecosystems away from balance.

The goldspotted oak borer is an invasive beetle that can kill mature oaks.

The larvae of the goldspotted oak borer tunnel beneath bark and disrupt the tree's tissues.

Oaks support many other species, and their loss can have far-reaching effects.

When the goldspotted oak borer kills trees, it can lead to habitat loss and increased fire risk.

California has dealt with many other forest and crop invaders.

Early detection is crucial in controlling invasive species.

California's response to invasive species includes monitoring, prevention, and public education.

The state also relies on inspections, boat-cleaning rules, and reporting systems.

Control strategies depend on the invader, and may include cutting, treating, and introducing natural enemies.

The goal is to protect habitat, reduce harm to human health, and keep ecosystems functioning.

Public reporting is an important part of controlling invasive species.

Everyone plays a role in preventing the spread of invasive species.

Invasive species are not just about a few unusual plants or animals, but about the health of native ecosystems.

When invasive populations spread, they threaten native species, agriculture, and the environment.

This article was created with AI technology and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.