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Invasive species

Invasive species are increasing across the Central Florida region, altering the soil composition, food-web, native plant and animal community, and ultimately, an area’s ecological balance. Many invasive species have proven extremely difficult or impossible to eradicate and costly to control once established. Thus, stringent measures to avoid unwanted species are justified both ecologically and economically. The United States Department of Agriculture Invasive Species Information Center defines invasive species as plant, animal, insect or microbial organisms that are “1) non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and 2) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.” Research has shown that invasive species negatively affect over half of the species listed as endangered or threatened and that around $100 billion is spent every year controlling them.

The University has 47 known species of exotic plants on site, of which 23 species are listed as Category I, 10 species as Category II, and the remaining are not categorized by Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Existence of these species in UCF's natural areas greatly interferes with management goals of the University.

In an effort to control these unwanted species, the University of Central Florida has joined forces with state & federal agencies, private landowners, and non-profit organizations to create the Central Florida Invasive Species Working Group (CFISWG). The CFISWG's mission is to create a partnership of federal, state, and local government agencies, individuals, and various interested groups, that develop resources, educate, and share information to manage invasive species in a specified area. Information on free training dates, partners, control methods, species identification, and projects can be found by visiting http://www.floridainvasives.org/Central/.