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Section II: Invasive Species
Invasive Species
Exotic species, also known as non-natives, introduced, or alien, are species that occur outside of their natural range, either in cultivation or in the wild. Many exotic plants have become naturalized. Most naturalized plants are not a severe threat to other species or to an ecosystem. However, a small percentage of naturalized exotic plants and animals do become invasive. Characteristics that make a species "invasive" include fast reproduction, the ability to displace many of the other species in their domain, and/or characteristics that make it difficult to eradicate. Certain site characteristics, such as disturbance and the availability of ecological niches, can make an ecosystem more or less vulnerable to the establishment and spread of invasive species.
Invasive plants can negatively affect soil productivity, limit plant diversity, and reduce the acreage of natural grazing lands. Invasive animals can carry and spread diseases for which native animals have no resistance. Invasive species are better able to compete with native species for food, water, and space. In sum total, invasive species not only disrupt habitats and populations, but they can potentially disrupt the health of an entire ecosystem. The links below are to a catalog of invasive plant and animal species found within the Beaver Creek watershed.
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