The Problem Invasive alien species are transforming America s landscape. Foreign animal and plant species are replacing native wildlife and wreaking enormous financial and ecological damage. Among other things, invasive alien species crowd out nutritious native forage, cause serious losses of valuable crops and trees, create fire hazards, limit recreation, clog lakes and waterways, undermine fisheries, and foul water pipes.
Animals are also problems.
The zebra mussel is clogging water supply facilities. The brown tree snake has extirpated forests birds on Guam and the Asian tiger mosquito is causing serious human health problems in some areas. Diverse stakeholders such as agricultural commodity groups and environmental organizations have common needs to address the invasive species problem. Those affected recognize that the problem is bad and getting worse. Global pathways for invasion are multiplying rapidly, while federal authorities and programs have significant gaps.