While many may believe that problems stemming from pollution or development cause a greater risk, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior, invasive species are ranked second only to habitat destruction in threatening the extinction of native species. This occurs because many invasive plants grow denser than the surrounding natives. They also spread rapidly once they are introduced to an area, partially because of their genetic makeup. In addition, they generally are not a food source for native animals. The possibility also exists for invasives to cross-pollinate and produce new species with the same characteristics.
Trees loosen and erode shorelines causing a multitude of problems.
In addition, fish spawning habitats are in jeopardy because invasive plants can reduce layers of soil, thereby causing erosion along streams, rivers and even oceans. As with most issues, the process begins with money. Funds are spent on a variety of techniques, which are used to eradicate the invasive plants. This process introduces insects into an infested area to prey on the unwanted plants. Federal and state agencies are even setting up programs that include training to detect invasive species.