Fighting an Invasion
Invasive species are destructive or aggressive plants and animals that greatly alter the natural balance of native area. They out compete native species for resources and reduce biodiversity. Invasives are extremely expensive to eradicate and pose one of the largest threats to natural systems.
Brazilian pepper
The ornamental bright red berries and green foliage of the prolific Brazilian pepper, is why this showy plant from South America was imported to Florida, its seeds are dispersed by birds, mammals, and water. This plant is in the family that includes poison ivy, may cause skin irritations, and now blankets over 700,000 acres in Florida! The battle to fight this run-away invasive is being waged with prescribed fires, chemicals and mechanical treatments.
Burmese python
Burmese pythons native to southeast Asia, are one of the world’s longest snakes and have been directly released into the wild in south Florida. These snakes had a severe impact within the Everglades and big Cypress Swamp, feeding upon native birds, mammals and even alligators. Licensed hunters are permitted to reduce the number of Burmese pythons in the Preserve.
Mayan cichlid
Mayan cichlid fish are able to tolerate a wide range of salinity, thus they have speed throughout the canals in south Florida, having
this page online
Marker includes Spanish translations
Erected by National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment.
Location. 25° 51.462′ N, 81° 1.997′ W. Marker is in Ochopee, Florida, in Collier County. Marker is on Florida Trail. Marker located inside Big Cypress Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee FL 34141, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Big Cypress National Preserve (a few steps from this marker); H. P. Williams Roadside Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Wildlife & You (within shouting distance of this marker); Birds of Big Cypress (within shouting distance of this marker); Stephen Tyng Mather (within shouting distance of this marker); Big Cypress (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1936 Seminole Conference (approx. 5 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Burmese Pythons. National Parks Service entry:
In recent years, snakes from around the world have been turning up in and around Everglades National Park. Burmese pythons, one of the largest snake species on earth, are now known
2. Cichlasoma urophthalmus Mayan Cichlid. Seriously Fish entry:
Territorial and fairly aggressive. This species is only suitable for a community of medium to large fish, such as other cichlids, robust charcins and catfish. There is no guarantee of success in trying this approach however, the more fish in the tank, the more the aggression is likely to be dispersed. Ensure sufficient decor is provided to allow all the fish to claim a territory. Can also be kept as a species only tank with a bonded pair. (Submitted on July 28, 2017, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA.)
3. Florida Invasive Species Council. Website homepage (Submitted on April 10, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2017, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 323 times since then and 45 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on July 28, 2017, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
