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By: Nicholas Blauz
The state of Florida is infamous for the daily antics of its residents, whether it be run-of-the-mill car chases, or more notably, a Florida man who attempted to hurl an alligator over the roof of a cocktail lounge near a minigolf course. However, it isn’t just what Floridians are known for doing, it’s about what they discover in their own bathrooms. Several weeks ago, Hollywood, Florida resident Kurt Hilbert was shocked to find an iguana rattling inside of his toilet. It is theorized that this iguana made its way into his bathroom by accessing the sewage vent stack on the roof of his home. While this appears to be a unique and rare occurrence, the Green Iguana is one of many non-native, invasive species that have made their way into the habitat of the Sunshine State. Feral Hogs, Lionfish, Burmese Pythons, and many others have left their mark on the state’s infrastructure and ecology, digging under the foundation of bridges and canals, and preying upon vulnerable native plants and animals.
How have the animals been introduced?
It is known that humans adore their pets, with the most common being cats and dogs, and more exotic ones such as snakes and lizards. However, many pets become a danger to local ecology when introduced by humans. From 1996 to 2006, approximately 100 thousand Burmese Pythons were brought to the US as the exotic pet industry grew. The snakes, which are small and manageable when young, often grow to be 15 feet long, and can no longer be sustained by most pet owners. Seeing no alternatives, pet owners release them into the wild. The same can be said about iguanas, which have become popular due to their striking appearance.
During Hurricane Andrew in 1992, many wildlife exhibits hosting exotic reptiles were destroyed in South Florida, freeing some of the creatures that were being hosted. Many freed animals made their way into the everglades, swamps, and waterways of Florida. Though not the single cause, events like these have contributed to the introduction of invasive wildlife across the state.
The final way that reptiles in particular have ended up in Florida involves cargo. Because many reptiles feed on plants and fruit, shipments of these goods, arriving from places where the species are native, such as central and south America, have accidentally brought species such as the Green Iguana and Brown Anole to Florida ports. These animals have gone on to grow rapidly in population.
What are the consequences?
In cities and suburbs, invasive species have been known to devour plants and food grown by local residents in their yards, as well as cause damage to infrastructure by plugging canals, digging holes, and impacting sewer systems. In the wild, they spread disease to other plants and animals, use up resources such as food and water, and alter the chemistry and quality of soil.
Non-native plants such as the Melaleuca tree have continued to spread in areas of the everglades that were naturally treeless, and are contributing to the threat of wildfires in the region. In terms of state finance, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) spent $17.9 million in 2016 fighting invasive plants alone.
Why Florida?
Given the nature of how invasive species are introduced, it comes as no surprise that they have become a problem in virtually all corners of the United States. However, an absence of freezing temperatures and natural predators have allowed invasive species to thrive in Florida more than anywhere else in the continental US. The consistently warm climate of Florida, especially the southern portion, has meant that many non-native species are able to reproduce and spread across the state without much resistance. With rising temperatures, it is predicted that the invasive species currently wreaking havoc in Florida will expand deeper into the Southeast and into the rest of the US.
What is being done to combat the issue?
In March of this year, the FWC banned the possession and reproduction of several invasive species viewed as high risk, including Burmese pythons, green iguanas, and 14 other non-native reptiles. While approved and celebrated by environmental groups, it has stirred frustration among exotic pet owners and breeders that rely on the industry for a living. Some argue that this ban will encourage the underground market for these animals, while others note that addressing one of several root causes of the issue will not be enough to combat the invasive flora and fauna already living in Florida.
A few years ago, The Florida Fish and Wildlife Department began encouraging Floridians to humanely kill iguanas when on their property. However, in July of 2019, a local iguana hunter accidentally shot a pool maintenance worker with a pellet gun. Although his injuries weren’t severe, cases such as this one have highlighted the controversy and difficulty of combating invasive wildlife in affected regions.
The way out of Florida’s invasive species crisis will not come easily and will require more attention from local and state politicians on how to prevent, mitigate, and end the situation.
Discussion Questions:
Which invasive plant or animal warrants the most attention in Florida?
What lessons should other states learn about Florida’s battle with invasive species?
Is Governor DeSantis doing enough about invasive species in Florida?
How should the United States government assist Florida in combating invasive species?
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