Invasion Science Institute

University of Florida

There are more than 3,700 non-native species in Florida, and almost 40% of them have been identified as invasive. These species are reshaping ecosystems across the state, from marine and coastal systems to upland habitats, agricultural systems, urban areas, wetlands, and lakes. Invasive species range from agricultural insect and pathogen pests that reduce productivity to aggressive plants that suppress native biodiversity to predators like pythons and lionfish that devastate native wildlife.

The Invasion Science Institute at the University of Florida addresses the pressing challenge of invasive species in Florida, across the US, and globally. The Institute facilitates interdisciplinary research to enhance scientific discovery, develop innovative management solutions, and train the next generation of scientists.

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Updates and Events

Reshaping Nature Symposium

March 31, 2026

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Outstanding Publication Award

Award-winning papers from ISI Affiliates

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Invasive Plants and Ticks

Invasive Plants have the potential to enhance tick-borne diseases

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UF Blog: Invasion Science

  • Field Guide Face-Off Part 3: Cooter vs Slider
    by Bridget Gerovac
    Welcome to another installment of Field Guide Face-Off, a series I created to compare some of Florida’s most commonly confused species and provide ways to tell them apart. We’ve spent quite a bit of time talking about and learning to identify […]
  • Fall Vegetables for North Florida
    by Evan Anderson
    Fall Vegetables for North Florida Finding the right crops – and the right varieties – for fall planting in North Florida can be tricky. Many of the vegetables we grow are adapted to climates a little colder than we usually […]
  • Caudex – The Swollen Base of the Ponytail
    by Ralph Mitchell
    Often symmetry is an attractive standard and appealing to the eye.  Abstract forms may be more of an acquired taste, but many plants are by nature non-symmetrical and off-balance.  Many of a plant’s abstract features are not visible until they […]

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