Invasion Science Research Institute

Invasive species represent one of the greatest contemporary threats to biodiversity, affecting diverse natural environments, causing extensive economic damage, and impacting quality of life worldwide. Florida is no exception, and indeed is ‘ground zero’ for invasive species in the US. Currently, Florida's ecosystems support established populations of more than 500 non-native fish and wildlife species, 1,300 non-native plants, and thousands of non-native lower life forms, including insects, mites, nematodes, fungi, and microbes. Moreover, the rate of introduction of new invasive species continues to increase. Not all these species will necessarily flourish, but those that do have the potential to cause massive ecological and economic disruption across farmland, natural areas, and urban landscapes. The overarching goal of the Invasion Science Research Institute is to address this challenge.