What is an invasive species?

Invasive species cause harm to human wellbeing (e.g. crop loss, lower home value, injury) and/or to the environment (e.g. habitat loss, extinctions, disrupt food webs). Many of these effects can be reduced with proper management and timely reporting.

Invasive species are loosely defined as species that:

1. Are spread outside of their native range, often initially by humans.
2. Have an established population outside of cultivation or captivity.
3. Do more harm than good to humans and/or the environment.

Invasive species can be any kind of organism. Some well-known examples include kudzu, emerald ash borer, chestnut blight, and Asian carp.

 

What you can do!

You can help the fight against invasive species by taking actions like joining your local CISMA, cleaning your outdoor equipment (land and water), and not moving firewood.

The best way to help is by reporting suspected invasive species when you see them. When you report, take a picture or take a sample and record your location. You can send in the report through:

The GLEDN Phone App

EDDMaps

1-866 NO EXOTIC (1-866-663-9684)

depp@dnr.IN.gov