Invasive Species Monitoring and Detection

The widespread introduction of invasive species into terrestrial and aquatic habitats is a significant threat with new invaders frequently appearing across the country. As of 2017, more than 6,500 invasive species have become established in the United States, and the list continues to grow.  Invasive species often have negative impacts on the native species that they displace – they can increase rapidly in abundance, compete with native taxa for resources, alter food webs, impact the use of aquatic features for recreation, and even alter hydrology.  In addition to these ecological impacts, invasive species are estimated to cost the United States more than $120 billion annually in damages. Researchers at Leetown Science Center are developing the tools and knowledge to understand where invasive species come from, the size of the invading populations, and how they spread so that effective detection and management strategies can be developed to minimize impacts.