Invasive Species
A plant or animal that is brought to a new place and causes harm to the native species and environment.
What is it?
An invasive species is a living thing that is not native to an area and causes problems. For example, the brown tree snake was accidentally brought to Guam after World War II. It had no natural predators there, so its population grew quickly. It ate the eggs and chicks of the Guam Kingfisher, which helped drive the bird to extinction in the wild. Invasive species can also destroy habitats and outcompete native animals for food.
Why it matters
Invasive species are one of the biggest threats to biodiversity, especially on islands. They can cause native species to become endangered or extinct. Understanding how they spread helps us prevent future harm.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more exhibits about invasive species.