Invasive Species in Georgia: A Growing Threat to Native Wildlife

Georgia is home to a diverse array of ecosystems, from the mountain forests of the north to the coastal marshes of the southeast. This biodiversity makes the state vulnerable to invasive species – non-native plants and animals that outcompete native species, damage habitats and harm local economies. In recent years, invasive species have become an increasingly pressing issue across Georgia.

What Makes a Species Invasive?

An invasive species is defined as any non-native organism that causes environmental or economic harm in its introduced range. In order to become invasive a species must meet several criteria

• Originate from another region, usually another continent. Many invasives in Georgia originated in Asia, Europe or South America.

• Be introduced either intentionally for economic purposes or accidentally through global trade and travel.

• Establish rapidly in its new environment and spread quickly across large areas.

• Outcompete native species for resources like food, habitat and water.

• Lack natural predators that would keep populations in check.

Invasive species are often hardy, fast-growing generalists that thrive under a wide range of conditions. They take advantage of disturbed habitats like roadsides, fields and forest edges. Prolific reproduction and a lack of predators allow populations to explode.

Major Invasive Species Threatening Georgia

Over 55 invasive plants and animals have become established across Georgia. The most problematic include:

Animals

• Feral hogs – These destructive omnivores root up soil, prey on native wildlife and compete with livestock.

• Coyotes – Now found statewide, coyotes reduce populations of small mammals and ground-nesting birds.

• Fire ants – Aggressive insects that sting humans and pets, while disrupting native ant populations.

• Cane toads – Highly toxic amphibians that prey on native frogs and lizards.

• Lionfish – Striking marine fish that consume small native fishes and crustaceans.

• Flathead catfish – Voracious predators in rivers that decimate populations of bass and sunfish.

Plants

• Cogongrass – A noxious weed that forms dense stands where little else can grow.

• Japanese honeysuckle – Rampant vines that blanket and kill trees across Georgia.

• Hydrilla – Clogs waterways, altering fish habitat and boating access.

• Kudzu – The classic Southern vine can engulf entire forests at up to 60 feet per year.

• Mimosa – Fragrant trees that spread rapidly and shade out native plants.

• Chinese privet – Shrubs that take over forests and fields, excluding local plant species.

Pathways of Invasion

Invasive species arrive in Georgia through both intentional and accidental means:

• Trade: Many foreign plants were intentionally introduced for erosion control, livestock forage or landscaping. Escaped individuals then colonized natural areas.

• Travel: Invasive animals often hitch rides in cargo loads or vehicle undercarriages before establishing in the wild.

• Release: Well-meaning citizens sometimes release exotic pets like snakes and lizards that later flourish in their non-native environment.

• Canals: Historic canals like the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway provided new invasion routes for many aquatic species.

While globalization has facilitated the spread of invasives, humans remain the primary vector introducing them to Georgia’s native ecosystems.

Impacts on Georgia’s Ecosystems and Economy

In their new southern habitats, many introduced species display rampant and uncontrolled growth without the competition and predators that keep populations in check in their native ranges. The consequences of invasive dominance are wide-ranging:

• Reduced biodiversity: Invasives displace native species that represent the distinctive natural heritage of Georgia.

• Altered ecosystems: Invasive plants like privet and honeysuckle transform diverse forests into near-monocultures of a single species.

• Crop destruction: Feral hogs and imported insects like stink bugs damage Georgia’s extensive agriculture industry.

• Infrastructure damage: Fast-growing kudzu and invasive trees can overtake bridges, roads, buildings and power lines.

• Disease transmission: Invasives may introduce new pathogens to native wildlife. West Nile virus arrived with imported mosquitoes.

• Recreational impacts: Invasive aquatic plants impede boating, swimming, fishing and other water activities.

• Control costs: Governments, businesses and landowners spend millions to remove invasive species and mitigate their damage.

Left unchecked, invasive plants and animals will continue to degrade Georgia’s ecosystems, agriculture and infrastructure while diminishing the economic benefits of outdoor recreation and tourism.

Prevention and Control Strategies

While many invasives are already established in Georgia, strategies exist to prevent new introductions and limit the spread of existing populations:

• Public education promotes behaviors to avoid accidental introductions of plants and animals. Gardeners and pet owners must use caution.

• Early detection and rapid response (EDRR) allows immediate removal of new invaders before populations grow out of control.

• Import regulations on high-risk species like pythons and disease vectors can reduce new introductions.

• Manual, mechanical and chemical control removes established invasive populations, though most require repeated treatment.

• Biological control utilizes specialized insects or diseases imported from the invasive’s native range to reduce its populations.

• Habitat restoration facilitates recovery of native plants and animals displaced by invasive species.

Coordinated action from government agencies, conservation groups and private citizens is needed to monitor for new invasive arrivals, limit spread of existing populations and restore Georgia’s native biodiversity. Public education and voluntary prevention efforts are equally as important as active control programs.

The Future of Invasive Species Management

In their relatively short time in Georgia, invasive species have already caused extensive ecological and economic harm. As global trade and travel continue increasing, new invaders will inevitably arrive. Climate change may also allow tropical species to establish populations.

Proactive strategies focused on early detection and prevention are essential to reducing future impacts. Continual control efforts combining chemical, mechanical and biological methods can help suppress invasive populations and protect Georgia’s irreplaceable native ecosystems.

In the end, responsible actions from every citizen are needed to stop new introductions, report suspected invaders and avoid accidental spread. An engaged public armed with knowledge about invasive species represents Georgia’s best defense against these growing ecological threats.