Wildlife

Invasive plants pose threats to wildlife in various ways. The most common is by reducing the amount and quality of available forage for native animals to eat. Our native wildlife has, for time immemorial, depended on an abundance of healthy native plant communities. Many invasive species are also toxic to wildlife. Others may be tolerable in relatively small quantities, but do not provide adequate nutrition when consumed as a central part of their diet. Remember, where invasive species thrive, many native wildlife species struggle to survive.

The spread of invasive and noxious weeds particularly threatens pollinators and migratory wildlife (like many species of waterfowl). Invasive species reduce the diversity of vegetation in an area. Oftentimes, this results in the loss of crucial nesting, resting, and breeding areas for birds, pollinators, and other animals.

Plants included in this category have been documented to reduce biodiversity and harm native and/or migratory wildlife.