NON NATIVE SPECIES

There are many exotic fish species found in South Florida lakes. Although most can be aggressive towards other species in your aquarium, you can literally fill your aquarium with exotic fish completely for free. Be careful, however, to properly identify the fish. Species like bass and bluegill will not only do very poorly in an aquarium but they are illegal to possess above certain quantities. The same regulations of your fishing license apply to these species even if you are keeping them alive and in your aquarium. Please note, however, that certain fish (marked * regulated species) are illegal to possess alive without a permit from the FWC. Click here for more information: http://www.myfwc.com/RULESANDREGS/Rules_Nonnative.htm#Prohibited

Non-native species are ones that are free-ranging and were not found in Florida before the year 1500. Over 400 non-native fish and wildlife species and 1180 exotic plant species have been documented in the state. Native species are those that have naturally occurred in Florida before the year 1500. Thousands of non-native species, mostly insects and agricultural pests, have been introduced into Florida and more arrive each day. As many as 40 exotic agricultural pests arrive here each month. Fortunately, of all the exotic species that escape or are released, only a handful will survive and become established. The majority of those few species that survive will probably not have negative effects on native wildlife. Most studies have shown this to be true for terrestrial and aquatic animals.

A nonnative species could become invasive soon after becoming established, like the Cuban tree frog. It was introduced a century ago through packing materials, and has invaded Florida's natural areas, preying on our native tree frogs. Cuban tree frogs rapidly spread in south Florida and were common throughout most of the state by the 1970's.

On the other hand, it might take years for the right factors to fall into place to allow a species to expand its range and cause ecological problems. For example, green iguanas have resided in Florida since the 1960's, but their population has increased greatly since Hurricane Andrew. Although green iguanas have not had ecological impacts, this Central and South American lizard causes significant economic damage to landscape plants, primarily in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. On Florida's west coast, black spinytail iguanas have reached such abundance that many residents view them as a nuisance, and the town of Boca Grande has considered hiring trappers to remove them.

The best way to prevent the introduction of exotic species into Florida is to be a responsible pet owner. There are many factors to consider next time your shopping for a pet. Consider how large the animal will grow, its food and care requirements, the costs associated with owning the animal, and how long the animal will live. Be prepared to make a long-term commitment to your pet. May people become bored of their pets. It might seem kind to release that pet or fish into the wild. But this can be detrimental to the animal and the environment. Most pets that are released will more than likely die without the care of its owner. But the ones that survive have the potential to hurt our native species. Released pets have the potential to become invasive, taking over habitats and displacing native fish and wildlife species.

If you are bored with your pet try to find them a new home. You can place a classified ad for free with your local newspaper, or try Craigslist.com or placing a note on the bulletin board of your local pet store. Releasing an exotic pet should never be considered an option. It's more responsible, humane, and ethical to euthanize your pet than to release it into the wild. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission hosts nonnative pet amnesty days once or twice a year. People can surrender exotic pets that they can no longer care for, free of charge with no questions asked, at this one-day-only event. Click here to check dates: http://www.myfwc.com/WILDLIFEHABITATS/Nonnative_AmnestyDayEvents.htm. Also check http://www.habitattitude.net for tips for aquarium owners.