Spring Alert: Harmful Invaders In Arizona Ecosystems

Arizona is home to a diverse array of plant, insect, and animal species. Among our native wildlife, there are also numerous invasive organisms.  Here are 5 invasive species you should keep an eye out for this spring!

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Bullfrogs

According to Arizona Game and Fish, bullfrogs are not native to the western parts of the U.S. These amphibians were introduced in the early 1900's, and have done quite a bit of harm to our community. Bullfrogs reproduce insanely fast, laying upwards of 20,000 eggs at a single time. Bullfrogs prey on and compete with a lot of native species, such as the Chiricahua leopard frog and the Mexican gartersnake.

Without human intervention, wildlife experts are concerned that bullfrogs will wipe out other amphibians and reptiles and harm the ecosystem by consuming more prey than is readily available. These animals also harbor a variety of diseases, such as chytridiomycosis, which can and will harm native animals and plants if spread.

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Starlings

In the late 1800's, Starlings were brought ot the U.S. from Europe. This is a highly aggressive species of bird that does not create its own nests. The starling bird pushes out native bird species, destroying their eggs and stealing their nests. After successfully removing a bird from it's next, these guys swoop in and lay their eggs there.

Starlings have been found in nests in Sugaruo cacti. This is extremely harmful for native birds like the Gila woodpecker, which rely on these cavity nests for protection and survival. These birds aren't just repopulating at insane rates; they are harming our native bird populations.

READ MORE: What Makes Cochise County A Birdwatching Paradise?

Feral burros and horses

Arizona has quite a few wild horses and donkeys. While this may not seem like a big deal, the Arizona Game and Fish Department says they are a problem for local wildlife and foliage. These feral animals compete with local wildlife for food and water, and during droughts, their presence can completely push out native wildlife like deer and elk, who rely on the water these creatures steal.

Feral burros and horses put native habitats at risk in other ways as well.  They destroy foliage, increase soil erosion, and put native plants in danger. These non-native critters do not have many natural predators in the wild, which puts them at risk of overpopulation. What might seem like a harmless animal minding their own business is actually a habitat destroyer in disguise.

Bark Beetles

Bark beetles are a specific breed of beetle that burrow into trees for food and safety. These guys are about the size of a grain of rice, and feed by tunneling deep into wood. Arizona has a specific breed of non-native bark beetles that are causing mayhem to native foliage. The Mediterranean Pine Engraver began its terror in 2018, when it was discovered in Tucson, Arizona. Since then, it has been spotted across the state and has destroyed numerous healthy trees and plants.

These guys traditionally attack stressed trees, but they have recently become a threat to native pine species. When a bark beetle burrows into a tree, it destroys its ability to process sunlight and water, killing the tree entirely. Bark Beetles also destroy aquatic plants as well. This isn't just bad for the plants; tons of native birds and insects are affected by the destruction of these plants. Overall, bark beetles are one of the most harmful insects in Arizona. 

Buffelgrass

Buffelgrass is an invasive species of grass that has recently been found all across the Arizona desert. This grass takes up resources and pushes out important native species. Buffelgrass is native to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It was intentionally planted in Arizona in the 1930's, and has become a huge issue for native plants over the last century. Since its original planting on cattle farms, it has spread to national parks, yards, and even roadsides.

Arizona Game and Fish reports that this grass may be harming saguaro cacti. It is found all across the Sugaro National Park, and conservationists are terrified this plant will push out the native Cacti species.  According to the National Park Service, buffelgrass is highly invasive and is registered as a noxious weed. It steals water from nearby plants and grows so rapidly that other plants don't have the chance to start.

Invasive species are no joke; they cause harm to local environments and pose a threat to everything they come across. With that in mind, if you spot an invasive species in your backyard this year, file a report so experts can keep track of these harmful organisms.

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