Invasive Species

Once cultivated as part of a garden landscape, certain imported vines and ornamental plants quickly took over and spread throughout the ecosystem.  Kudzu, air potatoes, a variety of ornamental trees and hedges are now  dug up where ever they might be found.

A domestic pig released into the wild reverts quickly in shape and temperament. Add to it the release of European boar into the US ecosystem years ago to provide sport for hunters and you have a recipe for an invasion difficult to control.   Wild hogs have been spotted outside the Gardens.  

This category includes African snails, the brown Cuban anole (depicted), and any number of former pets released into the wild that have since multiplied.  Sometimes more aggressive than their native counterparts, non-native species can out-compete for the same habitat.