GITNUXREPORT 2026

Invasive Species Statistics

Invasive species cause severe environmental and economic damage worldwide.

Gitnux Team

Expert team of market researchers and data analysts.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades have reduced small mammal populations by up to 99% in some areas since their establishment in the 1990s

Statistic 2

Asian carp (multiple species) make up over 90% of the biomass in some sections of the Illinois River, displacing native fish species

Statistic 3

In Hawaii, invasive rats consume 85-100% of the seeds of native plants in some forests, preventing regeneration

Statistic 4

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) filter up to 1 liter of water per mussel per day, clearing entire lakes of phytoplankton and altering food webs

Statistic 5

In New Zealand, invasive possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) defoliate 20,000 tons of native vegetation per night across forests

Statistic 6

In the Great Lakes, sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) invasions led to 90% declines in lake trout populations before control measures

Statistic 7

Cane toads (Rhinella marina) in Australia poison native predators with bufotoxin, causing 30-50% mortality in some snake populations

Statistic 8

Global invasive species cause 40% of all animal and plant extinctions recorded since 1500

Statistic 9

In South Africa, invasive pines cover 2 million hectares, consuming 7% of national water supply

Statistic 10

Invasions of Varroa destructor mites have caused 30-50% annual honeybee colony losses in the US since 1987

Statistic 11

Invasive Nile perch (Lates niloticus) in Lake Victoria caused extinction of 200+ cichlid species since 1950s

Statistic 12

Invasive earthworms alter 20% of North American forests, reducing native seedling survival by 50%

Statistic 13

Laurel wilt disease, vectored by redbay ambrosia beetle, killed 90% of redbay trees in southeast US

Statistic 14

Over 50% of US endangered species are threatened by invasives

Statistic 15

Invasives alter fire regimes, increasing wildfire intensity by 20-50% in invaded shrublands

Statistic 16

37% of US fish at risk from invasive species introductions

Statistic 17

Invasive ants displace 90% of native ants in Hawaiian ecosystems

Statistic 18

Invasives hybridize with natives in 15% of endangered plant cases

Statistic 19

Spiny water fleas (Bythotrephes longimanus) reduce zooplankton by 65% in invaded lakes

Statistic 20

60% of New Zealand's threatened birds impacted by invasives

Statistic 21

Phosphorus release from dead invasive plants increases algal blooms by 20%

Statistic 22

European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) cause over $800 million in annual agricultural damage in the US by consuming crops and contaminating feed

Statistic 23

The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) has killed tens of millions of ash trees across 35 US states, leading to $10-30 billion in urban tree replacement costs

Statistic 24

The economic impact of invasive weeds in the US rangelands totals $2 billion annually in lost forage production

Statistic 25

Feral hogs (Sus scrofa) in the US destroy $2.5 billion worth of agricultural crops and property each year through rooting and feeding

Statistic 26

Nutria (Myocastor coypus) cause $1 million in annual damage to Louisiana wetlands by consuming vegetation at rates of 25% of their body weight daily

Statistic 27

The US spends $120 billion annually on managing invasive species impacts across all sectors

Statistic 28

In California, yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) infests 15 million acres, reducing grazing capacity by 50%

Statistic 29

Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) infests 10% of UK riparian zones, costing £165 million annually in control

Statistic 30

The Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) causes $2 billion in global fruit crop losses yearly

Statistic 31

Invasive apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata) destroyed 20% of rice paddies in the Philippines in 2012 outbreaks

Statistic 32

US forests lose $4.5 billion annually to invasive pests like bark beetles and pathogens

Statistic 33

In the UK, Japanese knotweed remediation costs average £10,000 per property

Statistic 34

Invasives reduce US GDP by 0.1-0.5% yearly through lost productivity

Statistic 35

The US has 250 established non-native aquatic plants, impacting recreation $1 billion/year

Statistic 36

Invasive mussels cost US power plants $3.4 billion in maintenance since 1989

Statistic 37

Golden apple snail invasions cost Asia $1.4 billion in rice losses over decade

Statistic 38

US invasive plant control market valued at $1.2 billion in 2022

Statistic 39

Economic cost of invasives in Great Lakes: $7 billion over 20 years

Statistic 40

Invasive rust Puccinia on wheat costs global $1 billion/year

Statistic 41

Invasive sea squirts cost Canadian aquaculture $300 million since 1999

Statistic 42

Invasive fruit flies cost Hawaii $200 million in exports yearly

Statistic 43

Lionfish off North Carolina coasts have increased 700% since 2010, with densities up to 10 times natural levels

Statistic 44

Over 6,500 non-native species established in the US, with 42% causing economic or ecological harm

Statistic 45

Invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) occupy 95% of UK freshwater sites, hybridizing with natives

Statistic 46

Common reed (Phragmites australis) in North America expands at 2-4% annually, covering 500,000 acres in Great Lakes

Statistic 47

European green crab (Carcinus maenas) densities reached 100 per trap in California bays by 2020

Statistic 48

The Great Lakes invasive species number over 180, introduced via ballast water primarily

Statistic 49

Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) infests 1.25 million acres in southeastern US

Statistic 50

Global trade in live animals introduces 10,000 potential invasive species annually

Statistic 51

In the Mediterranean, Caulerpa taxifolia covers 13,000 hectares since 1984

Statistic 52

In British Columbia, Europe I zebra mussel veligers detected, potential for Great Lakes spread

Statistic 53

Invasive algae Undaria pinnatifida covers 1,000 km of Australian coastline

Statistic 54

Invasive didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) fouls 1,000 km of New Zealand rivers

Statistic 55

Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) infests 5.7 million acres in northern plains US

Statistic 56

Eurasian collared-doves spread to 47 US states since 1982

Statistic 57

Port Orford cedar root disease spread by invasives threatens 70% of range

Statistic 58

Global invasive species database lists 17,495 species

Statistic 59

Killer algae (Caulerpa taxifolia) mats in California cover 2 acres

Statistic 60

Spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe) infests 4.5 million acres in Idaho alone

Statistic 61

US national parks spend $15 million yearly on invasive plant control, covering 1.5 million acres treated

Statistic 62

Biological control agents have been released against 230 invasive weeds in the US, with 50% success in suppression

Statistic 63

Early detection rapid response programs in the US prevent $100 million in annual invasive species damages

Statistic 64

Australia eradicates 80% of new invasive species detections within 5 years via border biosecurity

Statistic 65

In the Pacific Northwest, manual removal of English ivy covers 10,000 acres annually, restoring native forests

Statistic 66

Tamarix (saltcedar) removal in the Southwest US restored 200,000 acres of riparian habitat since 2000

Statistic 67

The US Fish and Wildlife Service has funded $200 million in invasive species projects since 1997 under NISA

Statistic 68

Herbicide use for invasive control on US highways totals 1.5 million gallons yearly

Statistic 69

Feral cat sterilization programs in Australia reduced populations by 40% on islands over 10 years

Statistic 70

In Florida, python removal challenges removed 6,000 snakes in 2021, reducing densities by 20% locally

Statistic 71

On Lord Howe Island, rats were eradicated in 2019, leading to 95% recovery of bird populations within 2 years

Statistic 72

Integrated pest management for invasives saves US agriculture $16 billion yearly

Statistic 73

US Coast Guard inspections prevented 2,500 potential invasive introductions via ballast water in 2022

Statistic 74

Sterile insect technique eradicated screwworm from US livestock, saving $900 million annually

Statistic 75

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus used in Australia killed 80% of feral rabbits in trials

Statistic 76

Gene drive technology trials for mice on islands show 90% population reduction

Statistic 77

Border inspections in EU intercept 25,000 invasive consignments yearly

Statistic 78

Feral swine eradications on 400 US properties since 2018 via aerial gunning

Statistic 79

CRISPR-edited sterile salmon prevent aquaculture escapes in trials

Statistic 80

Australia’s Biosecurity Act intercepts 99.5% of high-risk imports

Statistic 81

US states spend $500 million on feral hog control annually

Statistic 82

Biological control of water hyacinth reduced coverage by 94% in Lake Victoria

Statistic 83

US invasive species early warning system detects 100 new threats yearly

Statistic 84

Fipronil bait reduced crazy ant populations by 90% in Texas trials

Statistic 85

US ballast water management rule prevents 160 invasions yearly

Statistic 86

Drone-based herbicide application controls 1,000 acres of invasives daily in Australia

Statistic 87

Rust fungi biocontrol suppressed skeletonweed by 99% in Australia

Statistic 88

US Army Corps removes 20 million cubic yards of invasives from waterways yearly

Statistic 89

National Invasive Species Council coordinates 13 federal agencies

Statistic 90

Tamarisk leaf beetles defoliate 1 million saltcedar trees yearly in Southwest

Statistic 91

The invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans) has population densities exceeding 400 individuals per acre in some invaded reefs of the Atlantic

Statistic 92

Kudzu (Pueraria montana) covers approximately 7 million acres in the southeastern United States, spreading at a rate of 2,500 acres per day

Statistic 93

The brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) has caused the extinction of 12 native bird species on Guam since 1940s introduction

Statistic 94

Giant African land snails (Lissachatina fulica) consume over 500 plant species and carry the rat lungworm parasite affecting humans

Statistic 95

Invasive Spartina alterniflora hybrids cover 50,000 acres in San Francisco Bay, reducing tidal flows by 30%

Statistic 96

Hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) has infested 50% of the hemlock range in the eastern US, killing trees within 4-10 years

Statistic 97

Invasive Phragmites australis displaces native vegetation along 1,000 miles of US Atlantic coast, altering bird habitats

Statistic 98

In Europe, the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) has spread to 13 countries since 2004, killing 20-30% of managed honeybee colonies per attack

Statistic 99

Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) infest 320 million acres in the US, stinging 40% of population yearly

Statistic 100

Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) covers 1.1 million acres in the Pacific Northwest, reducing conifer regeneration by 90%

Statistic 101

Australian paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) invaded 500,000 acres of Florida Everglades, altering hydrology

Statistic 102

Ficus microcarpa invades urban areas in Florida, displacing natives on 10,000+ acres

Statistic 103

Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) chokes 500,000 acres of US waterways

Statistic 104

In Hawaii, coqui frogs (Eleutherodactylus coqui) reach densities of 91,000 per hectare

Statistic 105

Hydrilla verticillata forms mats up to 30 feet deep in US lakes

Statistic 106

Arundo donax (giant reed) uses 2x more water than natives in California

Statistic 107

Polyphagous shot hole borer infests 300,000 trees in California since 2003

Statistic 108

Miconia calvescens covers 10% of Tahiti's forests, shading out natives

Statistic 109

Thousand cankers disease killed 15 million walnut trees in western US

Statistic 110

Asian longhorned beetle quarantine spans 11 states, destroying 30 million trees potentially

Statistic 111

Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) occupies 5 million acres in US prairies

Statistic 112

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) covers 58 million acres in Great Basin, increasing fire frequency 4x

Statistic 113

Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) girdles 75% of trees in invaded forests

Statistic 114

Invasive oaks (Quercus spp.) in South Africa hybridize, threatening fynbos biodiversity

Statistic 115

Invasive mosquitoes transmit 80% of Zika cases globally

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A silent, multi-billion dollar invasion is unfolding right outside your door, as evidenced by the lionfish choking Atlantic reefs at over 400 per acre, kudzu smothering seven million southern acres, and starlings pillaging crops to the tune of $800 million each year.

Key Takeaways

  • The invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans) has population densities exceeding 400 individuals per acre in some invaded reefs of the Atlantic
  • Kudzu (Pueraria montana) covers approximately 7 million acres in the southeastern United States, spreading at a rate of 2,500 acres per day
  • The brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) has caused the extinction of 12 native bird species on Guam since 1940s introduction
  • European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) cause over $800 million in annual agricultural damage in the US by consuming crops and contaminating feed
  • The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) has killed tens of millions of ash trees across 35 US states, leading to $10-30 billion in urban tree replacement costs
  • The economic impact of invasive weeds in the US rangelands totals $2 billion annually in lost forage production
  • Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades have reduced small mammal populations by up to 99% in some areas since their establishment in the 1990s
  • Asian carp (multiple species) make up over 90% of the biomass in some sections of the Illinois River, displacing native fish species
  • In Hawaii, invasive rats consume 85-100% of the seeds of native plants in some forests, preventing regeneration
  • Lionfish off North Carolina coasts have increased 700% since 2010, with densities up to 10 times natural levels
  • Over 6,500 non-native species established in the US, with 42% causing economic or ecological harm
  • Invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) occupy 95% of UK freshwater sites, hybridizing with natives
  • US national parks spend $15 million yearly on invasive plant control, covering 1.5 million acres treated
  • Biological control agents have been released against 230 invasive weeds in the US, with 50% success in suppression
  • Early detection rapid response programs in the US prevent $100 million in annual invasive species damages

Invasive species cause severe environmental and economic damage worldwide.

Ecological Impacts

  • Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades have reduced small mammal populations by up to 99% in some areas since their establishment in the 1990s
  • Asian carp (multiple species) make up over 90% of the biomass in some sections of the Illinois River, displacing native fish species
  • In Hawaii, invasive rats consume 85-100% of the seeds of native plants in some forests, preventing regeneration
  • Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) filter up to 1 liter of water per mussel per day, clearing entire lakes of phytoplankton and altering food webs
  • In New Zealand, invasive possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) defoliate 20,000 tons of native vegetation per night across forests
  • In the Great Lakes, sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) invasions led to 90% declines in lake trout populations before control measures
  • Cane toads (Rhinella marina) in Australia poison native predators with bufotoxin, causing 30-50% mortality in some snake populations
  • Global invasive species cause 40% of all animal and plant extinctions recorded since 1500
  • In South Africa, invasive pines cover 2 million hectares, consuming 7% of national water supply
  • Invasions of Varroa destructor mites have caused 30-50% annual honeybee colony losses in the US since 1987
  • Invasive Nile perch (Lates niloticus) in Lake Victoria caused extinction of 200+ cichlid species since 1950s
  • Invasive earthworms alter 20% of North American forests, reducing native seedling survival by 50%
  • Laurel wilt disease, vectored by redbay ambrosia beetle, killed 90% of redbay trees in southeast US
  • Over 50% of US endangered species are threatened by invasives
  • Invasives alter fire regimes, increasing wildfire intensity by 20-50% in invaded shrublands
  • 37% of US fish at risk from invasive species introductions
  • Invasive ants displace 90% of native ants in Hawaiian ecosystems
  • Invasives hybridize with natives in 15% of endangered plant cases
  • Spiny water fleas (Bythotrephes longimanus) reduce zooplankton by 65% in invaded lakes
  • 60% of New Zealand's threatened birds impacted by invasives
  • Phosphorus release from dead invasive plants increases algal blooms by 20%

Ecological Impacts Interpretation

If we, as a species, had spent half as much effort preventing these invasions as we now spend documenting their staggering toll, our ecosystems wouldn't be reading like a series of increasingly dire obituaries.

Economic Impacts

  • European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) cause over $800 million in annual agricultural damage in the US by consuming crops and contaminating feed
  • The emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) has killed tens of millions of ash trees across 35 US states, leading to $10-30 billion in urban tree replacement costs
  • The economic impact of invasive weeds in the US rangelands totals $2 billion annually in lost forage production
  • Feral hogs (Sus scrofa) in the US destroy $2.5 billion worth of agricultural crops and property each year through rooting and feeding
  • Nutria (Myocastor coypus) cause $1 million in annual damage to Louisiana wetlands by consuming vegetation at rates of 25% of their body weight daily
  • The US spends $120 billion annually on managing invasive species impacts across all sectors
  • In California, yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis) infests 15 million acres, reducing grazing capacity by 50%
  • Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) infests 10% of UK riparian zones, costing £165 million annually in control
  • The Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata) causes $2 billion in global fruit crop losses yearly
  • Invasive apple snails (Pomacea canaliculata) destroyed 20% of rice paddies in the Philippines in 2012 outbreaks
  • US forests lose $4.5 billion annually to invasive pests like bark beetles and pathogens
  • In the UK, Japanese knotweed remediation costs average £10,000 per property
  • Invasives reduce US GDP by 0.1-0.5% yearly through lost productivity
  • The US has 250 established non-native aquatic plants, impacting recreation $1 billion/year
  • Invasive mussels cost US power plants $3.4 billion in maintenance since 1989
  • Golden apple snail invasions cost Asia $1.4 billion in rice losses over decade
  • US invasive plant control market valued at $1.2 billion in 2022
  • Economic cost of invasives in Great Lakes: $7 billion over 20 years
  • Invasive rust Puccinia on wheat costs global $1 billion/year
  • Invasive sea squirts cost Canadian aquaculture $300 million since 1999
  • Invasive fruit flies cost Hawaii $200 million in exports yearly

Economic Impacts Interpretation

The grim reality behind these staggering figures is that invasive species wage a slow, costly, and often silent war on our agriculture and ecosystems, turning familiar landscapes into battlegrounds where the price of neglect is measured in billions of dollars.

Geographic Distribution

  • Lionfish off North Carolina coasts have increased 700% since 2010, with densities up to 10 times natural levels
  • Over 6,500 non-native species established in the US, with 42% causing economic or ecological harm
  • Invasive signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) occupy 95% of UK freshwater sites, hybridizing with natives
  • Common reed (Phragmites australis) in North America expands at 2-4% annually, covering 500,000 acres in Great Lakes
  • European green crab (Carcinus maenas) densities reached 100 per trap in California bays by 2020
  • The Great Lakes invasive species number over 180, introduced via ballast water primarily
  • Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) infests 1.25 million acres in southeastern US
  • Global trade in live animals introduces 10,000 potential invasive species annually
  • In the Mediterranean, Caulerpa taxifolia covers 13,000 hectares since 1984
  • In British Columbia, Europe I zebra mussel veligers detected, potential for Great Lakes spread
  • Invasive algae Undaria pinnatifida covers 1,000 km of Australian coastline
  • Invasive didymo (Didymosphenia geminata) fouls 1,000 km of New Zealand rivers
  • Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula) infests 5.7 million acres in northern plains US
  • Eurasian collared-doves spread to 47 US states since 1982
  • Port Orford cedar root disease spread by invasives threatens 70% of range
  • Global invasive species database lists 17,495 species
  • Killer algae (Caulerpa taxifolia) mats in California cover 2 acres
  • Spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe) infests 4.5 million acres in Idaho alone

Geographic Distribution Interpretation

Think of each of these stats as a separate 'Help Wanted' ad, all posted by Mother Nature, urgently seeking applicants who can figure out how to stop humans from accidentally, but relentlessly, reassembling the entire planet's ecosystems into a volatile and poorly managed zoo.

Management and Control

  • US national parks spend $15 million yearly on invasive plant control, covering 1.5 million acres treated
  • Biological control agents have been released against 230 invasive weeds in the US, with 50% success in suppression
  • Early detection rapid response programs in the US prevent $100 million in annual invasive species damages
  • Australia eradicates 80% of new invasive species detections within 5 years via border biosecurity
  • In the Pacific Northwest, manual removal of English ivy covers 10,000 acres annually, restoring native forests
  • Tamarix (saltcedar) removal in the Southwest US restored 200,000 acres of riparian habitat since 2000
  • The US Fish and Wildlife Service has funded $200 million in invasive species projects since 1997 under NISA
  • Herbicide use for invasive control on US highways totals 1.5 million gallons yearly
  • Feral cat sterilization programs in Australia reduced populations by 40% on islands over 10 years
  • In Florida, python removal challenges removed 6,000 snakes in 2021, reducing densities by 20% locally
  • On Lord Howe Island, rats were eradicated in 2019, leading to 95% recovery of bird populations within 2 years
  • Integrated pest management for invasives saves US agriculture $16 billion yearly
  • US Coast Guard inspections prevented 2,500 potential invasive introductions via ballast water in 2022
  • Sterile insect technique eradicated screwworm from US livestock, saving $900 million annually
  • Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus used in Australia killed 80% of feral rabbits in trials
  • Gene drive technology trials for mice on islands show 90% population reduction
  • Border inspections in EU intercept 25,000 invasive consignments yearly
  • Feral swine eradications on 400 US properties since 2018 via aerial gunning
  • CRISPR-edited sterile salmon prevent aquaculture escapes in trials
  • Australia’s Biosecurity Act intercepts 99.5% of high-risk imports
  • US states spend $500 million on feral hog control annually
  • Biological control of water hyacinth reduced coverage by 94% in Lake Victoria
  • US invasive species early warning system detects 100 new threats yearly
  • Fipronil bait reduced crazy ant populations by 90% in Texas trials
  • US ballast water management rule prevents 160 invasions yearly
  • Drone-based herbicide application controls 1,000 acres of invasives daily in Australia
  • Rust fungi biocontrol suppressed skeletonweed by 99% in Australia
  • US Army Corps removes 20 million cubic yards of invasives from waterways yearly
  • National Invasive Species Council coordinates 13 federal agencies
  • Tamarisk leaf beetles defoliate 1 million saltcedar trees yearly in Southwest

Management and Control Interpretation

While we're spending millions on removal after the fact, the real savings lie in the stark math of prevention, where a dollar spent at the border saves a fortune in the field.

Species-Specific Statistics

  • The invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans) has population densities exceeding 400 individuals per acre in some invaded reefs of the Atlantic
  • Kudzu (Pueraria montana) covers approximately 7 million acres in the southeastern United States, spreading at a rate of 2,500 acres per day
  • The brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) has caused the extinction of 12 native bird species on Guam since 1940s introduction
  • Giant African land snails (Lissachatina fulica) consume over 500 plant species and carry the rat lungworm parasite affecting humans
  • Invasive Spartina alterniflora hybrids cover 50,000 acres in San Francisco Bay, reducing tidal flows by 30%
  • Hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) has infested 50% of the hemlock range in the eastern US, killing trees within 4-10 years
  • Invasive Phragmites australis displaces native vegetation along 1,000 miles of US Atlantic coast, altering bird habitats
  • In Europe, the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) has spread to 13 countries since 2004, killing 20-30% of managed honeybee colonies per attack
  • Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) infest 320 million acres in the US, stinging 40% of population yearly
  • Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) covers 1.1 million acres in the Pacific Northwest, reducing conifer regeneration by 90%
  • Australian paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) invaded 500,000 acres of Florida Everglades, altering hydrology
  • Ficus microcarpa invades urban areas in Florida, displacing natives on 10,000+ acres
  • Eurasian watermilfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) chokes 500,000 acres of US waterways
  • In Hawaii, coqui frogs (Eleutherodactylus coqui) reach densities of 91,000 per hectare
  • Hydrilla verticillata forms mats up to 30 feet deep in US lakes
  • Arundo donax (giant reed) uses 2x more water than natives in California
  • Polyphagous shot hole borer infests 300,000 trees in California since 2003
  • Miconia calvescens covers 10% of Tahiti's forests, shading out natives
  • Thousand cankers disease killed 15 million walnut trees in western US
  • Asian longhorned beetle quarantine spans 11 states, destroying 30 million trees potentially
  • Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense) occupies 5 million acres in US prairies
  • Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) covers 58 million acres in Great Basin, increasing fire frequency 4x
  • Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus) girdles 75% of trees in invaded forests
  • Invasive oaks (Quercus spp.) in South Africa hybridize, threatening fynbos biodiversity
  • Invasive mosquitoes transmit 80% of Zika cases globally

Species-Specific Statistics Interpretation

While these statistics read like a rogue's gallery of ecological nightmares, the sobering truth is that the natural world is being violently reshaped by a silent, global coup d'etat staged by uninvited guests.

Sources & References