The National Park Service has dedicated significant resources towards invasive species management.  Several highly invasive and destructive species have been successfully eradicated from parks lands. The before and after pictures below demonstrate some success stories.

Kudzu is a smothering vine that covers every vertical and horizontal surface of an invaded site.  The vine is removed so that native vegetation can recover.

In Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, Mouflon sheep (Ovis gmelini musimon) poses a recurring problem for managers.  These sheep damage native vegetation through browsing and bark stripping. Endangered native plants such as the Kau silversword (Argroxiphium kauense) and Koa tree are at risk from these sheep.  

New invasive species are introduced or discovered all the time.  The red lionfish, Pterois volitans , native to the western Pacific Ocean has become established along the Atlantic Coast of the southeast United States.  Parks and partners are just beginning to understand the impacts this invasive fish is having on native coral reefs, finfish, and shellfish. To learn more, click here.