In their natural environment, plant and animal populations are
kept in check by natural controls - predators and food supply.
When a new species is introduced - accidently or intentionally -
these balances can be thrown off and the consequences can be
devastating. While not all "non-native" species cause problems,
some can spread unchecked, crowding out natural plants and
animals and costing billions in property damage. These are
called "invasive species." Invasive species contribute directly
to the decline of 49% of the threatened and endangered species
in the US. They disrupt breeding grounds, shade out native
plants, and destroy food chains. Additionally, they can have
strong economic impacts as well. Invasive species can destroy
economic productivity by infesting livestock pastures or
farmlands, causing land owners to spend millions combating them.
The Nature Conservancy aims to control the threat to
biodiversity posed by invasive plants, animals, insects, and
diseases through a combination of prevention,