1. Invasive Species
Florida is well known for its variety of native plant and animal species……

2. Florida Panther

3. Sabal Palmetto

4. Manatee

5. However, there are a variety of invasive species hurting Florida’s ecosystems….

6. Pythons

7. Kudzu Grass

8. Asian Tiger Mosquitoes

9. In the late 80s and early 90s, the Tokay was introduced to Hawaii, Florida, Texas, Belize and the Caribbean islands and it is now considered an invasive species in these locations. Natively, they are mostly found from northeast India through Asia all the way to Indonesia and western New Guinea
Tokay Gecko

10. Unfortunately, humans are a large contributor to this problem
Unfortunately, humans are a large contributor to this problem! We have introduced many of these species into the environment…..

11. One question going through the environmental agencies is, “How do we fix this problem??”

12. YOU are being asked to help!

13. What are you going to be doing?

14. In groups, you will be writing and presenting a proposal on how to safely remove an invasive species from the ecosystem!

15. For the next week, your group will be conducting research and using the fundamentals of ecology to help restore the ecosystems of Florida.

16. Everyone says they want to help the world. Here’s your chance
Everyone says they want to help the world. Here’s your chance! Good luck!

17. Objective:
The objective of this project is to try to remove a species that is considered invasive in the state of Florida from the ecosystem it is invading without hurting the species or the ecosystem around it.

18. State benchmark:
SC.912.L.17.8 Recognize the consequences of the losses of diversity due to catastrophic events, climate changes, human activity and the introduction of invasive and non-native species.

19. Background:
Invasive species are species that were introduced to an ecosystem, whether by accident or on purpose, and have had a negative effect on that ecosystem. Invasive species do not only include animals, but plants, fungi, protists, and even bacteria.

20. Today we will use the Computers and your group will be assigned a species to research and begin your background research.
Read over the directions and begin your research project! You may divide the questions among your members so that some of the work can be done at home. The template of the power point is on my web site. When you return to school you can put the parts together.
Due Date: Friday March 29th
We will be working on this Tuesday - Thursday and it is due Friday! Some will need to be done at home!
Use your time wisely!
You have a choice of a Power point, brochure, or poster to present your information to the class. But I recommend the power point for ease of group time!

21. Grade Breakdown (out of 51 points):
Background information-10 points (2 points each)
What is the name of your species? Genus species
What type of organism is your species (ex. Plant/animal)
How many of this organism lives in the world? In Florida?
To where is this organism native?
How did this organism get introduced to Florida?

22. The “Problems”- 13 points
What ecosystem in Florida is this species invading? (2 points)
Which populations in this ecosystem are this species affecting the most? (2 points)
What makes this species invasive? (How does it affect energy flow in the ecosystem, taking habitats, preying on native species, etc?) (9 points)

23. The “Solution”- 13 points
Research and find, or make up your own removal method that is safe for the species being removed, as well as the ecosystem. The goal is not to hurt anything, but to help everyone. (3 points)
How does this method work? (2 points)
If it is a method that has been used previously, what type of ecosystem was it used on in the past, and what was the outcome of using that method? If it has not been used or thought of before, explain why that may be. (3 points)
Do you think this removal method could work on any invasive species being removed from any ecosystem? Why or why not? (3 points)
Who would you recommend this removal method to? Why? (2 points)

24. Creativity on Poster/Power point/Brochure- 5 points
Organization of Poster/Power point/Brochure (Is it easy to read/understand?)- 5 points
Presentation (every group member must participate in presentation)-5 points
Group members will have a chance to peer review each other for their participation in the project. The peer review will affect individual grades on the project. So make sure everyone works hard and works together!

25. http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/ unitedstates/fl.shtml#thr FPL
xotic/exotic_and_invasive_species _index.shtml

26. Great source for articles on Florida invasive species!

27. Top Ten Abundant Invasive Plants (by number of reports)
Brazilian peppertree reports
melaleuca reports
old world climbing fern reports
cogongrass reports
Japanese climbing fern reports
Chinese tallowtree reports
Caesarweed reports
Australian-pine reports
air-potato reports
mimosa reports

28. Giant African land snail
Species list
Asian Swamp Eel
Hydrilla
Great Toad
Monk Parakeet
Blue Tilapia
Citrus Canker
Spectacled Caiman
Python
Giant African land snail
Fire ants
Brazilian Pepper
European Starling
Melaleuca
Wild Hog
Australian Pine
Cuban Tree Frog
Japanese Climbing Fern
Fire Ant
Water Hyacinth

29. http://articles. sun- sentinel
sentinel.com/ /news/sfl-pythons-take- over-everglades _1_burmese- pythons-chan-lowe-white- footed-ant
Pythons article

30. http://www. freshfromflorida. com/press/2011/09152011
mlFlorida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Identifies Giant African Land Snails in Miami-Dade County

31. Tallahassee, FL – The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has positively identified a population of Giant African land snails (GALS) in Miami-Dade County. The Giant African land snail is one of the most damaging snails in the world because they consume at least 500 different types of plants, can cause structural damage to plaster and stucco, and can carry a parasitic nematode that can lead to meningitis in humans. 

32. 7. Japanese Climbing Fern 8. Fire Ant 9. Water Hyacinth
Species
Period 1
Period 2
Period 3
Period 5
1. Pepper
2. European Starling
3. Melaleuca
4. Wild Hog
5. Australian Pine
6. Cuban Tree Frog
7. Japanese Climbing Fern
8. Fire Ant
9. Water Hyacinth

33. 10. Asian Swamp Eel
11. Hydrilla
12. Great Toad
13. Monk Parakeet
14. Blue Tilapia
15. Citrus Canker
16. Spectacled Caiman

34. 17. Python
18. Giant African land snail
19. Tokay Gecko
20. Lionfish
21. The European Pepper Moth, Duponchelia fovealis Zeller
22. Chilean Recluse, Loxosceles laeta
23. Laurel wilt