Invasive Species

What are Invasive Species and Why are They a Problem?

The National Park Service defines an invasive species as “a non-native species that causes harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health.” From zebra mussels gumming up pipes and engines in the Great Lakes to pythons in the Everglades to kudzu across the southern states to Giant hornets in the Pacific Northwest, studies now estimate the annual cost from invasives at around 120 billion dollars with more than 100 million acres affected. That’s roughly the size of California! Our national parks not only contain unique and rare plants and animals but are also battlegrounds for protecting these special places from such threats. The NPS here at Buffalo National River is working in cooperation with the NPS Heartland Inventory and Monitoring Network, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the Watershed Conservation Corps, and the Buffalo National River Partners to combat these threats.

The impacts of invasive non-native species can be far-reaching and detrimental to ecosystems, economies, and human health. Among the most common is the ecological impact. Invasive species can alter the structure and function of ecosystems by outcompeting native species, disrupting food webs, and changing habitat characteristics. This can lead to declines in biodiversity and ecosystem services. Invasive species can also cause significant economic losses through damage to agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure. Some invasive species can pose risks to human health by spreading diseases, toxins, or allergens. Invasive species can even impact cultural practices and traditions by altering landscapes and ecosystems that are valued for their aesthetic or recreational purposes.

Invasive species occur throughout Buffalo National River. National Park Service staff along with partners and volunteers spend countless hours monitoring and treating these invaders. Below is a little basic information on the species of most concern here at Buffalo National River.

 

A small tree of heaven with green pinnately compound leaves.

 

These graphs show the impact of tree of heaven treatments.

Young CC, Bell JC, and Morrison LW (2020) Long-term treatment leads to reduction of tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) populations in the Buffalo National River. Invasive Plant Sci. Manag 13: 276–281. doi: 10.1017/inp.2020.2

Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)

The scientific name, Ailanthus, meaning sky-tree, and the common name, tree of heaven, refer to this tree’s ability to grow towards the sky very quickly, but the fast growth causes weak limbs that may easily break with wind and weather. Also, this allelopathic tree puts chemicals into the soil that can kill other plants while promoting the growth of its own seeds. One mature tree can produce as many as 325,000 seeds in a single year. Tree of heaven also responds like few other plants to threats. One tree cut down today can result in the sprouting of a dozen new sprouts from the roots and base of the tree that can grow as high as six feet tall in a single year. However, treatments at Buffalo National River have provided vital evidence that shows that treatments can work to greatly reduce if not eradicate this devastating species.

 

A night vision view of several wild hogs, one looking into the camera.

Feral Hogs (Sus scrofa)

Rooting and wallowing behaviors can damage crops, sensitive nesting sites, and rare plant communities, as well as spreading disease to livestock and out competing other animals for food. Feral Hogs are prolific reproducers. They may reach reproductive age as early as 8 months and can produce as many as 12 piglets a year. The National Park Service has been working with the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission and the U. S. Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service to reduce the feral hog population in the state and at Buffalo National River. Hunting and trapping methods are currently being used by the National Park Service as means to reduce the population of feral hogs in the park.

 

Ash tree with flaking, scaling bark as a result of the emerald ash borer.

Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)

The emerald ash borer, originally from northeastern Asia, now has a core population in Michigan and threatens to completely wipe out ash tree populations. The adult beetles nibble on green leaves of the ash tree but cause little damage. The larvae (the immature stage) feed on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree's ability to transport water and nutrients. This insect is now found in 35 states.

 

What can I do?

Everyone has a role to play in the protection of Buffalo National River and other public lands. Below are a few things you can do to help.

• Prevention – Clean gear, shoes and vehicle tires before entering the park. Many invasive species can be brought along by unsuspecting visitors.
• Control – Volunteer with the Buffalo National River Partners at a clean up or invasive pull. The Buffalo National River Partners holds several events throughout the year to remove invasive species from the park.
• Research and Monitoring – Do your own research on what invasive species might be affecting your local area and how to identify them.
• Collaboration – National Park Service staff cannot be everywhere all at once. Luckily, there are hundreds of thousands of people who come to our park every year who can help. If you see anything that might be a sign or symptom of an invasive species or if you see an invasive species at Buffalo National Park please report this to a park ranger with a description, location, and pictures, if possible.

Invasive species pose significant threats to biodiversity, ecosystems, economies, and human health. Understanding the impacts of invasive species and implementing effective management and control strategies are essential for protecting native biodiversity and maintaining the health and integrity of the variety of ecosystems here within Buffalo National River. By working together and taking proactive measures, we can mitigate the impacts of invasive species and preserve the natural world for future generations.

To learn more about Invasive Species throughout the National Park Service, click here. If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please feel free to contact us.