Invasive Species are non-native species of animals, plants, and/or pathogens whose introduction causes economic or environmental harm in their newly acquired ecosystem. Their economic damage can cause a loss of millions of dollars. Note: Harm is a function of human values and differs among regions and may also change over time.

Non-indigenous species are species that through human influence, they occur outside of its native range.

Current Status In Texas

To date, more than 800 aquatic and terrestrial species have invaded Texas, and experts predict the trend will continue to increase; especially with the spead of invasive pests like Emerald Ash Borer (since 2016) and pathogens like Citrus Greening (since 2012).  Existing impacts in Texas are in excess of one billion dollars per year. The following realities will only further contribute to Texas' increased exposure and risk: expansion of the Panama Canal resulting in increased usage of Texas ports; increased risk from Mexico as evidenced by USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) decision to increase Mexico's alert level to high; and USDA's potential plans to close its Weslaco, Texas Agriculture Research Service Laboratory, a key facility that has been helping to respond to invasive species.