Tag: Invasion Science Institute

This water hyacinth is considered an invasive aquatic plant in Florida. petals are light lavender with lush green leaves.

Want to avoid planting invasives in your yard? Check this UF/IFAS website first

by Lourdes Mederos
February 24, 2026

Highlights Ever wonder whether the plants you choose for your yard, especially non-native ones, might harm Florida’s natural areas? The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) offers a free website ... READ MORE

Category: Blog Community, Home Landscapes, Horticulture, Invasive Species, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research, Wildlife
Tags: Agriculture, Archive, Biodiversity, Conservation, Detection, Floridians, Invasion Science, Invasion Science Institute, Invasive Plants, Invasive Species, ISI, Luke Flory, Master Gardener Volunteer, Natural Areas, News, Non-native Plants, Ports, Ports Of Entry, Risk, Safeguard Ecosystems, Seokmin Kim, UF-IFAS, UF/IFAS Assessment Of Non-Native Plants In Florida's Natural Areas, Wildlife
A field of cogongrass - ubiquitous in a field.

Can invasive plants increase tick exposure risk? Scientists reveal a surprising link to human health

by Lourdes Mederos
November 12, 2025

An invasive grass found on almost every continent and considered a pest in 73 countries isn’t just weeding out native plants, it is creating a haven for disease-carrying ticks and raising public health risk concerns. A new University of ... READ MORE

Category: Agriculture, , Conservation, Crops, Florida-Friendly Landscaping, Health & Nutrition, Home Landscapes, Invasive Species, Lawn, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS Research, Wildlife
Tags: Agronomy Department, Ask IFAS, Cogongrass, Conservation Efforts, Disease, Drew Hiatt, Entomology And Nematology, Forest, Health, Human, Institute Of Food And Agricultural Sciences, Invasion Science, Invasion Science Institute, Invasive Species, Lakeland, Lime Disease, Luke Flory, Mosquito, News, Rick, Southeast United States, Tick-borne, U.S> Forestry Service, UF, UF-IFAS, University Of Florida
A close look at a female panther chameleon_ photo by Natalie Claunch

Scaring neighbors and causing community tension: Study uncovers cost of invasive chameleons

by Lourdes Mederos
July 22, 2025

When exotic chameleons creep into a suburban Florida neighborhood, they bring more than their color-changing charm. They can also spark confusion, curiosity and social chaos. A new study by scientists at the University of Florida Institute ... READ MORE

Category: , Conservation, Forests, Invasive Species, Pests & Disease, Pests & Disease, SFYL Hot Topic, UF/IFAS, UF/IFAS Research, Wildlife
Tags: Central Florida, Chameleon, Diane Sturgeon, Exotic Pet Market, IFAS, Invasion Science Institute, Invasive Reptiles, Invasive Species, Invasive Species Management, Lourdes Mederos, News, Non-native Species, Orange County, Panther Chameleon, Public, Residential Neighborhood, Societal Effects, Society, Species, Species Introduction, Stakeholders, UF/IFAS Wildlife Ecology And Conservation, University Of Florida, Warm Climate, Wildlife Managers, Wildlife Trade

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