By Teriza West, Fox23 News
TULSA, Okla. — It’s National Invasive Species Awareness Week and there are several species throughout the State of Oklahoma.
Several conservation and wildlife organizations throughout the state are highlighting the dangers of invasive species, how to prevent them, and what to do if you encounter them.
An invasive species, according to the Oklahoma Conservation Commission, is any non-native species that grows/reproduces rapidly, displaces native species, and causes major disturbances to the places where they’re present.
Some examples include Pasture Mealybug, Feral Hogs, Spotted Lanternfly, and New World Screwworm. In Oklahoma, several species are considered invasive.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) highlighted zebra mussels as one important and risky invasive species.
Zebra mussels take roughly two to three years to significantly populate a body of water and this population increase reduces the amount of food available for native species and can disturb water chemistry.
ODWC says to avoid spreading them, cleaning, draining, and drying your boat(s) before moving to a new body of water is best.
You can report sightings of zebra mussels to ODWC, as well as other invasive species. To do so, click here.
Another species that is invasive in Oklahoma is Chinese Privet, a plant that spreads rapidly and chokes out native species.
The Tulsa Audubon Society shared that this particular plant, alongside other species, endanger the food sources of native birds, bees, and butterflies.
The Audubon Society said removing invasive species such as Chinese Privet, Bradford Pears, and Japanese Honeysuckle from your yard and locally sourcing firewood to prevent the spread of Emerald Ash Borer.
The National Park Service of Oklahoma spotlighted the dangers of invasive species on national parks. From forests and grasslands and rivers, invasive species harm biodiversity and the habitats of already present wildlife.
“These invaders can alter habitats, reduce biodiversity, and threaten native plants and wildlife,” said NPS Oklahoma. “Some were introduced on purpose, others arrived by accident, but all require careful management to protect the natural and cultural resources parks preserve.”
NPS Oklahoma said national parks face the risk of invasive species being introduced daily.
For more information on the National [park Service of Oklahoma, click here.
Okies for Monarchs shared a lesser known invasive species of plant that not only affects Oklahoma but now Kansas.
Pale Swallow-wort, a European relative of milkweed, hinders monarch development. Okies for Monarchs said monarch caterpillars are unable to host-switch with this plant, which reduces their chance for survival.
“What we plant matters,” said Okies for Monarchs. “When monarchs have access to native milkweeds, they choose them. Planting native milkweeds supports monarch reproduction and overall pollinator habitat.”
To view the Kerr Center Guide to Native Milkweeds of Oklahoma, click here.
There are several species that are considered invasive to the State of Oklahoma. See below for updated lists of invasive species, how to prevent them, and what to do if you encounter them:
Broken Arrow’s Ray Harral Nature Center is hosting a live action trail game to help the community learn about invasive species in the state.
From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Feb. 23-27, people can take part in a self-guided game that teaches about invasive species. The game, based on traditional Mexican Loteria, allows players to collect and match clues to accurately fill out their game board.
For more information, click here.
To report an invasive species in Oklahoma, click here.
