A preliminary map for Hurricane Helene indicates that 222 nonnative species “had the potential to spread due to storm-related flooding, of which 90 species are considered invasive and likely to spread via flood waters,” said Ian Pfingsten, a USGS one of the scientists who created the maps, in a press release.
The preliminary map for Hurricane Milton indicates 114 possible non-native species had the potential to spread, of which 56 species are considered invasive and likely to spread via flood waters, he added.
Among species of concern that may have been spread by Helene and Milton are the giant applesnail and the Asian swamp eel. Both species can pose a risk to human health as they are known to carry parasites.
The preliminary map for Hurricane Helene also indicates that flathead and blue catfish, a couple of large invasive predators along the coastal plains, had the potential to spread to new areas. Both species have demonstrated major food web effects in areas where they have established themselves, feeding on and competing with native species.
According to Pfingsten, additional species of concern include Cuban treefrogs and alligatorweed. Cuban treefrogs prey on and outcompete native frog species, damage infrastructure, and secrete a noxious chemical that can cause burning in the eyes or nose if a human handles them. Alligatorweed can clog waterways, damage infrastructure, and can lead to stagnant water that supports mosquitos breeding.
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This article appears in Dec 11-17, 2024.