Kentucky Exotic Flora and Fauna

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About Kentucky Exotic Flora and Fauna

Invasive exotic species are introduced species or non-indigenous species that are rapidly expanding outside of their native range. A species is regarded as invasive if it:

(1) has been introduced by human action to a location where it did not previously occur naturally,
(2) becomes capable of establishing a breeding population in the new location without further intervention by humans, and
(3) spreads widely throughout the new location.

In simple terms, an invader has to (1) arrive, (2) survive, and (3) thrive.

Invasive exotic species can upset the balance of an ecosystem by out-competing and displacing natives.

This group is for postings of invasive flora and fauna that have been photographed in and around Kentucky, USA. Please tag your photo with location and species, if known. If not known, we will try to help with ID. Many of these species are very photogenic, if not beautiful, which is sometimes a reason for their importation to our region (e.g., garden flowers).


Be careful what you sow: Kentucky's Least Wanted Plants, by the Kentucky Exotic Pest Council