Exotic species are identified as species of plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms that are introduced to new geographic areas where they do not naturally occur. Invasive species are those exotics that establish reproducing populations that spread throughout the new area, where they may cause ecological, economic, or social harm. Most invasive species are spread through pathways of invasion - human activities that result in intentional or unintentional movement and introduction of species to new areas.

The CSWGCIN region includes many different introduction pathways. It is also home to a diverse array of ecosystems ranging from humid, semi-tropical coastal habitats to bottomland forests, arid deserts and mountains. These combined factors lead to a large number of invasive species being found in the CSWGCIN region.

The CSWGCIN Regional Invasive Species Database provides information describing over 250 invasive species found in the CSWGCIN region:

• Introduction pathways
• Photographs
• Species fact sheets
• Taxonomic information provided by the USDA Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) and
• Bibliographic citations

1. Click on the map to choose a state in the CSWGCIN region or choose a taxonomic kingdom from the dropdown list above the map.

2. Choose a species from the list generated to the right. Species may be browsed alphabetically. This will generate information in the portlets below.

3. You may click on a fact sheet or images to find more information.

4. The bibliographic information may be expanded by clicking on the arrow.