Invasive exotic species like the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta) and kudzu (Pueraria lobata) pose threats to ecosystem health, biodiversity, and human well-being (Ricciardi, et al. 2000). In addition to displacing indigenous species, invasive exotics can result in economic losses totalling more than $138 billion per year throughout the United States (Pimentel, et al. 1999). Pimental, et al. (1999) state that nearly half of the Threatened and Endangered species in the U.S. are at risk because of introduced species.

Pimentel, D., L. Lach, R.Zuniga, and D. Morrison. 1999. Environmental and economic costs associated with non-indigenous species in the United States. www.news.cornell.edu. Cornell University, Ithaca, NY.
Ricciardi, A., W.W.M. Steiner, R.N. Mack, and D. Simberloff. 2000. Toward a global information system for invasive species. Bioscience:50(3)239-244.

Follow the links below for video footage of some of Tennessee's problematic exotic species