How do invasive species disrupt wetland ecosystems?

Invasive species disrupt wetland ecosystems by establishing populations that outcompete native organisms for essential resources like food, living space, and nutrients. Because these nonnative species often lack natural predators in their new environment, they can thrive and spread rapidly, leading to a significant reduction in biodiversity.1

The ecological impact manifests in several ways:
* Habitat Alteration: Invasive plants, such as the purple loosestrife, can overrun vast areas, replacing diverse native vegetation with monocultures. Similarly, species like the giant sensitive tree form dense thickets that are unpalatable to native wildlife.23
* Predation and Population Decline: Invasive predators can decimate local populations. For example, the Burmese python has significantly reduced mammal populations in the Florida Everglades.3
* Disease Transmission: Invasive organisms may act as vectors for pathogens and parasites, further threatening the health of native species.1

Ultimately, these disruptions can force the localized extinction of native species, fundamentally altering the structure and function of the wetland ecosystem.1