Non-Native Species

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Non-native species (also called introduced, alien, or exotic species) are organisms living or growing in an area outside of their original, indigenous range. There are many non-native species in the Los Angeles region. While some arrived on their own, or by natural processes, many have been either intentionally or accidentally introduced (i.e. transported) by humans. 

Not all introduced species are necessarily harmful, but some non-native species are so successful in their new environment that they become invasive. Invasive species are non-native organisms that cause economic or environmental problems due to their uncontrolled population growth and spread. They can have serious impacts on regional biodiversity, agriculture, and other industries.  

We can use species distribution models to depict the vulnerability of different environments to an invasive species. Sometimes, researchers also use models to predict the spread of a species in a new area. This can help conservation planners decide where and how to focus their management efforts. 

Birds

Common Name	Scientific Name
Red-crowned parrot	Amazona viridigenalis
Yellow-chevroned parakeet	Brotogeris chiriri
Yellow-headed parrot	Amazona oratrix

Insects

Common Name	Scientific Name
Invasive shot-hole borer	Euwallacea nr. fornicatus

Mammals

Common Name	Scientific Name
Eastern fox squirrel	Sciurus niger

Plants

Common Name	Scientific Name
Black mustard	Brassica nigra
Fountain grass	Pennisetum setaceum
Giant reed	Arundo donax

Reptiles and Amphibians

Common Name	Scientific Name
American bullfrog	Lithobates catesbeianus