Invasive vs. Non-Native: What’s the Difference?
- Iguana Mama
- Aug 25
- 2 min read
When people hear me talk about iguanas, one of the first questions I get is:“Are iguanas just non-native, or are they invasive?”
It might sound like splitting hairs, but the difference is important. Not every non-native species is harmful, but invasive species always cause problems—for ecosystems, property, and people.
What is a Non-Native Species?
A non-native species (also called exotic, introduced, or alien) is any plant or animal that humans brought, intentionally or accidentally, outside of its natural range.
🌱 Examples of non-native species in Florida:
Orchids from Asia – popular in landscaping, but not harmful to the environment.
Mango trees – delicious fruit, but not native to Florida.
Parrots – some escape from the pet trade and live in the wild, but they don’t usually disrupt local ecosystems.
👉 The key point: Non-native species can live in balance with their new environment. They don’t always cause harm.
What Makes a Species Invasive?
An invasive species is a non-native species that goes a step further:
It reproduces and spreads quickly.
It outcompetes local species for food, shelter, or space.
It causes ecological, economic, or even health damage.
In Florida, invasive species thrive because of our warm climate, abundant food sources, and lack of natural predators.
🐍 Examples of invasive species in Florida:
Burmese Pythons – released pets that now dominate the Everglades, wiping out native mammals.
Lionfish – an aquarium release that has spread through Florida’s reefs, eating huge numbers of juvenile fish and upsetting marine food chains.
Cane Toads – highly toxic amphibians that kill pets and native wildlife if eaten.
Green Iguanas – which erode seawalls, damage sidewalks, devour landscaping, and compete with native species.
Why Iguanas Are a Problem
Green iguanas are non-native because they originally came from Central and South America. But here in South Florida, they’ve crossed into invasive territory:
Property damage: They burrow into seawalls, sidewalks, and foundations.
Ecosystem impact: They devour native plants, bird eggs, and flowers that pollinators depend on.
Human conflict: Their droppings create sanitation issues and can carry Salmonella.
Left unchecked, a few iguanas can turn into a full-blown colony in just a few breeding seasons. That’s why Florida classifies them as invasive and encourages homeowners to control populations.
Why the Difference Matters
Understanding the terms helps homeowners know when to take action.
A non-native mango tree? Enjoy the fruit, no harm done.
A non-native orchid? Beautiful, not destructive.
An invasive iguana colony? Time to act before they cause thousands of dollars in damage.
Iguana Mama’s Mission
As a licensed iguana removal specialist, my job is to help communities manage invasive iguanas responsibly. But I also believe education is just as important as removal. The more Floridians understand the difference between non-native and invasive, the better we can protect our homes, our neighborhoods, and Florida’s fragile ecosystems.
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