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National Invasive Species Information Center
U.S. Department of Agriculture
  1. Home
  2. Terrestrial Invasives
  3. Terrestrial Vertebrates

Terrestrial Vertebrates

Terrestrial (land-dwelling) Invasive Vertebrates are non-native members of the subphylum Vertebrata (animals with a backbone) who spend the majority of their lives on land. While terrestrial vertebrates form a minor proportion of all invasive species, their impacts are often disproportionately high. Terrestrial invasive vertebrates primarily include reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Citations:

  • Allaby, Michael. 2014. "Vertebrata." In: A Dictionary of Zoology (4th ed). Oxford University Press.
  • Parkes, J.P and G. Nugent. 2009. "Management of terrestrial vertebrate pests." In: Invasive Species Management: A Handbook of Principles and Techniques. Clout, M.N. and P.A. Williams, eds. Oxford University Press.   
  • Witmer, G.W., P.W. Burke, W.C. Pitt, and M.L. Avery. 2007. Management of invasive vertebrates in the United States: an overview. Managing Vertebrate Invasive Species: Proceedings of an International Symposium 56.

Species Information Disclaimer

NISIC provides general information about species considered to be invasive and our information does not have any regulatory implications. There are more than 6,500 invasive species established across the United States. The large numbers of invasive species prevent us from maintaining detailed information on all invasive species. In addition, determining the invasiveness of a species depends on a number of local factors, including type of habitat. The species profiles included on NISIC's site are intended to be an educational resource and should not be considered to be an official list of invasive species by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.