Nonindigenous pests -- Geographical distribution

The Brazilian pepper tree (BP, Schinus terebinthifolius), introduced to the United States
in the 1800s, has since become a category one invasive plant in Florida, aggressively
spreading to 3000 km2 of prime habitat. There is a serious dearth of knowledge on
whether the rhizobiome plays any roles in the displacement of native flora and the range
expansion of BP. This thesis discusses the well-established plant invasion mechanisms of
the BP and highlights key emerging mechanisms and gaps in (a) the current
understanding of the molecular, below-ground processes of BP invasion and (b) studies
on the potential role of microbial interactions in the success of BP invasion already
established for other select invasive species, and the intervention of soil metagenomic
studies to elucidate plant invasive mechanisms. These poorly studied mechanisms could further explain the aggressive spread and resilience of BP and contribute significantly to
the development of effective and sustainable control measures, enabling appropriate
strategies for restoring native plants.

The Argentine black and white tegu, Salvator merianae, is a nonnative species that has invaded parts of Florida. The potential impacts of this species on native Florida wildlife are not yet known. This study looks at the stomach contents of 169 S. merianae captured between 2011 and 2013 in south Florida to infer potential impacts of S. merianae and spatial or seasonal shifts in diet. Analysis of 169 GI tracts showed that S. merianae is an omnivorous, terrestrial forager with a broad dietary range which includes insects, fruits, plants, snails, crayfish, carrion, birds, small mammals, turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs and eggs. S. merianae diet composition varied with capture habitat, the fattest tegus were collected from disturbed/agricultural areas and these samples contained, primarily, gastropods and insects. Tegu dietary habits threaten local endangered and state listed species such as the American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, and the Cape Sable seaside sparrow, Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis. Dedicated funds and efforts need to be focused on this species to limit its further spread and future impact on native species.