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1.1 Impacts of Exotic Plants and Animals

· Exotic plants and animals have had a documented impact on forest wildlife and habitats. Exotic species threaten the survival of some sensitive wildlife species.

· Some forest wildlife species have benefited from exotic species, but indiscriminant use of exotic species for wildlife management purposes in the past has led to serious problems.

· Of the exotic species introduced into this country, only 4 to 19 percent have caused great harm. Another 6 to 53 percent have neutral or as yet undetermined effects.

· Approximately 42 percent of species that are listed in the United States as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act are at risk because of competition with or predation by exotic species.

· More effective programs for preventing the introduction, establishment and spread of exotic species are needed. Protection and recovery of native species and ecosystems should be included as a goal in programs for control and management of exotic species.