The greatest threat caused by non-native plants and animals is that they can invade Florida's natural communities and displace native species. This can result in a change in the original composition of an ecosystem, threatening the survival of native plant and animal populations. When invasive exotic plants takes over, choking out native vegetation, they can eliminate a significant food source for native animals. The Ridge's dry upland habitats are generally resistant to invasive exotics. Exotic species on the Ridge that are considered pests include: feral hogs, torpedo grass, rosary pea, cogon grass, and air potato, among others.
For millions of years lightning fires swept across the Florida landscape and Plants and animals came to depend upon these fires for renewed vigor. Because of the danger to life and property, humans have extinguished natural fires. Land managers are now trying to restore fire through prescribed burns. Prescribed burns also reduce the threat of devastating wildfires.
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