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 Definitions used in the Exotic species database.

Exotic Species: An exotic species is one that was introduced into Florida by human activity and is free-ranging in an area to which it was not native in pre-Columbian times. A species is included in this database if it has been confirmed breeding in the wild in any Florida county at least once or observed, but not breeding in the wild, in at least three counties.

Estimated Range:  The number of counties may be a judgment call for some species.  If the species has only been reported from scattered counties but has good dispersal capabilities and has been established in Florida for awhile, those intervening counties where it has not been documented (if suitable habitat exists) are included.  If the species has limited dispersal capabilities and tends to remain in the vicinity of its point of introduction, only those counties where it has been recorded are included.  Statewide range is considered all 67 counties.  If the species was indicated to have a statewide range, the species will appear in each county when searches are conducted by county.

  Click here for the counties in each of of the Commission regions.

Breeding status:   The following are the possible breeding status recorded.

Status Definition
At least 10 Years Reported breeding in the wild in Florida for at least 10 years, but not necessarily in consecutive years. Does not indicate that species is currently breeding in Florida; records may be old and sporadic.
Less than 10 Years Recorded breeding for less than 10 years
Not reported breeding No records found confirming breeding in the wild in Florida.

Established status. Established refers to whether the exotic wildlife is breeding and self-sustaining. The following are the possible established status recorded.

Status Definition
Established            Populations are confirmed breeding and apparently self-sustaining for 10 or more consecutive years.
Potentially Established  Species are present and breeding but for less than 10 years.
Present but not established Species are present but not confirmed to be breeding. Population persists only with repeated introductions and/or escapes of individuals.
Unknown  Species have populations whose status is unknown.
Extirpated            Species were formally present in Florida, but are no longer present.