Invasive Species in Colombia: The Animals and Plants Threatening Native Biodiversity

Colombia's biodiversity is threatened by invasive species introduced from outside their natural ranges. The official list includes a range of plants and animals, such as the South American water plant, European shrubs, lionfish, African snail, red crayfish, and hippopotamus. The national list, published in September 2025, contains 26 taxonomic records, with six plants and 20 other species. The list was updated in 2023 to include the Egyptian goose, princess tree, and red swamp crayfish.

Some invasive plants, like the spiny broom and smooth broom, form dense populations that alter growth conditions for native species, making it difficult for them to compete. The water hyacinth is another invasive aquatic plant that can spread across water bodies, competing with native vegetation and posing threats to aquatic ecosystems and human activities.

Invasive fish species like the lionfish and red swamp crayfish also pose challenges. The lionfish, a voracious predator, feeds on reef fish and other organisms, threatening native marine life in the Caribbean. The red swamp crayfish alters food webs and displaces native fish, crustaceans, and amphibians in Colombian aquatic ecosystems.

Terrestrial invasive species, such as the giant African snail and hippopotamus, also pose threats. The snail damages crops and local ecosystems and carries parasites that pose health risks to humans. The hippopotamus, while large and visible, has grown in population in the Magdalena River basin and is included in the national invasive species list since 2022.

Colombia's biodiversity authorities emphasize that early detection and prevention are crucial in managing invasive species. Once established, controlling an invasion can be difficult or impossible. The list extends beyond official records, with over 1,900 exotic taxa currently present in Colombia, requiring ongoing monitoring to identify future ecological threats.