Invasive Species of South Carolina Mystery Cache

Invasive Species of South Carolina 

*The cache is not at the posted coordinates*

*This cache has been placed by permission of the land manager of Sumter National Forest- Long Cane Ranger District.  Please practice Leave No Trace ethics by being respectful to the area and please do not bushwhack! Have fun and remember to bring a pen!

Invasive species are non-native organisms that thrive in areas where they do not live naturally and cause or potentially cause harm to habitats by competing with native organisms and threatening biodiversity. Not all non-native species are considered invasive. For example, in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) are non-native but not regarded as invasive. However, blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) and northern snakeheads (Channa Argus) are considered invasive due to their negative impact on native species. Human activities are responsible for most introductions of invasive species into habitats. Like several other regions, South Carolina has several invasive plant and animal species. The following quiz will focus on some of the invasive animal species found in South Carolina:

1. As of 2022, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources estimates that there are as many as 144,000 wild hogs (Sus scrofa) in South Carolina with established populations in every county. Wild hogs are problematic due to competing with native species such as whitetail deer (Odocoileus Virginian) and turkeys (Melegris gallopavo) for food and habitat, causing erosion and water quality issues by rooting the ground looking for food, and their negative impact on the timber industry due to their consumption of newly planted seedlings. The first wild hogs were introduced in the Southeast by which of the following civilizations?

P. Spanish

I. English

G. French

S. Portuguese 

2. Red imported fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are not native to North America and were first introduced in the 1930s through the port of Mobile, Alabama. Since then, they have spread throughout much of the Southern United States. Red imported fire ants are problematic due to outcompeting and preying on native insects, reducing crop yields due to feeding on new growth, and posing a health threat to humans. What continent did red imported fire ants originate from? 

B. Africa

I. Asia

T. Europe

E. South America 

3. Flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) is a predatory fish that is native to the Ohio, Mississippi, and Missouri River basins. Flathead catfish were introduced in South Carolina in the 1960s and now inhabit the Pee Dee, Santee, Edisto, and Savannah River basins. These catfish are top predators and negatively impact the populations of native fish species. What prized gamefish species has greatly declined in the Edisto River due to the spread of Flathead catfish? 

F. Bowfin (Amia calva) 

I. Largemouth bass  (Micropterus salmoides)

S. Redbreast sunfish (Lepomis auritus)

H. Longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus)

4. Asian long-horned beetles (Anoplophora glabripennis) are native to Korea and Southern China. They are spread to new areas through shipping crates, wood-packing materials, and firewood. These beetles burrow inside of trees and chew their way out once they are fully grown. This results in holes that weaken the wood and contribute to tree mortality. Asian long-horned beetles were first detected in Charleston County. As of 2022, nearly 4,000 infested trees have been identified in that county. What area of Charleston County were Asian long-horned beetles first identified? 

T. Hollywood

R. North Charleston 

E. West Ashley 

E. Folly Beach 

You can validate your puzzle solution with certitude.