What are Invasive Alien Species?

Invasive Alien species are species of plants, animals, and micro-organisms introduced by human action outside their natural past or present distribution. Invasive alien species are those harmful alien species whose introduction or spread threatens the environment, the economy, or society, including human health. Invasive alien species can originate from other continents, neighbouring countries, or from other ecosystems within Canada (Environment Canada, 2004 ).

Causes of Invasive Alien Species

According to the World Conservation Union, invasive alien species are the second most significant threat to biodiversity, after habitat loss. In their new ecosystems, invasive alien species become predators, competitors, parasites, hybridizers, and diseases of our native and domesticated plants and animals. The impact of invasive alien species on native ecosystems, habitats and species is severe and often irreversible.

Invasive alien species can result in significant social costs, especially to rural Canadian and Aboriginal communities that remain dependent upon agricultural and natural resources. Introductions can also have significant wildlife and human health dimensions as recently demonstrated with the introduction and spread of West Nile Virus.

 

Impacts from Invasive Alien Species

The introduction and spread of Invasive Alien Species is affecting Canada’s environment, economy, and society, including human health. The current threats posed by existing and potential invasive alien species are significant and are growing at an alarming rate. The need for Canada to take measures to address invasive alien species and protect and conserve Canada’s natural resources and associated industries as well as the health of wildlife and humans, is essential. We in New Brunswick need to work together, hand in hand to reduce the introduction of invasive species in our provinvce. All this can be achieved from your help Please, You Can Help! for more details.

Tackling the Problem

Prevention is the most cost-efficient and effective method against invasive alien species. Halting the establishment of potentially invasive species in the first place is the first line of defense. Governments conduct customs checks, inspect shipments, conduct risk assessments and set quarantine regulations to try to limit the entry of invasive species. However, global inspection and risk analysis capacity is usually not sufficient.

It is also important to develop economic tools and incentives for the prevention of introductions, and to educate the general public and raise awareness so that informed decisions can be made about how to limit introductions and their spread. Invasive alien species are a global issue that requires collaboration among governments, economic sectors and non-governmental and international organizations. Individuals also have a large part to play, including policymakers, consumers, horticulturalists, landowners, educators, youth and recreationists. Please check You Can Help for More Details!

 

A Field Guide to 12 Invasive Plants of Concern in New Brunswick

Download Now!