Why are invasive alien species a problem?
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. It takes the right conditions for an alien species to become established and grow. In fact, most introduced species do not become permanently established in their newly found environment. They either find the wrong type of conditions for survival, or there they are unable to produce enough offspring to maintain a viable population. For those species that are able to reproduce and survive, most never cause significant problems. They survive, spread and reproduce but generally do not pose a risk to Canada’s economy, environment or society. Some introduced species however, are able to thrive and even flourish at their new location. They have the right biological properties that allow t
