By Karen Alexander
Invasive Species are considered one of Canada’s greatest threats to the survival of our wild animal and plant life. These species arrive, often accidentally, and establish in the absence of natural predators. As a result, invasive species kill, crowd out, and devastate native species and their ecosystems.
Invasive plants and animals not only threaten wildlife, woodlands, and waterways, but they cost Canada billions of dollars in losses to forestry, agriculture, fisheries, and other industries affected by their impact.
A recent study found that municipalities and conservation authorities spend an estimated $50.8 million per year on invasive species management in Ontario alone. Economic costs associated with invasive species can include management, research and monitoring, reduced crop yields, job losses, damage to infrastructure, impacts to international trade and tariffs, impacts to ecosystem services, tourism and recreation, and property values.
Economic, environmental, and social costs of invasive species are much lower when funds are allocated to prevention and early detection efforts. Once an invasive species spreads, management is exponentially more expensive and less efficient.
The Essex County Field Naturalists’ Club can help prevent the spread of invasive species and protect Canada’s environment, economy, and social well-being by reporting observations to the Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) Network. The EDRR Network uses a mapping App called EDDMapS (Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System). This is a real-time app that allows citizens across North America to report invasive species in their communities. Click here to learn more about EDDMapS and becoming a citizen scientist.
In January, Karen will present on “Invasive Species: updates and information for Essex County”, and will continue to bring interesting reports on invading species across Canada to Club Members through the new “Invasive Species Spotlight” in the Egret.