The Problem with Invasive Species

September 20, 2024September 17, 2024 Cottage Country 114 Views animals, biodiversity, biodiversity loss, Bobcaygeon, books, Buckhorn, Canada, Canadian Wildlife Federation and Watersheds Canada, CCC Publications, Communities in Cottage Country, Community, cottage, Cottage Country, Cottage Country Connection, cottage country lifestyle, Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine, Cottage Country Magazine, Cottage Life, degrade habitat, Eurasian Watermilfoil, European Frogbit, fall, family, Fanwort, Fenelon Falls, food webs, Freshwater Conservation Researcher with the Canadian Wildlife Federation, Goldfish, Haliburton, healthy, hike, home, Kawartha Lakes, kawartha magazine, Kawarthas, Kawarthas Magazine, lake, lakefield, lakes, Lifestyle Magazine, Lindsay, living organisms, nature, Ontario, Peterborough, plants, population declines, Purple Loosestrife, Quagga Mussels, Red-eared Sliders, Rusty Crayfish, seeds, Shannon Kunkle, shoreline assessment program, Terri-Lee Reid, The Problem with Invasive Species, Unsplash, water, Water Soldier, weed, Your Lifestyle Magazine, zebra mussels

Invasive species are plants, animals and other living organisms that are not native to a particular area but are still found there because they have been introduced, either intentionally or unintentionally. Invasive species are a serious problem and are one of the greatest threats to biodiversity. In the absence of natural predators, diseases and competitors, invasive species can alter food webs, cause population declines and biodiversity loss, degrade habitat and negatively impact the enjoyment and economic viability of an area. Sadly, we are to blame for the introduction of many of these invasive species. However, we are also in the best position to prevent their introductions!

Once introduced and established, invasive species are difficult and costly to manage or eradicate. To avoid an introduction as much as possible, be sure to:

• Never move or release live baitfish or other fish from one body of water to another.

• Never release aquarium plants, fish or other animals, like turtles, into a natural system.

• Inspect, clean and thoroughly dry all boats, trailers, water skis, scuba gear, fishing gear or other equipment before introducing them to a new water body.

• Plant native species. Buy your plants from a garden centre that focuses on native plants, if possible. Some invasive plants may be sold unknowingly from retailers so be sure to ask questions.

• If camping, buy local firewood rather than bringing your own.

• Clean your boots after a hike to prevent any weed seeds and other possible invaders from hitching a ride to your next location.

• If you see an invasive species you should report it. You can call Ontario’s Invading Species Hotline toll free at 1-800-563-7711 or submit your sighting at eddmaps.org

You can also learn to identify the invasive species in your area. Be careful though, some of our native species closely resemble some unwanted invasives. While there are too many invasive species to list, and an invasive species isn’t invasive everywhere, some common invasive species in and around lakes include:

• Water Soldier

• Eurasian Watermilfoil

• Fanwort

• Rusty Crayfish

• Zebra Mussels

• Red-eared Sliders

• Quagga Mussels

• Goldfish

• Purple Loosestrife

• European Frogbit

Let’s do what we can to prevent the introduction of invasive species to help keep our lakes healthy!

For more information on the Love Your Lake program, visit LoveYourLake.ca. Love Your Lake is a shoreline assessment program developed by the Canadian Wildlife Federation and Watersheds Canada.

Written by Terri-Lee Reid, Freshwater Conservation Researcher with the Canadian Wildlife Federation

Purple plant is Purple Loosestrife –

Photo by Shannon Kunkle on Unsplash

Turtle is Red-eared Slider – Photo by Engin Akyurt

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