What is an Invasive Species?
Invasive species are non-native species that cause harm to the environment, economy, or human health once they become established in a new area. Invasive species are most often transported to new areas by human activity, moving large distances to new ecosystems where native animals, plants, and communities are not used to dealing with their negative impacts. They can also be moved around by natural means like wind, water, and animals.
What are their traits?
Invasive species tend to be generalists, which means they aren’t too picky about where they live and therefore have an advantage over native species. Many invasive plants are fast-growing and can reproduce by multiple means like seed production, fragmentation, and rhizomes. Some invasive species release chemicals that harm surrounding vegetation, and native animals often don’t recognize invasive plants and animals as potential food sources. Once established, some invasive species can completely overtake their natural environment, leaving little resources for native plants and wildlife.
What are their impacts?
Environmental
- Biodiversity loss: Habitat degradation and the loss of native animal and plant species
- Ecosystem disruptions like altered food webs, nutrient cycles, and pollination
Economic
- Impacts to the value of agriculture, forestry, and tourism due to direct loses of valued habitat and increased management costs
- Invasive species impact infrastructure like roads, water systems, and utilities
Human Health
- Some invasive species can directly harm human health causing allergies or rashes
- Can create conditions that promote the spread of parasites or other nuisance species like mosquitos and ticks
Can we learn to live with invasive species?
The Adirondack PRISM comprises an area that’s more than 6 million acres, and it is unique in that it is one of the least invaded landscapes in the United States. Adapting to the presence of invasive species that are already here is something we all must be willing to do as they continue to spread to new areas, but it is essential to do everything we can to keep invasive species from spreading by using simple spread prevention measures like Play Clean Go and Clean, Drain, Dry. It is also important to document where invasive species are so we can better understand them. APIPP runs two volunteer programs—Forest Pest Hunters and Lake Protectors—and we also work to empower landowners and professionals to manage invasive species on private property. We are always looking for volunteers, so please consider signing up for one of volunteer programs.
