Invasive species are regarded as the second greatest threat to biodiversity. For World Wildlife Day on March 3, we’re urging Canadians to take steps to prevent the spread of invasive species.
Invasive species establish in ecosystems outside of their native range, often where they lack natural predators. As they spread, these species kill and crowd out native species and devastate their habitats. As of 2024, there are 855 wildlife species at risk in Canada, and invasive species are often a significant contributing factor to their decline.
Many of these vulnerable species, such as American ginseng, are both culturally and ecologically significant. American ginseng plays a key role in the biodiversity of deciduous woodlands and has long been used in traditional medicine by Indigenous Peoples. However, it is increasingly threatened by garlic mustard, buckthorn, dog-strangling vine, and other aggressive invasive plants. World Wildlife Day 2026 highlights the vital role of medicinal and aromatic plants such as American ginseng in sustaining health, cultural heritage, and local livelihoods.
Across Canada, invasive species are increasing pressure on native plants and animals that are already vulnerable. Healthy, biodiverse ecosystems support the wetlands and forests that wildlife and communities depend on. Preventing the spread of invasive species is one of the most important actions we can take to protect biodiversity and safeguard species at risk.
World Wildlife Day is an opportunity to learn more on how to prevent the spread of invasive species and support biodiversity. Here are four ways Canadians can prevent the spread of invasive species in their communities and local ecosystems.
1. Do not purchase invasive species for your gardens, ponds, aquariums, or as pets.
Invasive species can be introduced into natural ecosystems intentionally or accidentally from homes or businesses. To prevent this, choose native plants, research pets you may want to bring into your home to ensure you can properly care for them throughout their lifespan, and never release unwanted pets or aquatic or terrestrial plants into nature. There are regulations in several provinces, as well as federal regulations against releasing invasive species that could lead to penalties if not followed.
2. Report sightings of invasive species to Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 (Ontario) or EDDMaps.org (nation-wide).
Reports help with early detection and response, which are especially important to successfully managing an invasive species.
3. Clean, Drain, and Dry your watercraft.
Some species can easily stick onto boat trailers, motors, or transducers. They could also be present in any lake water in the boat like bait buckets, live wells, and the bilge. These species can travel with you when you move your boat over land to a new waterbody and establish themselves. In Ontario, it’s the law to Clean, Drain, and Dry your watercraft.
4. Don’t move firewood.
Burning firewood in the same location where it was purchased is one of the surest ways to avoid spreading any invasive insects. The rule of thumb is to avoid travelling more than 15km outside of the area where you are planning to burn the firewood.
Community members can access resources to combat the impacts of invasive species by visiting www.invasivespeciescentre.ca/resources.
