Exotic and Invasive Alien Species in Newfoundland and Labrador
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EXOTIC SPECIES: For More Information: Exotic and Invasive Alien Species Plants, animals and micromicro----organismsorganisms in Newfoundland and Labrador existing in habitats beyond their natural distribution. Their introduction is Department of Environment and usually caused by humans or human Conservation activities but most do not become Wildlife Division Newfoundland and Labrador is home to tens of invasive. Exotic species are also referred to Endangered Species and Biodiversity thousands of animals, plants, and other organisms. as introduced, nonnon----native,native, alien and nonnon---- Phone: (709) 637-2026 Together, these species create the unique indigenous species. www.gov.nl.ca/ environment and diverse habitats of the province. INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES: However, intentionally or accidentally, exotic Botanical Gardens of Memorial University species have been introduced to the province. Harmful exotic species whose Memorial University of Newfoundland and While most exotics may have little or no impact on introduction or spread threatens the Labrador Cabbage White, S. Pardy Moores local ecosystems, some species may become environment, economy, or society, Phone: (709) 737-8590 www.mun.ca/botgarden invasive. including human health. PATHWAYS OF INTRODUCTION: Exotic and Canadian Biodiversity Network The activity, most commonly human, www.cbin.ec.gc.ca that provides the opportunity for species to establish in new habitats. Wild Species 2005 Invasive Alien www.wildspecies.ca THREATS: IAS Concepts, Terms & Context, CAB The potential negative outcomes to a http://www.cabi.org/ias_ctc.asp?Heading=Terms Species in habitat or species after the introduction of an exotic species. Threats include IUCN 100 of the World’s Worst Invasive Alien Species biodiversity loss, introduction of www.issg.org/database Newfoundland Snowshoe Hare Coltsfoot predators, and loss of food source. Environment Canada, Invasive Alien Partnership J. Brazil J. Brazil Program: http://www.cbin.ec.gc.ca/issues/ias_iaspp.cfm BIODIVERSITY: and Labrador The variability among living organisms from all sources including, terrestrial, The most significant threat to an ecosystem marine and other aquatic following the introduction of an invasive alien ecosystems and the ecological complexes of species is the loss of native biodiversity. There is a which they are part; this includes direct relationship between an ecosystems diversity within species, between species biodiversity and its ability to respond and adapt to change. Therefore, any change in ecosystem and of ecosystems. dynamics, including the loss of species, may ultimately cause a decrease in the systems stability. Continued sustainable use of our natural resources requires us to maintain biodiversity. Changes made to ecosystems by invasive alien species could Funding Provided By: potentially lead to negative social, cultural, and economic impacts. Red Squirrel Meadow (Canada) Thistle J. Brazil MUN Botanical Gardens Starling, M. Rodrigues-Wright Some Exotic Species Found in How To Prevent the Introduction Of Examples of Invasive Alien Newfoundland and Labrador Exotic Species Species in Newfoundland and Labrador Always check with the appropriate WWherehere in the province they have been introduced Newfoundland and Labrador government Species Balsam Woolly Adelgid, agencies to ensure that a permit is not required to =Newfoundland =Newfoundland =Labrador Adelges piceae Ratz & Labrador import the species that you are transporting. IntroducedIntroducedIntroduced 1910 Three most common pathways of introduction: Purple loosestrife Green Frog Vertebrates J. Brazil J. Brazil Where First introduced to Nova Scotia but spread accidentally Balsam Woolly TradeTradeTrade through the import of infected plants. Deer Mouse Muskox Adelgid, • Purchases or the packing materials could be Wikipedia Eastern Chipmunk Norway Rat ThreatsThreatsThreats Can kill balsam fir trees, harmful to the native environment. For Learn which may lead to habitat destruction. Green Frog Northern Bank Vole example, the brown spruce longhorn beetle arrived in Nova Scotia from Europe or Asia on House Mouse Rock Dove • Know the law. Current provincial legislation SpeciesSpeciesSpecies Mink, Mustela vison wooden packing materials used in exporting House Sparrow Ruffed Grouse prohibits the introduction of any wild animal goods. without prior permission. IntroducedIntroducedIntroduced 1935-1937 Lake Whitefish Southern Red- WhereWhereWhere St. John’s and Springdale, Masked Shrew Backed Vole • Purchases of living things or their by-products, • Become familiar with local species so you know for the development of fur farming, Mink Spruce Grouse from out of the province may lead to American Mink, what is native and what may be an exotic. escapees established themselves Mink Frog Wood Frog unintentional introductions of invasive alien in the wild. E. Schuettler Moose American Toad species. Several of the exotic lady bug species Followed by an intentional release present in the province were introduced of 31 animals by the government in 1948 Red Squirrel Snowshoe Hare intentionally as biological controls. These exotic Threats Very strong competitor, can have large species may out compete native species impact on prey populations, including bird, rabbits and Invertebrates Inform aquatic life. • Whenever possible buy local plants and pets and Birch Leaf- Fir Coneworm always ask for the source of your purchase. • Educate others about the potential threats SpeciesSpeciesSpecies Brown Trout, Salmo trutta Mining Sawfly Long Horned associated with introducing non-native species. Cabbage White Beetles TravelTravelTravel IntroducedIntroducedIntroduced 1884, stocking Species can travel along with you when you Notify Wildlife Officials of potentially new Brown Trout, Government • • continued until the late 1930’s of Newfoundland and Butterfly Multicolored travel into or around the province. introductions to an area. Labrador Centipedes Asian Lady Beetle WhereWhereWhere Avalon Peninsula, NL European Earwig Water Scavenger • Think about what might be hitching a ride on your ThreatsThreatsThreats Out competes native Brook Trout for habitat, European Skipper Beetle vehicle, boat or even your shoes. Take the time and has the potential to negatively impact native to rinse off recreation vehicles, automobiles, and salmon populations through competition and Monitor intermixing. outdoor equipment. The movement of Plants recreational vehicles through the Great Lakes • Be on the lookout for non-native species. has contributed to the spread of the Zebra SpeciesSpeciesSpecies Starling, Sturnus vulgaris Black Knapweed St. John’s Wort Mussel around that region. Participate in local and community monitoring • IntroducedIntroducedIntroduced 1890 Canada Thistle Wild Chervil projects, such as the Butterfly Monitoring TourismTourismTourism Goutweed Colts Foot Program Do not bring home living souvenirs—even WhereWhereWhere New York City and spread Purple Loosestrife Yellow Iris • (www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/wildlife/biodiversity/biodiversitymon.htm) all over North America seemingly harmless gifts such as fruits and Starling, M. Rodrigues- and the Eyes Across the Province Program Wright Japanese Knotweed Sea Buckthorn plants may be or carry potentially harmful (www.mun.ca/botgarden) ThreatsThreatsThreats Displaces native invasive insects and disease. birds by taking over nesting sites. *Please note this is not an inclusive list of all exotics in Newfoundland and Labrador .