Author: Heather Kharouba, Associate Professor of Ecology, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa

Invasive species are often looked upon with suspicion. From non-native “weeds” to insects and aquatic invaders, introduced (or non-native) species continue to be misunderstood — and consequently often mismanaged. Stated plainly, the vast majority of intentionally or unintentionally introduced species are not a threat to native ecosystems. Governments and conservation organizations spend an enormous amount of their time and funding targeting the control of invasive species. Yet, most introduced species removal efforts are ineffective, time-consuming and usually unsuccessful in the long term. Certainly, some invasive species — such as the zebra mussel or the emerald ash borer — can pose…