What is an invasive species?
An invasive species is a species that spreads to an area where it does not occur naturally, and causes harm to the local ecosystem, economy or human health. Invasive species can be plants, animals, fungi, or microorganisms, and they can spread to new areas as a result of human activities such as trade, tourism, or agriculture.
Effects of invasive species
Invasive species can cause many types of harm:
- Ecological effects: Invasive species can displace native species by competing with them for resources such as food and habitat. They can also change the structure and functioning of the ecosystem, for example by affecting food chains or changing the composition of the soil.
- Economic effects: Invasive species can cause significant economic losses in, for example, agriculture, forestry and fishing. They can also increase the costs associated with their control and management.
- Health effects: Some invasive species can spread diseases or cause allergies and other health problems in humans and animals.
Examples of invasive species
The following are some examples of known invasive species:
- Rose rose (Rosa rugosa): This species, brought to Finland as an ornamental plant, has spread widely to the coast and archipelago, where it displaces native plant species and changes habitats.
- Supikoi (Nyctereutes procyonoides): Originally from Asia, the supikoi has spread to Finland from Russia. It is an effective predator and can negatively affect local bird populations.
- Giant balsam (Impatiens glandulifera): This fast-spreading plant suppresses native plant species and can cause erosion along riverbanks and other wet areas.
Combat and control
Controlling and managing invasive species is a complex and often expensive process. It can include various methods such as:
- Physical methods: These include, for example, uprooting plants, trapping animals and mechanical removal.
- Chemical methods: The use of pesticides can be effective, but it can also cause harm to other species and the environment.
- Biological methods: These use natural enemies such as predators, parasites or pathogens to control invasive species.
It is important that measures related to the control and management of invasive species are carefully planned and implemented in a coordinated manner so that they are as efficient and environmentally friendly as possible.
Additional information about invasive species and their control can be found, for example, at Natural Resources Center and From the website of the Ministry of the Environment.
