Invasive species

Invasive species are species that are not originally part of a habitat and that have been introduced to a habitat by mankind either intentionally or unintentionally through natural channels such as oceans.

If invasive species thrive in their new environment and multiply easily, they can threaten biodiversity in the original ecosystem. Invasive species adversely affect native species by competing with them, crossbreeding or hunting. This may affect the entire ecosystem.

Invasive species should always be handled with care. This is also required by the Nature Conservation Act, which stipulates that species that may adversely affect ecosystems must not be introduced to ecosystems. This concerns both home gardens and commercial gardens.

The goal of the national Finnish invasive species strategy (Finnish Government decision 15 March 2012) is to prevent damage caused by hazardous invasive species and their risks to Finnish nature, sustainable utilization of natural resources, industrial sectors, society and human wellbeing.

The removal and control of invasive species of flora or fauna can be difficult if the species spread or multiply effectively. It is far easier to prevent the introduction of invasive species to ecosystems.

Report an invasive species on the Web

You can report an invasive species observation on the online service www.vieraslajit.fi. The invasive species reported by citizens and researchers expand the data bank that can be used to find out, for example, the distribution of an invasive species.

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02.04.2020 13:20