Heather Kharouba

Invasive species, from non-native “weeds” to insects and aquatic invaders, introduced (or non-native), continue to be misunderstood — and consequently often mismanaged. Stated plainly, the vast majority of 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. Some invasive species — such as the emerald ash borer — can pose a threat and efforts to control their spread are worthwhile. However, the vast majority of introduced species pose no danger and in some cases can even provide new benefits. Simply put, an over-fixation on demonizing “invasive” species, and controlling their spread, is ultimately futile and limits our understanding. …Increasing evidence suggests that some introduced species may even be more likely to adapt to certain climate extremes than native plants.