Battling the bad guys - Ducks Unlimited Canada tackles villainous invaders during National Invasive Species Awareness Week Français
OAK HAMMOCK MARSH, MB, Feb. 26, 2018 /CNW/ - Invasive species are a villainous enemy of Canada's land, water and wildlife, and the havoc they're inflicting has all the makings of a Hollywood movie. Giant common carp fish are taking over marshes in Manitoba. Parrot's feather, an invasive aquatic plant sometimes found in aquariums and at garden centres, is choking out native plants in B.C wetlands. European water chestnut is forming an impenetrable floating mat on Lake Ontario, clogging shorelines and waterways. It's scary stuff for Canadians everywhere. Fortunately, the innovative ways that Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is battling these invaders are helping create a happy, healthy ending.
"Winning the battle against invasive species takes science, engineering and people who are committed to pitching in on the ground," says Karla Guyn, chief executive officer for DUC. "We've developed some pretty creative approaches to deal with the challenges, and we're seeing some impressive results."
To mark National Invasive Species Awareness Week (Feb. 26 – March 2), DUC is sharing stories that show how cutting-edge conservation work is fighting against invasive species. Installing underwater exclusion screens, making use of common gardening tools and even hiring a herd of goats are just a few of the techniques making headway.
Invasive species DUC helps manage:
- European water chestnut (Trapa natans)
- Common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
- Leafy spurge (Euphorbia esula L.)
- Common burdock (Arctium minus)
- Purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria)
- European Common Reed (Phragmites)
- Spartina (Spartina anglica, Spartina densiflora, and Spartina patens)
- Parrot's feather (Myriophyllum aquaticum)
- Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius)
Globally, invasive species pose one of the greatest threats to biodiversity, second only to habitat loss. Environment and Climate Change Canada states that the impact of invasive alien species on native ecosystems, habitats and species is severe and often irreversible, and can cost billions of dollars each year.
"Invasive species can enter our environment in a variety of ways, and often these are accidental," says Guyn. "Keeping on top of ways that we can prevent and manage the spread is an important part of DUC's work to protect Canada's wetlands and other natural areas."
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. www.ducks.ca
SOURCE DUCKS UNLIMITED CANADA
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Media contact: Julielee Stitt, communications coordinator, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Office: (204) 467-3270, Email: [email protected]
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