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Invasive species

Last updated on August 7, 2024

Invasive species are plants or animals that are not native to the province, or are outside of their natural distribution. Invasive species negatively impact British Columbia’s environment, people and/or economy.

Free from their natural enemies and other constraints that keep them in check in their native ranges, invasive species are recognized globally as the second greatest threat to biodiversity after direct habitat loss due to humans.

​By monitoring and taking action we can eliminate new invasive species introductions while populations are still localized and relatively small.

Online training available

All Provincial government staff, contractors, partners and volunteers working on Provincial Public Land and Water are encouraged to take the free Introduction to Invasive Species Online Training that focuses on best practices to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species while you are doing your job. Allow approximately 2 hours for this training.

2024 Update on BC Provincial Early Detection and Rapid Response Invasive Species

The British Columbia Invasive Species Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) Plan is implemented by the Province of B.C. and is an important tool for safeguarding our valuable environmental, cultural and economic resources. Our taxonomic specialists will explain how the EDRR process works, important tools for assessing risk, regional updates about invasive species in the process of eradication, and how to report suspected new invaders. Use the time stamps to directly view the topics, species, or regions of interest.

Report invasive species before they cause harm.

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Invasive species are plants and animals not naturally found in B.C. that can potentially harm the province's natural environment or adversely affect people's health

The B.C. government considers these invasive species a priority for early detection and rapid response activities. These invasive species pose a threat to B.C.'s environment, economy and human health.

Follow news about invasive species in B.C.