VECTORS OF SPREAD
Explore the many ways invasive species spread through the Sea to Sky region.
Vehicles
Plant parts can easily get lodged in our modes of transport and catch a ride. Invasive plants can travel long distances on cars, ATV’s, boats, bikes and more.
To prevent the spread of invasive plants via vehicles, practice Play Clean Go.
Vehicles
Plant parts can easily get lodged in our modes of transport and catch a ride. Invasive plants can travel long distances on cars, ATV’s, boats, bikes and more.
To prevent the spread of invasive plants via vehicles, practice Play Clean Go.
Seeds
Many invasive plants produce seeds that can germinate (sprout) and form new plants. Unfortunately, invasive plant seeds can end up in many unwanted places, like in seed mix packets at the garden centre and ‘hidden’ in soil, compost, hay, etc.
To prevent the spread of invasive plants through seeds, be PlantWise and check out the ‘7 Red Flags‘ guide.
Natural Spread
Without external intervention, species would continue to spread naturally. Species spread naturally through many mechanisms.
Plants spread naturally through seed dispersal (sexual reproduction) and vegetative reproduction. Animals spread naturally through population increases (sexual reproduction) and migration. Fungi, diseases, and pathogens spread naturally through spores, budding and mitosis (asexual reproduction).
Humans
There are many ways humans encourage the spread of invasive species. As a whole, we move around a lot, often covering large distances. If we are not careful, invasive species can hitch a ride with us on our shoes, clothes and such.
Many human activities can also act as vectors of spread for invasive species, from farming, construction and gardening to shipping goods, trading and canoeing.
Humans
There are many ways humans encourage the spread of invasive species. As a whole, we move around a lot, often covering large distances. If we are not careful, invasive species can hitch a ride with us on our shoes, clothes and such.
Many human activities can also act as vectors of spread for invasive species, from farming, construction and gardening to shipping goods, trading and canoeing.
Gardening
Invasive plants may be sold at garden centres and nurseries. Therefore, if they are not careful, gardeners could accidentally plant invasive species in their gardens! Left unchecked, these invasive plants are likely to spread to neighbouring land. This is one of the main pathways of invasive plant spread.
To prevent the spread of invasive plants through gardening, practice PlantWise.
Gardening
Invasive plants may be sold at garden centres and nurseries. Therefore, if they are not careful, gardeners could accidentally plant invasive species in their gardens! Left unchecked, these invasive plants are likely to spread to neighbouring land. This is one of the main pathways of invasive plant spread.
To prevent the spread of invasive plants through gardening, practice PlantWise.
Animals
Wild animals and pets can pick up plant parts and seeds in their paws, beaks, fins, and fur. To prevent the spread of invasive species through animals, practice Play, Clean Go with your pets.
Did you know that abandoned pets could become invasive? Animals such as cats, rabbits, turtles, and goldfish have invasive tendencies outside their native region. To prevent the spread of invasive species through pets, think Don’t Let It Loose.
Animals
Wild animals and pets can pick up plant parts and seeds in their paws, beaks, fins, and fur. To prevent the spread of invasive species through animals, practice Play, Clean Go with your pets.
Did you know that abandoned pets could become invasive? Animals such as cats, rabbits, turtles, and goldfish have invasive tendencies outside their native region. To prevent the spread of invasive species through pets, think Don’t Let It Loose.
Wind Dispersal
Many invasive plants have seeds that can ‘fly away’ and float in the wind. Seeds that travel in the wind are generally very light and fitted with a pappus (fluffy umbrella-like ‘tail’).
Invasive plants that have these adaptations and grow in windy habitats such as roadsides tend to spread especially well through wind dispersal.
Wind Dispersal
Many invasive plants have seeds that can ‘fly away’ and float in the wind. Seeds that travel in the wind are generally very light and fitted with a pappus (fluffy umbrella-like ‘tail’).
Invasive plants that have these adaptations and grow in windy habitats such as roadsides tend to spread especially well through wind dispersal.
Water Transport
Aquatic invasive species can spread by moving with water. Invasive plant parts, eggs, seeds, and rhizomes (underground stems) can spread through moving water.
Humans can also move aquatic invasive species through activities like boating and fishing. Aquatic species can get caught or start to grow on watercrafts or fishing gear. To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, remember to Clean, Drain, Dry.
Water Transport
Aquatic invasive species can spread by moving with water. Invasive plant parts, eggs, seeds, and rhizomes (underground stems) can spread through moving water.
Humans can also move aquatic invasive species through activities like boating and fishing. Aquatic species can get caught or start to grow on watercrafts or fishing gear. To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, remember to Clean, Drain, Dry.
Soil Transport
Invasive plants develop seed banks within the soil: because the seeds can lay dormant in the soil for some time (sometimes for decades!), the seeds accumulate in the soil, waiting for an opportune time to start growing.
When soil infested with invasive plant seeds is moved (for example, for construction), the invasive plants move too. That’s not all – invasive insects and viruses can also move when soil is transported. To prevent the spread of invasive species through soil transport, practice Dig Smart.
Soil Transport
Invasive plants develop seed banks within the soil: because the seeds can lay dormant in the soil for some time (sometimes for decades!), the seeds accumulate in the soil, waiting for an opportune time to start growing.
When soil infested with invasive plant seeds is moved (for example, for construction), the invasive plants move too. That’s not all – invasive insects and viruses can also move when soil is transported. To prevent the spread of invasive species through soil transport, practice Dig Smart.
Wood Transport
Native trees can hold host to multiple invasive animals and diseases. When these trees are felled for campground wood or industry, the invasive pest within can be transported with the wood. To prevent the spread of invasive species through firewood transport, practice Buy Local, Burn Local.
Wood Transport
Native trees can hold host to multiple invasive animals and diseases. When these trees are felled for campground wood or industry, the invasive pest within can be transported with the wood. To prevent the spread of invasive species through firewood transport, practice Buy Local, Burn Local.