The pet and plant trade are major vectors for invasive species. In most cases, this happens when captured or poached animals are moved to a new area and then they or their descendants are released or escape into the wild. However new species have also been bred in captivity, only to later get into the wild where they cause havoc.

Pets

Invasive Species

Examples of Invasive Routes to the Wild

Unnatural Species

Hybrids

Mutations

A species can mutate at any time, and in some cases suddenly developing new traits that can makes them far harder to control than the original species.

Battling Invasive Species in Ontario: Meet The Dedicated Folks | ONsite

9:38 minute video explaining how marbled crayfish became an all-female army of self-replicating invaders in Ontario, Canada.

Zoos & Hunter Safaris

All over the world we have examples of primates, wild cats, and other troublesome species escaping from zoos and hunting "safaris" or ranches. Extreme weather such as hurricanes can cause enclose damage or flooding that helps animals escape, while other times species such as antelope simply jump their fences.

Solutions

Prevention

Prevention is generally cheaper and simpler than battling loose wildlife, while trying to minimize impact to native species.

Do Not Buy or Transport Invasive Species!

Do not but animals that are endangered or known to be caught from the wild. It is always better to rescue than breed or buy wild

Identify & Report Invasive Species

Organizations

Bat Trade Working Group "We aim to inform and support evidence-based interventions to end the illegal and/or unsustainable domestic and international trades in live bats and bat specimens. As such, we conduct interdisciplinary research, catalyse legislative change and advise and assist with on-the-ground conservation efforts."

Asia

Philippines

Katala Foundation Incorporated’s (KFI) Philippine Cockatoo Conservation Programme (PCCP) has been working to safeguard the cockatoos on the island of Rasa and Palawan mainland by cultivating local community support for the species. PCCP adopts a variety of approaches including population monitoring, restoration and management of habitats and protected areas, rescue and captive management, translocation of suitable birds within the historical range of the species, capacity building, conservation education and advocacy.

Mandai Nature plays a vital role in supporting PCCP through the establishment of their field station, driving conservation education promotion and local community empowerment, and hosting the PCCP team in various conservation education and animal husbandry initiatives. Mandai Wildlife Group’s Jurong Bird Park also houses several Philippine Cockatoos as part of a conservation breeding programme in partnership with KFI, with hopes of sending the progenies back to their wild habitat."

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North America

USA

Illinois

A Refuge for Saving the Wildlife "is a no-kill parrot rescue, rehabilitation, education and adoption shelter. We provide a safe place for parrots that have to be re-homed due to unfortunate situations that sometimes arise. Most of them were loved dearly and cared for, and when that was no longer possible, their companion-people did the most selfless act of kindness in finding them a good home.

We work together with other parrot groups to eliminate the need for rescues. Until then, we will provide temporary housing and care for any and all Psittacine birds (not including those with fatal and/or contagious diseases); educate the public about the proper care of exotic birds; and locate healthy, happy, and nurturing homes for those that are eligible."

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Pet Trade & Invasives

Introduction