Legal Definition
Invasive species: any species of plant, animal, aquatic life or micro-organisms that outcompetes native species when introduced outside of its natural environment and threatens ecosystems, economy and society. (Source)
Policy Documents
An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada (2004)
Invasive Plants Policy
Helpful Links
Government of Canada Invasive Species Web Portal
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Invasive Species
Canadian Food Inspection Agency: Invasive Species
Legal Definitions
Especie invasora: una especie exótica que se establece en hábitats o ecosistemas naturales o seminaturales; es un agente de cambio y representa una amenaza para la biodiversidad nativa. ¹ ²
Especie exótica invasora: es aquella especie o población que no es nativa, que se encuentra fuera de su ámbito de distribución natural, que es capaz de sobrevivir, reproducirse y establecerse en hábitat y ecosistemas naturales y que amenazan la diversidad biológica nativa, la economía y la salud pública. ³
Invasive species: an alien species which becomes established in natural or semi-natural ecosystems or habitat, is an agent of change, and threatens native biological diversity. ¹ ²
Invasive alien species: a species of population which is not native, is found outside its natural range of distribution, is able to survive, reproduce and establish in natural habitats and ecosystems and is a threat to native biodiversity, the economy and public health. ³
¹ Convention on Biological Diversity. 2009. Conference of the Parties COP 6, Decision VI/23: Alien species that threaten ecosystems, hábitats or species. Convention on Biological Diversity (Conferencia de las Partes COP 6, Decisión VI/23: Especies exóticas que amenazan a los ecosistemas, los hábitats o las especies. Convenio sobre Diversidad Bioógica. (Source)
² International Union for Conservation of Nature. 1999. Especies Invasoras Exóticas, Cuarta Reunión del Órgano Subsidiario de Asesoramiento Científico, Técnico y Tecnológico. Montreal: IUCN.
³ Diario Oficial de la Federación. 2010. Ley General de Vida Silvestre. Decreto por el que se reforman y adicionan diversas disposiciones de la LGEEPA y de la LGVS. DOF, 6 Abril 2010.
National Strategy on Invasive Species in Mexico: Prevention, Control, and Eradication (English)
Estrategia Nacional Sobre Especies Invasoras en México: Prevención, Control, Y Erradicación (Spanish)
Invasive Species Portal
Invasive Species Documents
Invasive species: an alien (or non-native) species whose introduction does, or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. (US Executive Order 13112, 1999)
US Executive Order 13112
US Federal Noxious Weed List
Invasive Species Definition Clarification and Guidance White Paper
Lacey Act and 2008 Amendments
Laws, Rules, Regulations and Agencies Regarding Non-Native Plant Species
Why Manage Plants? It's the Law