Invasive species
The most current invasive species found in Lithuania
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Please note that this is not the final list of invasive species. You can find all invasive species here
An invasive species is a foreign plant, animal, or mushroom species that was intentionally or unintentionally brought to or otherwise entered Lithuania, although it did not grow or live here before. Also, for a species to be considered invasive, it must spread rapidly, overshadow local species, occupy their places and reduce biodiversity.
| It is prohibited to cultivate, propagate, sell, or otherwise use invasive species without a permit. If you notice a violation, call the emergency services at 112. |
Extermination of invasive species
Extermination of invasive species on a private or leased land plot may be carried out after informing the land owner or user, and in a territory owned by the state, after informing the land manager. The land owner, user, or manager must be informed in writing or by Email about the measures planned to eradicate invasive species on their land no later than 10 working days before the commencement of the eradication.
If the control and eradication of invasive species is financed from the European Union structural funds, the state budget, or other sources of funding, action plans must be prepared for the regulation of the abundance of populations of invasive species. Action plans can be prepared by natural and legal persons. They are prepared for a specific territory.
List of invasive species Below are the most relevant species: |
Signal crayfish
Why is it dangerous? Invasive crayfish displace native species, occupy their habitats and spread a plague deadly to Lithuanian crayfish (broad-fingered crayfish (lat.: Astacus astacus) and narrow-clawed crayfish (lat.: Astacus leptodactylus), to which they themselves are resistant. How to identify? Signal crayfish can be identified by bright white spots at the point where the claws connect. How to destroy? Invasive crayfish can be caught all year round, the number of fishing traps and scoops for catching them is not restricted, these crayfish are also allowed to be caught with hands and landing nets, but during such fishing all broad-clawed and narrow-clawed crayfish or fish caught must be immediately released into the same body of water. You can find more information about catching of crayfish here. |
Spinycheek crayfish
Why is it dangerous? Invasive crayfish displace native species, occupy their habitats and spread a plague deadly to Lithuanian crayfish (broad-fingered crayfish (lat.: Astacus astacus) and narrow-clawed crayfish (lat.: Astacus leptodactylus), to which they themselves are resistant. How to identify? Spinycheek crayfish can be identified by dark red stripes on the upper abdomen. How to destroy? Invasive crayfish can be caught all year round, the number of fishing traps and scoops for catching them is not restricted, these crayfish are also allowed to be caught with hands and landing nets, but during such fishing all broad-clawed and narrow-clawed crayfish or fish caught must be immediately released into the same body of water. You can find more information about catching of crayfish here. |
Opossum shrimp Why is it dangerous? It spreads widely, overshadowing the local species listed in the Lithuanian Red Book - Northern European opossum shrimp. It also negatively affects zooplankton populations. Where is it widespread? The most widespread mysid in Lithuania, found in the Curonian Lagoon, throughout the entire section of the Nemunas in the country, in the lower reaches of the Šventoji, Minija, and Nevėžis rivers, in Šešupė and Dysna, 15 lakes (Krokų Lanka, Simnas, Dusia, Meteliai, Obeliai, Daugai, Arinas, Sartai, Žeimenis, Lūšiai, Dysnai, Dysnykščiai, Rūžas, Apvardai, Drūkšiai), in the lagoons of Kaunas, Elektrėnai, and Antalieptė and in the Padysnis pond. |
Killer shrimp Why is it dangerous? It spreads widely, displacing native species of crayfish. Where is it widespread? In the Curonian Lagoon and the Šventoji estuary. Potential rise in the Nemunas, spread along slow-flowing rivers, water reservoirs, and large lakes. |
Scud Why is it dangerous? It spreads widely, displacing native species of crayfish. Where is it widespread? Found in the Curonian Lagoon, in the section of Nemunas from Merkys estuary, in the lower reaches of coastal Šventoji, Minija, Nevėžys, Neris, Merkys, in Šešupė, 17 lakes (Krokų Lanka, Plateliai, Vištytis, Zapšys, Galstas, Simnas, Žuvintas, Dusia, Ančia, Meteliai, Seirija, Obeliai, Daugai, Asveja, Žeimenis, Lūšiai, and Apvardai), as well as lagoons of Kaunas, Elektrėnai, and Antalieptė. |
Round goby
Why is it dangerous? Round goby feeds on mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. And the bivalves (such as mussels or dreissena) that this fish feeds on are important water "cleaners", filtering out large amounts of water every day. Therefore, it is believed that the abundant spread of the round goby causes deterioration of water quality and intensification of eutrophication ("algal bloom"). Where is it widespread? On the coast of the Baltic Sea, in the Curonian Lagoon. How to destroy? Invasive fish can be caught all year round, without limiting the number of pieces caught. More information here (in Lithuanian). Other information. It is forbidden to use this fish as bait in fishing. | |
Amur sleeper
Why is it dangerous? Living in smaller bodies of water, the amur sleeper proliferates so widely that it sometimes exterminates most animals - smaller fish, frogs, etc. Also, these fish are resistant to various living conditions, for example, they can live in shallow waters, in conditions of oxygen deficiency, etc. Where is it widespread? Throughout Lithuania, especially in bodies of still water and old riverbeds. How to destroy? Invasive fish can be caught all year round, without limiting the number of pieces caught. More information here (in Lithuanian) Other information. It is forbidden to use this fish as bait in fishing. |
American mink
Why is it dangerous? Widely spread, exterminates many waterfowl and their eggs. It replaced the native species in Lithuania - the European mink (lat.: Mustela lutreola). Where is it widespread? Almost throughout Lithuania, especially near bodies of water. How to destroy? Hunters can hunt all year round. More information here (in Lithuanian). | |
Common raccoon dog
Why is it dangerous? Often carries rabies and mange, and spreads these diseases. It is also very harmful to ground-nesting birds, their eggs, and hatchlings. It does not have many enemies in Lithuanian nature - only wolves (lat.: Canis lupus) and lynx (lat.: Lynx lynx; the lynx is included in the Lithuanian Red Book). Where is it widespread? Almost in the entire Lithuania. How to destroy? Hunters can hunt all year round. More information here (in Lithuanian). | |
Raccoon
Why is it dangerous? Easily adapts to a variety of living conditions, can harm birds, their eggs, and hatchlings. Where is it widespread? In the Curonian Spit. How to destroy? Hunters can hunt all year round. More information here (in Lithuanian). | |
Muskrat
Why is it dangerous? Competes with local species (with European beavers (lat.: Castor fiber), European water voles (lat.: Arvicola amphibius). In addition, muskrats brought new species of parasites to Lithuania. Where is it widespread? Almost in the entire Lithuania. How to destroy? Hunters can hunt all year round. More information here (in Lithuanian). | |
Brown rat
Why is it dangerous? Rats feed on many species of animals smaller than themselves: reptiles, small birds, bird eggs, freshwater organisms. By eating plant seeds and seedlings, rats disrupt their reproduction and destroy crops. Living near people on farms, they contaminate food supplies and feeds. Brown rats spread various diseases (cryptospidiosis, hemorrhagic fever, hantavirus diseases, toxoplasmosis, trichinosis, Weil’s disease). In some parts of the world, they spread plague bacteria through fleas. Where is it widespread? Almost in the entire Lithuania. How to destroy? Traps and poison intended for rats. | |
Nutria
Why is it dangerous? Nutrias breed near shallow, slow-moving water bodies - they build temporary nests among coastal plants or dig burrows in the banks, damaging river banks and embankments, and cause erosion by digging burrows. They feed on aquatic or coastal plants, as well as leaves and bark of trees and shrubs, gnawing plant roots, rhizomes, etc. Since nutria eat a quarter of their body weight of food per day, large areas of plants are destroyed in their habitats. The intensive activity of nutria leads to habitat destruction, destabilizing plant, insect, bird, and fish species. Nutria, competing with herbivores participating in the food system and displace local wild animal species from their natural habitats. Nutria also spread diseases dangerous to humans. Where is it widespread? However the data is insufficient. How to destroy? It is important to prevent their spread - breeding, growing, selling, or otherwise using this invasive species without permission is prohibited. |
Canada goose
Why is it dangerous? Spreads diseases, destroys crops, and reduces food resources for local birds. Where is it widespread? Although Canada goose are not widespread in Lithuania, their numbers are increasing in the Nemunas Delta and on the coast every year. How to destroy? Hunters are permitted hunt from 15 August to 15 December. More information here (in Lithuanian). |
Painted turtle
Why is it dangerous? Spreads salmonellosis and other bacteria that are dangerous to both humans and endangered local turtles - European pond turtles. Where is it widespread? There is no data on their spread in Lithuania yet. |
Pond slider
Why is it dangerous? Spreads parasites, salmonellosis and displaces the local turtle species included in the Lithuanian Red Book – European pond turtle. Where is it widespread? It was found around Kaunas and Druskininkai. Although there is no data on breeding in the wild, it is able to hibernate in Lithuania. How to destroy? Most often, these turtles are observed in the wild when keepers illegally release animals into the wild. Therefore, it is strictly prohibited to breed, keep, sell, release, or otherwise use them. If you notice a violation or an invasive turtle in the wild, call the emergency services at 112. |
Portuguese slug
Why is it dangerous? The Portuguese slug spreads widely and outcompetes native slugs and snails. This brown slug is also extremely aggressive and damages crops, gardens, orchards, etc. Due to the parasites and diseases it spreads, it causes damage to various plant species, native snails and slugs. Where is it widespread? Spreads rapidly almost throughout entire Lithuania. How to destroy? Mechanically collect and destroy, set traps with bait (for example, kvass, beer), destroy using chemicals. |
New Zealand mud snail
Why is it dangerous? Rapidly spreads and negatively affects native species. Where is it widespread? In various bodies of water. How to destroy? There are no effective measures to combat these snails, but prevention of spread is possible. In order to reduce the spread of the New Zealand mud snail, after driving a watercraft or fishing, watercraft (for example, boats, speedboats, kayaks, yachts, etc.), and commercial fishing gear should be disinfected by drying. |
Black locust
Why is it dangerous? Rapidly spreads, changes the chemical composition of the soil, overshadows native species. Black locust spreads not only by seeds, but also by sprouting from the roots and cut trunks. Where is it widespread? Almost in the entire Lithuania. How to destroy? It is destroyed by herbicides. Only completely dead trees can be cut down, because after cutting, black locust sprouts from the roots and stumps. More information about the destruction of invasive trees can be found here (in Lithuanian). | |
Boxelder maple
Why is it dangerous? The greatest threat is posed by boxelder maples growing on river banks. Having established themselves on river banks, boxelder maples form dense thickets, eventually displacing local plant species, and altering the habitats of typical riverine meadows, alluvial and eutrophic meadows. Boxelder maple seeds that enter rivers can travel long distances and settle in new areas. Wind-borne pollen of boxelder maple can cause allergies in some people, so boxelder maples growing in cities have a negative impact on human health. Where is it widespread? Almost throughout entire Lithuania, especially on river banks. How to destroy? More information about the destruction of invasive trees can be found here (in Lithuanian). |
Beach rose
Why is it dangerous? Beach rose grows long rhizomes, which is why it forms large and dense thickets. In coastal dunes, sand-swept plants easily regrow. It reproduces vegetatively and by seeds - they are carried by water and animals. Beach rose negatively affects local plants, animals, communities and habitats, and its spread significantly reduces the diversity of local species. Plants typical of coastal dunes are affected the most. On beaches where beach rose grows, the areas of suitable places for recreation are reduced and visitors choose beaches or parts thereof that are not overgrown with these plants. As a result, anthropogenic impact on other areas of coastal beaches and dunes is increased. Where is it widespread? Almost throughout entire Lithuania, especially on the coast and in the southeastern part of Lithuania. How to destroy? More information about the destruction of invasive trees can be found here (in Lithuanian). | |
Black cherry
Why is it dangerous? As the density of black cherry increases in habitats, species diversity decreases not only in grasses and mosses, but also in shrubs and trees. Black cherry inhibits the spontaneous regeneration of local trees. All parts of black cherry contain cyanide, so their fallen parts can affect various animals, and cases of animal poisoning have been recorded. Plants reproduce rapidly by seeds and spread by root offsprings. Birds eat the fruits of black cherry, so their seeds can be carried over very large distances from the parent plant. Where is it widespread? In the south and west of Lithuania. How to destroy? More information about the destruction of invasive trees can be found here (in Lithuanian). | |
Thicket shadbush
Why is it dangerous? Forms dense thickets in forests or near forests, in such places the composition of soil nutrients changes, plant species that prefer bright places disappear, overshadows other trees. Where is it widespread? In the east and west of Lithuania. How to destroy? Herbicides, and individual bushes can be dug up. More information about the destruction of invasive trees can be found here (in Lithuanian). | |
Scotch broom
Why is it dangerous? Mostly has a negative impact in sandy areas - changes the composition of the soil, overshadows local plants, which reduces species diversity. Where is it widespread? Almost in the entire Lithuania. How to destroy? The root system of Scotch broom is small, so the most effective way to remove them is to uproot and dig up the bushes. More information about the destruction of invasive trees can be found here (in Lithuanian). |
Annual fleabane
Why is it dangerous? The greatest danger is posed to natural meadows. Annual fleabane spreads rapidly and overshadows local flower and herbaceous species. Where is it widespread? Almost throughout the entire Lithuania, especially in meadows, abandoned cultivated fields, forest areas, roadsides, etc. How to destroy? Uproot. Meadows with a lot of these flowers - mow regularly. | |
Giant goldenrod
Why is it dangerous? Acidifies the soil, forms dense thickets, and spread rapidly. Almost no native plant species remain in their thickets. Where is it widespread? Almost throughout the entire Lithuania, especially in the western and eastern parts. How to destroy? Dig up, mow regularly (before and during flowering), use herbicides. | |
Canada goldenrod
Why is it dangerous? Spreads rapidly, thus overshadowing other herbaceous plants. Where is it widespread? Almost throughout the entire Lithuania, especially in the southeastern part. How to destroy? Dig up, mow regularly (before and during flowering), use herbicides. | |
Large-leaved lupine
Why is it dangerous? Possesses a very great danger to natural meadows, sandy areas and the species growing there. Lupines spread easily, change the composition of the soil, overshadow local species and reduce biodiversity. In addition, they are almost not eaten by any animals, and the seeds are not eaten by birds. And the root system of these plants is very strong, so large-leaved lupines can withstand even severe droughts. Where is it widespread? Almost in the entire Lithuania. How to destroy? Cut blooming lupines, this way they cannot ripen seeds. Also, mow, dig out, etc. regularly. | |
Wild cucumber
Why is it dangerous? Forms dense thickets on the coasts, in humid places, often grows above other plants, so due to the lack of light other plants begin to disappear, biodiversity decreases. Where is it widespread? Almost throughout the entire Lithuania, especially on river banks, in flooded meadows. How to destroy? Uproot newly sprouted plants, cut the stems before blooming or at the beginning of blooming (as close to the roots as possible). If the wild cucumber has already ripened fruits, cut the stems, collect them and be sure to destroy them. | |
Common gypsophila
Why is it dangerous? Grows densely, rapidly spreads and overshadows local species. Also, by strengthening dunes, gypsophila displaces rare species of plants and other organisms that live in the blown sand. This way the unique biodiversity of sandy habitats is disappearing. Where is it widespread? On the Baltic coast, the Curonian Spit, in the south of Lithuania. How to destroy? Uproot and mow regularly (before the ripening of seeds). | |
Small Balsam
Why is it dangerous? Overshadows other herbaceous plants, thus reducing biodiversity. Where is it widespread? Throughout Lithuania, especially widely distributed in forests. How to destroy? Balsam is an annual plant, therefore, if they are widespread in a small area, it is advisable to uproot them. In large areas, another effective method of destruction is frequent cutting. | |
Himalayan balsam
Why is it dangerous? Forms dense thickets, reduces vegetation diversity, promotes bank erosion, eutrophication ("algal bloom"). Where is it widespread? Almost throughout entire Lithuania, especially in forests, on river banks. How to destroy? Balsam is an annual plant, therefore, if they are widespread in a small area, it is advisable to uproot them. In large areas, another effective method of destruction is frequent cutting. | |
Sosnowsky’s hogweed
Why is it dangerous? Very harmful to humans, the juice in Sosnowsky’s hogweed can cause I–III degree skin burns. It also spreads rapidly, replacing local plants.. Where is it widespread? Throughout the entire Lithuania. How to destroy? Individual plants can be dug up, the roots can also be cut off, the field where Sosnowsky’s hogweed grows can be plowed or herbicides can be used. In order to stop the spread of plants, mow (before the ripening of seeds). | |
Armenian dock
Why is it dangerous? Overshadows other local plants, especially ones of low height. After the seeds ripen, they usually self-sow. Reduces the value of meadows, because animals do not eat thick-flowered sorrel. Where is it widespread? Almost throughout the entire Lithuania, especially in meadows, fields, forests, etc. How to destroy? Dig up individual plants, if the Armenian dock has spread more widely - regularly mow the meadows where they grow, preventing the seeds from ripening. |
