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Invasive species are introduced species that establish themselves and harm, or are likely to harm, their new environment.
An invasive species is an introduced, non-native species that causes or is likely to cause ecological, environmental, economic, or human-health harm in its new environment. Invasive species can include plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. They are generally a subset of established non-native species that threaten native species, habitats, or biodiversity, although the term can be subjective and definitions vary among scientific and governmental sources. Human activities have greatly increased the rate, scale, and geographic spread of biological invasions through deliberate introductions, accidental transport, trade, travel, horticulture, agriculture, and shipping. An introduced species typically becomes invasive only after establishing a self-sustaining population, often aided by repeated introductions, abundant resources, limited predators or competitors, and traits such as rapid growth, reproduction, dispersal, and environmental tolerance. Examples include kudzu, water hyacinth, European rabbits, domestic cats, and the brown tree snake.
Invasive species are introduced species that establish themselves and harm, or are likely to harm, their new environment.
They can damage native species, biodiversity, habitats, ecosystems, economies, and human health.
The term is sometimes subjective, and some definitions include only harmful non-native species while others also consider harmful native species.
Human activities are the primary drivers of modern invasions, including trade, transport, tourism, agriculture, horticulture, and deliberate biological-control introductions.
Common traits supporting invasiveness include rapid growth, high reproductive rates, strong dispersal ability, resilience, and release from natural predators, competitors, or diseases.
A species transported by humans or other means beyond its native geographic range into a new environment.
An established non-native species that causes or is likely to cause ecological, environmental, economic, or human-health harm.
A species that occurs naturally in a particular region or ecosystem without human introduction.
A species living outside the geographic area where it evolved or historically occurred naturally.
The process by which an introduced species forms a self-sustaining population in a new environment.
The variety of living organisms, including genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity, in a given area.
The frequency and number of individuals or reproductive units introduced into a new environment, which can increase the likelihood of establishment.
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