Invasive Species and Biological Invasions

Definition of Invasive Species

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.

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Native, Non-Native, and Introduced Species

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