"An invasive or alien species is an introduced species to an environment that becomes overpopulated and harms its new environment."
Non-native species that disrupt natural ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources and altering habitats.
Definition of Invasive Species: Invasive species are organisms that cause ecological, economic, or health problems in new environments.
Types of Invasive Species: There are two main types of invasive species: plants and animals, each with unique challenges in terms of control and conservation.
Global Distribution of Invasive Species: Invasive species have spread across the world, posing a serious threat to biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
Impacts of Invasive Species: Invasive species can have negative impacts on native species, habitats, and ecosystems, including economic, ecological, and social costs.
Causes of Invasive Species: Invasive species are primarily caused by human activities such as habitat destruction, introduction of non-native species, and climate change.
Prevention and Control of Invasive Species: Preventing the introduction of invasive species is critical in controlling their spread, including early detection, rapid response, and sound management practices.
Public Awareness and Education: Raising awareness among the public, promoting responsible behavior, and involving stakeholders in conservation efforts are critical for the success of preventing and controlling invasive species.
Legal and Policy Frameworks: Legal and policy frameworks can help regulate the spread and control of invasive species, including legislation, international treaties, and frameworks for coordination and collaboration.
Scientific Research: Scientific research is necessary to understand the ecology, biology, and behavior of invasive species, as well as to develop effective control and management strategies.
Economic Impacts and Costs: Invasive species can have significant economic impacts not only on natural resources but also on the economy as a whole, including industries such as agriculture, forestry, and tourism.
Plant Invasives: Non-native plants that invade natural areas and outcompete native species for resources.
Animal Invasives: Non-native animals that invade an ecosystem and disrupt the natural balance of species interactions.
Microbial Invasives: Non-native microbial organisms that enter an ecosystem and cause disease or other negative effects on native species.
Marine Invasives: Non-native marine species that invade coastal areas and cause harm to native species and ecosystems.
Insect Invasives: Non-native insects that invade an ecosystem and cause harm to native plants and animals.
Aquatic Invasives: Non-native aquatic species that invade freshwater or marine systems and produce negative effects on native species and habitats.
Fungal Invasives: Non-native fungi that invade an ecosystem and cause negative effects on native species and habitats.
"Invasive species adversely affect habitats and bioregions, causing ecological, environmental, and/or economic damage."
"The term can also be used for native species that become harmful to their native environment after human alterations to its food web."
"[The purple sea urchin] has decimated kelp forests along the northern California coast due to overharvesting of its natural predator, the California sea otter."
"Since the 20th century, invasive species have become a serious economic, social, and environmental threat worldwide."
"For millennia, humans have served as both accidental and deliberate dispersal agents, beginning with their earliest migrations, accelerating in the Age of Discovery, and accelerating again with international trade."
"Notable examples of invasive plant species include the kudzu vine, Andean pampas grass, English ivy, Japanese knotweed, and yellow starthistle."
"Examples of invasive animals include the New Zealand mud snail, some water fleas (such as Daphnia), feral pig, European rabbit, grey squirrel, domestic cat, carp, and ferret."
"Human-facilitated introductions have greatly increased the rate, scale, and geographic range of invasion."
"Invasion of long-established ecosystems by organisms is a natural phenomenon."
"[The spread of invasive species] accelerating in the Age of Discovery."
"The purple sea urchin... has decimated kelp forests along the northern California coast."
"[Sea otter overharvesting resulted in the] decimation of kelp forests along the northern California coast."
"Invasive species adversely affect habitats and bioregions, causing ecological, environmental, and/or economic damage."
"Invasive species have become a serious economic, social, and environmental threat worldwide."
"Invasive species adversely affect habitats and bioregions."
"For millennia, humans have served as accidental dispersal agents."
"Japanese knotweed... [is] a notable example of invasive plant species."
"Feral pig, European rabbit, grey squirrel, domestic cat, carp, and ferret [are] examples of invasive animals."
"Invasive species have become a serious economic, social, and environmental threat worldwide since the 20th century."