What defines an invasive species?

An invasive species is defined as a non-native species that spreads widely and causes harm to the environment, economy, or human health. These species are introduced to new areas, often through human activities, and can disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources, altering habitat structure, or introducing diseases.

The defining characteristic of an invasive species is its ability to thrive in a new environment and expand its population rapidly, which can lead to negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem function. In contrast, native species play a role in their natural ecosystems, and limiting the geographical area of a species does not classify it as invasive; it may simply be an endemic or rare species. Adaptability alone does not determine whether a species is invasive, as many native species are also adaptable but do not cause harm to their environments.