What is an invasive species?

Invasive species is a phrase with several definitions. The first definition expresses the phrase in terms of non-indigenous species (e.g. plants or animals) that adversely affect the habitats they invade economically, environmentally or ecologically. It has been used in this sense by government organizations^[1][2] as well as conservation groups such as the IUCN.^[3] The second definition broadens the boundaries to include both native and non-native species that heavily colonize a particular habitat.^[3]

The third definition is an expansion of the first and defines an invasive species as a widespread non-indigenous species.^[3] This last definition is arguably too broad as not all non-indigenous species necessarily have an adverse effect on their adopted environment. An example of this broader use would include the claim that the common goldfish (Carassius auratus) is invasive. True, it is common outside of its range globally but it almost never appears in harmful densities.^[3]

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