Invasive Species and Their Impact on Native Ecosystems

Abstract

Invasive species are non-native organisms that establish, spread, and cause ecological, economic, or social impacts in environments where they are introduced. They can alter native communities through competition, predation, herbivory, disease transmission, habitat modification, and changes in nutrient cycling or fire regimes. Global trade, transport, tourism, agriculture, and other human activities have increased opportunities for species introductions. This paper examines nine major dimensions of invasive species impacts, including introduction pathways, establishment, competition, predation, disease, ecosystem processes, biodiversity loss, management, and prevention.