What is an invasive species and why are they a problem?
An invasive species is a non-indigenous organism that adversely affects natural habitats and bioregions. Invasive introductions often result from careless human activity whether intentional or accidental, the results of which are likely to cause economic, environmental and/or ecological harm. While all species compete to survive, invasive species appear to have specific traits or combinations of specific traits that allow them to out-compete native species. Sometimes they simply have the ability to grow and reproduce more rapidly than native species; other times it’s more complex, involving a multiplex of traits and interactions.