A neutral terminology to define 'invasive' species

The use of simple terms to articulate ecological concepts can confuse ideological debates and undermine management efforts. This problem is particularly acute in studies of nonindigenous species, which alternatively have been called 'exotic', 'introduced', 'invasive' an...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Diversity & distributions 2004-03, Vol.10 (2), p.135-141
Main Authors: Colautti, Robert I., MacIsaac, Hugh J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biodiversity Research
Biological invasions
Conservation biology
definitions
Ecological genetics
Ecological invasion
establishment
exotic
Human ecology
Introduced species
introduction
invasion stages
Invasive species
naturalized
NIS
nonindigenous species
Population ecology
Synecology
Terminology
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Summary:The use of simple terms to articulate ecological concepts can confuse ideological debates and undermine management efforts. This problem is particularly acute in studies of nonindigenous species, which alternatively have been called 'exotic', 'introduced', 'invasive' and 'naturalised', among others. Attempts to redefine commonly used terminology have proven difficult because authors are often partial to particular definitions. In an attempt to form a consensus on invasion terminology, we synthesize an invasional framework based on current models that break the invasion process into a series of consecutive, obligatory stages. Unlike previous efforts, we propose a neutral terminology based on this framework. This 'stage-based' terminology can be used to supplement terms with ambiguous meanings (e.g. invasive, introduced, naturalized, weedy, etc.), and thereby improve clarity of future studies. This approach is based on the concept of 'propagule pressure' and has the additional benefit of identifying factors affecting the success of species at each stage. Under this framework, invasions can be more objectively understood as biogeographical, rather than taxonomic, phenomena; and author preferences in the use of existing terminology can be addressed. An example of this recommended protocol might be: 'We examined distribution data to contrast the characteristics of invasive species (stages IVa and V) and noninvasive species (stages III and IVb)'.
ISSN:1366-9516
1472-4642
DOI:10.1111/j.1366-9516.2004.00061.x