Are “exotic species” the same as “invasive species” or “harmful exotic species”?
Species that have been introduced, or moved, by human activities to a location where they do not naturally occur are termed “exotic,” “nonnative,” “alien,” and “nonindigenous.” Conversely, “native” describes a species living in an area where it is found naturally. An exotic species is not necessarily harmful, in fact the majority have beneficial purposes. When a non-native species invades lands or waters ” particularly natural communities ” causing ecological or economic problems, it is termed “invasive.” The terms “harmful exotic species,” “plant pest,” “pest plant,” “nonindigenous aquatic nuisance species,” and “non-native invasive species” are all groups of nonnative invasive species.
