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U.S. Department of Agriculture
National Invasive Species Information Center
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What are Invasive Species?

As per Executive Order 13112 (Section 1. Definitions) an "invasive species" is defined as a species that is:

1) non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and

2) whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health.

Invasive species can be plants, animals, and other organisms (e.g., microbes). Human actions are the primary means of invasive species introductions. For more information, see Pathways information.

Invasive Species Definition Clarification and Guidance White Paper (2006)
Submitted by the Definitions Subcommittee of the Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC), Approved by ISAC Apr 27, 2006.

On InvasivespeciesInfo.gov you can learn about the impacts of invasive species and the Federal government's response, as well as read select species profiles and find resources for agencies and organizations working with invasive species issues.