What are Invasive Species and Neophytes?

​Invasive species, also called invasive alien species or exotics​

​​ are non-indigenous species (in general originating from another continent), introduced intentionally or not, which get established in nature and spread to the detriment of native species. They are the second most important factor for biodiversity loss on a global scale. Therefore, new introductions must be prevented and invasive species which are already established must be controlled or eradicated.
In Europe, invasive alien species are also known as invasive neophytes which groups the plant species introduced since 1500.​
In Switzerland, invasive neophytes are also a real threat for indigenous species and an increasing number of activities have been undertaken. However invasive neophytes have to be clearly distinguished from indigenous species becoming locally invasive.

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More links:​

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http://www.issg.org/

​http://www.issg.org/database/species/search.asp?st=100ss

http://www.iucn.org/

http://www.invasive.org/

http://www.cbd.int/idb/2009/about/examples/

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