Invasive alien species

Abstract This article provides an overview of the biological invasion process, the impact of invasive alien species, and management strategies. The process of biological invasion involves the movement of species, through human activities, from their native range to regions of the world where they would not naturally occur, thereby becoming alien (non-native) species. The number of alien (or non-native) species – animals, plants, and microorganisms that have been transported and introduced to a new place – is rising globally, largely driven by expanding trade and transport networks over the last century. A small proportion of these alien species become invasive, establishing, spreading, and negatively impacting nature and people. The most effective way to mitigate the threat of invasive alien species is to prevent their arrival by managing pathways of introduction through robust biosecurity. When prevention fails, early detection and rapid response can limit the establishment and spread of invasive alien species. If this also fails, then long-term management may be required to reduce the negative impacts. There are many frameworks, including voluntary codes of conduct but also legislation, underpinning action against invasive alien species. However, implementation remains uneven across the world. Target 6 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework outlines the commitment of nations to ambitiously reduce the establishment and impacts of invasive alien species. Mitigating the threat of invasive alien species is possible, but there is a need for implementation of biosecurity through integrated governance including cross-border cooperation and collaboration.