Non-indigenous speciesSpec 9.9
A non-indigenous species (also called an introduced or invasive species) is one that has been brought, deliberately or accidentally, into an area where it does not naturally live.
- It may have no natural predators in the new area, so its population can grow quickly.
- It can compete with native species for food and space, so native species decline.
- It may eat native species or carry diseases that native species cannot resist.
- The result is that biodiversity falls, as native species decline or die out.
Positive effects are possible. Some non-indigenous species are introduced to provide food or other products, or to control pests. But the risk to native species means that introductions need careful control.