invasivart

Invasivart is a term used in ecological and environmental policy discussions to refer to species that are introduced outside their native range and that have the potential to cause harm to ecosystems, economies, or health. The term is most commonly found in Swedish-language sources, where invasivart directly translates to invasive species; in English, "invasive species" is standard. The concept covers plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.

Introduction and spread occur via pathways such as international trade, horticulture, pet trade, ballast water, or human movement. Once established, invasivart can outcompete native species, alter habitats, disrupt food webs, hybridize with natives, or carry diseases. Impacts can be ecological, agricultural, or public health-related, and their severity varies by region and species.

Management relies on prevention, early detection, and rapid response to newly detected invasivart, as well as ongoing control and, where feasible, eradication or containment. Approaches include mechanical removal, chemical control (with environmental considerations), biological control under strict risk assessment, habitat restoration, and public awareness. Risk assessments help prioritize actions and inform policy decisions.

Governance typically involves national and regional regulatory frameworks, quarantine measures, and lists of prohibited species. Because of potential unintended consequences, management plans emphasize precaution and adaptive strategies, balancing ecological protection with socio-economic factors. Examples of well-known invasive species used for context include the zebra mussel, cane toad, and kudzu.