Biodiversity Atlas LA

Birds   |   Herptiles   |   Insects   |   Mammals   |   Plants

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Non-Native vs. Invasive

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Non-native species (also called introduced, alien, or exotic species) are organisms living or growing in an area outside of their original, indigenous range. There are many non-native species in the Los Angeles region. While some arrived on their own, or by natural processes, many have been either intentionally or accidentally introduced (i.e. transported) by humans. 

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Not all introduced species are necessarily harmful, but some non-native species are so successful in their new environment that they become invasive. Invasive species are non-native organisms that cause economic or environmental problems due to their uncontrolled population growth and spread. They can have serious impacts on regional biodiversity, agriculture, and other industries.  

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We can use species distribution models to depict the vulnerability of different environments to an invasive species. Sometimes, researchers also use models to predict the spread of a species in a new area. This can help conservation planners decide where and how to focus their management efforts.