non-native species

noun

UK /ˌnɒnˈneɪtɪv ˈspiːʃiːz/

US /ˌnɑːnˈneɪtɪv ˈspiːʃiːz/

A non-native species is a plant or animal that lives in a place where it did not originally come from.

The gray squirrel is a non-native species in Britain.

SYNONYMS

alien species introduced species exotic species foreign species invasive species

RELATED WORDS

native species habitat ecosystem migration biodiversity

OTHER MEANINGS

2. A species brought to a new area by human activity, either on purpose or by accident.

Many non-native species arrived in ships by accident.

3. A species that can spread quickly and harm local wildlife.

Some non-native species grow so fast they push out native plants.

4. A species that people keep as pets or use in gardens far from its home.

The pet turtle became a non-native species when it was released into the pond.