Invasive alien species (IAS) are either plants, animals or microorganisms that have been introduced outside their natural distribution area, and which exhibit rapid growth, reproduction and dispersal to such an extent that they are highly competitive to native species, destructive and difficult to control, particularly if the new ecosystem lacks the predators or pathogens of their own native range.

Their introduction to a new ecosystem threatens biodiversity, food security, human health, trade, transport and economic development. The cost of damage caused by IAS globally is estimated at USD1.4 trillion per annum1. The invasiveness of alien species lies in their adaptive behaviors, such as rapid growth, great dispersal characteristics, large reproductive capacity, broad environmental tolerance, and effective competition with local species.