Native species
A species is native to a region when it occurs there through natural range expansion or evolution, rather than introduction by humans.
Introduced species: A species occurring beyond its natural range because humans moved it there, intentionally or accidentally. Human transport, rather than natural range expansion, accounts for its presence.
Biogeography: The study of the geographic distribution of organisms through space and time. It provides the framework for describing species ranges and their histories.
Ecological restoration: The process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded, damaged, or destroyed. Restoration projects often use native species to recover regional ecological functions.
Ecological niche: The ecological conditions, resources, and interactions that enable a population to persist. A native species' niche is shaped by its regional environment and coexisting organisms.
Shifting baseline syndrome: The gradual acceptance of altered environmental conditions as normal across generations. Changing reference points can obscure historical native ranges and ecological losses.
Invasive species: A non-native organism whose spread causes ecological, economic, or human-health harm. Invasiveness adds harmful impacts; non-native status alone does not imply them.
Species distribution: The geographic areas in which members of a species occur. Native status is assessed against a species' distribution in a defined region.
Rewilding: A conservation approach that restores ecological processes and, often, self-sustaining wildlife populations. Rewilding may return native species to areas where they were locally lost.
Mutualism: An interaction between species in which both participants benefit. Native plants and animals can maintain mutualisms formed through long co-occurrence.
Climate change refugium: An area where local conditions remain suitable for species as the surrounding climate changes. Refugia may preserve native populations as their former ranges become unsuitable.