Definitions used by NOBANIS

The NOBANIS Network compiles existing data on alien species in a common format for all countries participating in the network. The database of alien species is one of our central products.

The database covers the territories of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Sweden and part of Russian Federation, as well as the three self-governing territories, The Faroe Islands, Greenland and The Åland Islands. The Faroe Islands and Greenland will have separate entries, while The Åland Islands will be included in the Finnish entry.

The NOBANIS database of alien species includes all species that have been introduced as a result of human activities be it intentionally or unintentionally. This means that the database covers both the very invasive alien species and the not invasive alien species (see definitions below). The core species of the NOBANIS database of alien species are organisms that are established (naturalised) in natural or semi natural ecosystems. Alien species that are only present from time to time (incidental) are included as well. Species that are constantly being introduced, but do not breed, such as e.g. Trachemys scipta (Red-eared Slider) or Salmo gairdneri (Rainbow trout) are also included in the database.

Weeds or other pests in the agricultural landscape or in forestry and animal husbandry are often also alien species. The NOBANIS project covers these species as well, when the species are found in natural or semi natural ecosystems or on native animals or plants.

Introductions can also be in the form of transferred individuals coming from others parts of the local area.

There are several terms that have been used to name species that are transported out of their native range to become ecological or economic problems. The NOBANIS uses the term "alien species", being synonymous with introduced, non-indigenous, exotic, non-native species. In the NOBANIS database the term invasive alien species (IAS) is reserved to species that after naturalisation spread and have an effect on native fauna and/or flora. The NOBANIS adheres to the definitions, as adapted by Convention of Parties (COP 6, decision VI/23) supplemented by some definitions from IUCN Guidelines and ICES code of practice.

Alien species (syn: non-native, non-indigenous, foreign, exotic, introduced) - a species, subspecies or lower taxon (such as a variety, race, provenance or stock), introduced outside its natural past or present distribution; includes any part, gametes, seeds, eggs, or propagules of such species that might survive and subsequently reproduce (COP 6, decision VI/23);

Invasive alien species (IAS) (or alien invasive species) - an alien species whose introduction and/or spread threaten biological diversity (COP 6, decision VI/23);

Introduction - the movement by human agency, indirect or direct, of an alien species outside of its natural range (past or present). This movement can be either within a country or between countries or areas beyond national jurisdiction (COP 6, decision VI/23);

Intentional introduction - the deliberate movement and/or release by humans of an alien species outside its natural range (COP 6, decision VI/23);

Unintentional introduction - all other introductions which are not intentional (COP 6, decision VI/23);

Establishment - the process of an alien species in a new habitat successfully producing viable offspring with the likelihood of continued survival (COP 6, decision VI/23);

Incidental/Adventitious species – An introduced (alien) species that has been introduced through human agency into a new area, but is not established in the wild (draft guidelines, IUCN, 1999).

Native species (indigenous) –A species, subspecies or lower taxon, occurring within its natural range (past and present) and dispersal potential (i.e. within the range it occupies naturally or could occupy without direct or indirect introduction or care by humans) (IUCN Guidelines, 2000).

Natural ecosystem - an ecosystem not perceptibly altered by humans (IUCN, 2000).

Semi-natural ecosystem - an ecosystem which has been altered by human actions, but which retains significant native elements (IUCN, 2000).

Secondary introduction – A secondary introduction takes place as the result of an intentional or unintentional introduction into a new area, when the species disperses from that point of entry into areas it could not have reached without the initial (primary) human mediated introduction (defined by K. Jansson in Weidema (ed.) 2000).

Reintroduction – An attempt to establish a species in an area which was once part of its historical range, but from which it has been extirpated or become extinct (IUCN, 2000).

Transferred species ( = transplanted species)
Any species intentionally or accidentally transported and released within areas of established populations and continuing genetic flow where it occurs. (ICES 2003)

IUCN 2000 - Guidelines for the prevention of Biodiversity Loss Caused by 
Alien Invasive Species 

IUCN 1999 - draft guidelines for the prevention of Biodiversity Loss Caused by 
Alien Invasive Species - not available on-line.

ICES 2003 - code of practice on the Introduction and transfer of Marine 
Organisms

COP 6, decision VI/23 - on alien species that threaten ecosystems, habitats or species.  

Jansson. K. in Weidema, I.R. (ed) Introduced Species in the Nordic Countries. Nord 2000:13. Nordic Council of Ministers, Copenhagen, pp 43-86.