Taming the terminological tempest in invasion science
Authors: Soto Almena Ismael , Balzani Paride , Carneiro Lais , Cuthbert Ross , Macedo Rafael , Serhan Tarkan Ali , Ahmed Danish , Bang Alok , Bacela-Spychalska Karolina , Bailey Sarah , Baudry Thomas , Ballesteros Liliana , Bortolus Alejandro , Briski Elizabeta , Britton J. Robert , Buric Milos , Camacho-Cervantes Morelia , Cano-Barbacil Carlos , Copilaș-Ciocianu Denis , Coughlan Neil , Courtois Pierre , Csabai Zoltan , Dalu Tatenda , De santis Vanessa , Dickey James , Dimarco Romina , Falk-Andersson Jannike , Fernandez Romina , Florencio Margarita , Franco Ana Clara , Garcia-Berthou Emili , Giannetto Daniela , Glavendekic Milka , Grabowski Michal , Heringer Gustavo , Herrera Ileana , Wei Huang , Kamelamela Katie , Kirichenko Natalia , Kouba Antonin , Kourantidou Melina , Kurtul Irmak , Laufer Gabriel , Lipták Boris , Liu Chulong , Lopez-López Eugenia , Lozano Vanessa , Mammola Stefano , Marchini Agnese , Meshkova Valentyna , Meyerson Laura , Milardi Marco , Musolin Dimitrii , Nuñez Martin , Oficialdegui Francisco , Patoka Jiri , Pattision Zarah , Petrusek Adam , Pincheira-Donoso Daniela , Piria Maria , Probert Anna , Rasmussen Jes Jessen , Renault David , Ribeiro Filipe , Rilov Gil , Robinson Tamara , Sanchez Axel , Schwindt Evangelina , South Josie , Stoett Peter , Verreycken Hugo , Vilizzi Lorenzo , Wang Yong-Jian , Watari Yuya , Wehi Priscilla , Weiperth Andras , Wiberg-Larsen Peter , yapici Sercan , Yoğurtçuoğlu Baran , Zenni Rafael , Galil Bella , Dick Jaimie , Russell James , Ricciardi Anthony , Simberloff Daniel , Bradshaw Corey , Haubrock Phillip 
Published: September 2023

Standardized terminology in science is important for clarity of interpretation and communication. In invasion science — a dynamic and quickly evolving discipline — the rapid proliferation of technical terminology has lacked a standardized framework for its language development. The result is a convoluted and inconsistent usage of terminology, with various discrepancies in descriptions of damages and interventions. A standardized framework is therefore needed for a clear, universally applicable, and consistent terminology to promote more effective communication across researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers. Inconsistencies in terminology stem from the exponential increase in scientific publications on the patterns and processes of biological invasions authored by experts from various disciplines and countries since the 1990s, as well as publications by legislators and policymakers focusing on practical applications, regulations, and management of resources. Aligning and standardizing terminology across stakeholders remains a prevailing challenge in invasion science. Here, we review and evaluate the multiple terms used in invasion science (e.g. 'non-native', 'alien', 'invasive' or 'invader', 'exotic', 'non-indigenous', 'naturalized, 'pest') to propose a more simplified and standardized terminology. The streamlined framework we propose and translate into 28 other languages is based on the terms (i) 'non-native', denoting species transported beyond their natural biogeographic range, (ii) 'established non-native', i.e. those non-native species that have established self-sustaining populations in their new location(s) in the wild, and (iii) 'invasive non-native' — populations of established non-native species that have recently spread or are spreading rapidly in their invaded range actively or passively with or without human mediation. We also highlight the importance of conceptualizing 'spread' for classifying invasiveness and 'impact' for management. Finally, we propose a protocol for classifying populations based on (1) dispersal mechanism, (2) species origin, (3) population status, and (4) impact. Collectively and without introducing new terminology, the framework that we present aims to facilitate effective communication and collaboration in invasion science and management of non-native species.