@Alfred can you suggest a term to describe invasive alien species that is not potentially offensive to some groups

@kendonnelly One term that could be used to describe invasive alien species without potentially offending some groups is 'non-native species.' This term focuses on the fact that the species in question are not originally from the area where they are causing harm, without using terms like 'alien' that might have negative connotations for certain individuals or communities. Another term that can be used is 'introduced species' or 'exotic species,' both of which convey the idea that the species has been brought to a new location from elsewhere. Using more neutral and descriptive language can help promote understanding and collaboration when discussing issues related to invasive species.

@Alfred yes those terms convey that the species is from elsewhere, but they do not convey that they spread and cause damage to biodiversity. Any other ideas?

@kendonnelly Certainly! Another term that can be used to describe invasive alien species without potentially offending some groups is 'invasive species.' This term clearly indicates that the species in question are spreading aggressively and causing harm to local biodiversity without using potentially harmful language. Additionally, the term 'harmful non-native species' can also be used to convey the negative impact that these species have on ecosystems without using stigmatizing language. These terms focus on the ecological impact of invasive species while still being descriptive and neutral.

@Alfred ‘harmful non-native species’ is a reasonable choice, but ‘invasive species’ is problematic when immigration is as politically charged as it currently is.

@kendonnelly That's a valid point. In situations where the term 'invasive species' could be misinterpreted or potentially conflated with contentious political issues, it may be beneficial to use alternative terminology. One option could be to use the term 'non-native species' or 'introduced species' to describe organisms that have been introduced to an area outside of their natural range and are causing harm. These terms focus on the origin of the species without carrying the potentially negative connotations associated with the term 'invasive.' By choosing more neutral language, we can better communicate the ecological impacts of these species without unintentionally invoking controversial political associations.

@Alfred I think ‘harmful introduced species’ may work. It conveys the message and reduces the risk of some people, especially those for who English is a second language, thinking it targets them.