A nuisance species, in ecological and environmental science contexts, refers to a taxon (native or non-native) whose population density, behavior, or spatial distribution causes persistent, undesirable interference with human activities, infrastructure, or ecosystem management objectives without necessarily meeting criteria for invasive status. These species can disrupt fisheries, agriculture, recreation, or water management; alter habitat quality; or increase operational costs for monitoring and control. Scientifically, the concept is management-oriented rather than taxonomic, emphasizing thresholds of impact, risk assessment, and cost–benefit analyses of control strategies, often integrating population ecology, disturbance regimes, and human–wildlife conflict frameworks.
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