Alien species are those introduced by humans to regions outside their natural range. Invasive alien species are a growing concern for both the environment and economy.

In recent decades, alien herpetofauna—amphibians and reptiles—have increasingly gained attention on social media, with more information being circulated about the impacts these species have on native flora and fauna.

And yet, the number of invasive reptiles and amphibians is increasing, facilitated by the persistently high globalization of human activities.

Detrimental effects

Some invasive species arrive unintentionally as hitchhikers on planes, ships and cars. Others are sold intentionally as exotic pets, which then escape or are released into the wild. Of those that survive and establish, some are able to spread with severe negative impacts, giving them the title of "invasive."

These impacts can be massive. Alien species are a leading cause of biodiversity loss and extinction worldwide, affecting human welfare and quality of life.

While alien species can also have detrimental effects on the economy, this is often complex to assess. Available information is often scattered, covers different scales or periods, recorded using variable measurements and currencies and presented in many languages.

The InvaCost database, the most comprehensive database of the cost of alien species and a global initiative of scientists, gathers this information and makes it accessible to researchers and the public.