Considerations for developing and implementing a safe list for alien taxa

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Conservation Biology
• Invasive Species Management

Background:

• Intentional introduction of alien species for benefits is common.
• Some introduced species become invasive and cause ecological or economic damage.
• Current management strategies include prohibition, damage limitation, or promoting safe species.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define and explore the "safe list" approach for managing biological invasions.
• To discuss the potential applications, development, and implementation of safe lists.
• To provide guidance for creating and utilizing safe lists.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of the safe list approach.
• Review of existing literature on species introductions and risk assessment.
• Discussion of practical considerations for safe list development and implementation.

Main Results:

• A clear definition of the safe list approach is provided.
• The potential benefits and challenges of using safe lists are discussed.
• Key aspects of purpose, development, implementation, and impact are disentangled.

Conclusions:

• Safe lists offer a proactive strategy for managing biological invasions.
• Careful development and implementation are crucial for the success of safe lists.
• This approach can help balance the benefits of introduced species with the risks of invasion.