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Misusing ecology: Study warns against comparing human migration to biological invasions

A new study in Biological Reviews critically examines the parallels and key differences between human migration and biological invasions. Bringing together experts from both the natural and social sciences, the study explains why drawing such parallels is misleading and potentially harmful, particularly in today's politically charged climate.

The study was led by Dr. Danish Ahmed (Gulf University for Science & Technology, Kuwait) and Dr. Phillip Haubrock (Senckenberg Research Institute, Germany).

While both human migration and biological invasions involve movement, establishment, and integration into new environments, they occur under vastly different circumstances. Biological invasions are studied largely within ecological frameworks, focusing on species dispersal, competition, and environmental impact, whereas human migration is shaped by complex social, political, environmental and historical factors that may also apply to biological invasions.

The study warns that applying invasion science terminology, such as "alien," "invasive," or "eradication" to migration oversimplifies the issue, reinforcing xenophobic narratives and distorting public perceptions of displaced people.

The researchers highlight how political rhetoric has repeatedly misused invasion-related language to frame migration as a threat. By examining historical case studies, ethical considerations, and socio-political influences, the study reveals how misleading comparisons can dehumanize migrants and obscure the true drivers of migration.

Unlike biological invasions, which can cause severe ecological and socioeconomic impacts, migration, despite always having been an integral part of human history, is inherently more complex with numerous nuances and facets making an evaluation more complicated. The researchers stress that migration policies should be guided by evidence and ethical considerations, rather than alarmist narratives rooted in misapplied ecological concepts.

To challenge these misconceptions, the study advocates for a more integrative, interdisciplinary approach that bridges natural and social sciences. Policies concerning both human migration and biological invasions must be context-specific, scientifically rigorous, and grounded in ethical principles. By fostering a clearer and more informed discourse, this research paves the way for policymaking that promotes environmental sustainability while upholding human dignity and global cooperation.