I don't believe there is a "scientific" answer to this question. "Native" means to me that a species has evolved in a particular ecosystem or ecosystems in response to environmental factors in that/those ecosystems. If we accept that definition, it is my opinion that no species introduced by man, purposely or accidently, can become a "native". It might become "naturalized" (able to survive and reproduce in the new environment as are invasive exotics) but not "native".
Bob Mowbray Tropical Forest Ecologist Natural Resource Management Specialist -------------- Original message from "J. Michael Nolan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: -------------- > List Members.... > > Can anyone help with an answer to the following question from another > list. Thank you in advance. > > Mike Nolan > > At what point does an introduced species become recognized as "native" > to an ecosystem? > > Thanks. > Ted Cox > Bellevue High School
