Ecological release

Ecological release refers to a population increase or niche expansion that occurs when a species is freed from limiting factors in its environment. These limiting factors can include predation, competitors, herbivory, and parasitism. Ecological release can occur when a population colonizes a new area and is introduced to a new environment. It may also occur is when predators, keystone species, diseases, and competition are eliminated from a species habitats. Ecological release can also be caused by human activity, which can result in the removal of certain species or the growth of invasive species.