Biological Invasions: Economic and Environmental Costs of Alien Plant, Animal, and Microbe Species

Abstract

In this book, the editor assembled experts from seven countries to cover the topic of an emerging global problemÑ biological invasion.With increased world trade and worldwide travel by people, biological organisms are introduced into new countries and regions at a higher rate than ever before.These introductions occur either intentionally or accidentally.In their new environments, biological organisms can become invasive because of lack of natural constraints that often exist in their origin range.The non-native invasive species disrupt agriculture and forestry, alter ecosystems, transmit diseases, and interfere with Þshing, shipping, and other commerce activities.The economic and environmental damage from alien plants, animals, and microbes in the United States, British Isles, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, and Brazil, account for more than $300 billion per year in damages and control costs.The problem of biological invasion has been recognized for some time, but only recently has it received high attention from government agencies and researchers.This book assembles detailed information on components of the invasive species problem from six continents.It reconÞrms the diverse and unpredictable roles that non-native species assume when they invade new ecosystems: destruction of vital crops and forests, major and often irreversible damages to ecosystems leading to loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and water loss.Additionally, this book includes information on the impact of microbial pathogens of humans and livestock.The book consists of 18 chapters, organized into nine sections.The Þrst section is an introduction, and the last section is a world overview.The seven sections in the middle cover the biological invasion problems in each of the seven countries including Australia, Brazil, British Isles, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States.For each country, information is provided on the current status of biological invasion for the speciÞc group of organisms covered.Each section (country) may have one to four chapters covering groups of organisms ranging from alien plants, alien vertebrates, alien invertebrates, and alien microbes, i.e., plant pathogens.Authors from speciÞc countries try to illuminate how the non-native species invade new ecosystems and the subsequent environmental effects of these invading species.Wherever possible, estimates on the economic impacts of the invading species are included, although sources of such information are not well documented.Because of