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

384pp  ISBN 0849308364      £85.00

• Represents the most current, single-source reference containing scientific and economic information on this timely subject
• Includes studies from six continents in order to provide the best quality and detailed data for each component of the biological invasion problem
• Presents up-to-date literature with contributions from internationally recognized experts
• Provides a foundation for the type of research needed to assess accurately the economic and ecological impact of non-native invasive species

Bioinvasion is fast becoming one of the world's most costly ecological problems, as it disrupts agriculture, drastically alters ecosystems, spreads disease, and interferes with shipping. The economic and environmental damages from alien plant, animals, and microbes in the United States, British Isles, Australia, South Africa, India, and Brazil account for more than $300 billion per year in damages and control costs. Biological Invasions: Economic and Environmental Costs of Alien Plant, Animal, and Microbe Species assembles detailed information on components of the invasive-species problem from six continents.

This volume reconfirms the diverse and unpredictable roles that non-native species assume as they invade new ecosystems: destruction of vital crops and forests, major damages to ecosystems leading to loss of biodiversity, soil erosion, and water loss. In addition, it covers the impact of disease organisms on human health and livestock. Information is provided on 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.

Alien species invasions will continue to be an on-going problem in the future given human population growth, its increased needs, and its movement throughout the world. Biological Invasions will inform scientists, policymakers, and the public on the seriousness of non-native species invasions that cause extinction as well as significant costs to the environment, economy, and public health.

About the Editor

David Pimentel is well respected worldwide for a life of work in the Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. His research and consulting accomplishments cut across traditional disciplinary boundaries. Dr. Pimentel has served on numerous Presidential Commissions and National Academy of Sciences' Committees and Boards. He has authored nearly 600 scientific publications, written two books, and edited 20 books.

Contents

Introduction
Non-Native Species in the World, D. Pimentel

Australia
The Impacts of Alien Plants in Australia, R.H. Groves
Non-Indigenous Vertebrates in Australia, M. Bomford and Q. Hart
Environmental and Economic Costs of Invertebrate Invasions in Australia, D. Canyon, R. Speare, I. Naumann, and K. Winkel

Brazil
Alien Plant Pathogens in Brazil, M. Junior

British Isles Alien Plants in the British Isles, M. Williamson
Economic and Environmental Costs of Alien Vertebrate Species in Britain, P. White and S. Harris
Non-Native Invasive Species of Arthropods and Plant Pathogens in the British Isles, D. Pimentel

India
Alien Plant Pathogens in India, R. Singh and J. Kaur

New Zealand
Economic Impacts of Weeds in New Zealand, P. Williams and S. Timmins
Ecological and Economic Costs of Alien Vertebrates in New Zealand, M. Clout
Alien Invertebrates in New Zealand, N. Barlow and S. Goldson
The Impact of Exotic Insects in New Zealand, A. Cook, P. Weinstein, and A. Woodward

South Africa
The Economic Consequences of Alien Plant Invasions: Examples of Impacts and Approaches to Sustainable Management in South Africa, B. van Wilgen, D. M. Richardson, D. Le Maitre, C. Marais, and D. Magadlela Alien Invertebrate Animals in South Africa, L. Lach, M. Picker, J. Colville, M. Allsopp, and C. Griffiths

United States
Environmental and Economic Costs of Non-Indigenous Species in the United States, D. Pimentel, L. Lach, R. Zuniga, and D. Morrison

World Overview
Economic and Environmental Threats of Alien Plant, Animal, and Microbe Invasions, D. Pimentel, S. McNair, J. Janecka, J. Wightman, C. Simmonds, C.O'Connell, E. Wong, L. Russel, J. Zern, T. Aquino, and T. Tsomondo
World Exotic Diseases, Y. Kim

Index