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

[This book] provides some excellent examples through a collection of papers on the costs of invasive species to societies and environments in seven countries. ... One of the strengths of this collection is the mix of contributions of experienced contributors from both university and management sectors. ... [This book] will be a handy source of examples and models for students and practitioners alike, as well as access to a far-flung literature. And it will be a handy reference for all those involved in developing effective responses to a hydra-headed problem. The editor and authors are to be applauded ... .
- Ecology, Vol. 85, No. 5, May 2004

Of interest to policymakers, scientists, researchers, and the general public, this book offers rare insights into the economic impacts to a global marketplace.
- Southeastern Naturalist, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2004