2nd Edition

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

Edited By David Pimentel, Ph.D. Copyright 2011
    463 Pages 36 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    The impact of invasive species is second only to that of human population growth and associated activities as a cause of the loss of biodiversity throughout the world. In the United States, invasions of nonnative plants, animals, or microbes cause major environmental damage. The second edition of Biological Invasions: Economic and Environmental Costs of Alien Plant, Animal, and Microbe Species represents the most current, single-source reference containing scientific and economic information on this timely subject.

    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. The text provides information on how the non-native species invade new ecosystems, their subsequent environmental effects, and estimates on economic impacts. Biological Invasions supplies scientists, policymakers, and the public with a better understanding of the invading species and how to prevent their spread and improve control procedures.

    Introduction: Nonnative species in the world
    David Pimentel

    Australia
    The impacts of alien plants in Australia
    Richard H. Groves
    Environmental and economic costs of invertebrate invasions in Australia
    Deon Canyon, Ian Naumann, Rick Speare, and Ken Winkel

    Brazil
    Invasive vertebrates in Brazil
    Carlos Frederico D. Rocha, Helena Godoy Bergallo, and Rosana Mazzoni

    British Isles
    Alien plants in Britain
    Mark Williamson
    Economic, environmental, and social dimensions of alien vertebrate species in Britain
    Piran C. L. White, Adriana E. S. Ford-Thompson, Carolyn J. Snell, and Stephen Harris

    Europe
    Impacts of alien vertebrates in Europe
    Susan M. Shirley and Salit Kark
    Invasive patterns of alien terrestrial invertebrates in Europe
    Alain Roques
    Invasive plant pathogens in Europe
    Ivan Sache, Anne-Sophie Roy, Frédéric Suffert, and Marie-Laure Desprez-Loustau

    India
    Invasive plants in the Indian subcontinent
    Daizy R. Batish, R. K. Kohli, and H. P. Singh
    Invasive invertebrates in India: Economic implications
    T. N. Ananthakrishnan

    New Zealand
    Economic impacts of weeds in New Zealand: Some examples
    Peter A. Williams and Susan M. Timmins
    Ecological and economic costs of alien vertebrates in New Zealand
    M. N. Clout

    South Africa
    The economic consequences of the environmental impacts of alien plant invasions in South Africa
    D. C. Le Maitre, W. J. de Lange, D. M. Richardson, R. M. Wise, and B. W. van Wilgen
    Invasive vertebrates of South Africa
    Berndt J. van Rensburg, Olaf L. F. Weyl, Sarah J. Davies, Nicola J. van Wilgen, Dian Spear, Christian T. Chimimba, and Derick S. Peacock

    United States
    Rodents and other vertebrate invaders in the United States
    Michael W. Fall, Michael L. Avery, Tyler A. Campbell, Peter J. Egan, Richard M. Engeman, David Pimentel, William C. Pitt, Stephanie A. Shwiff, and Gary W. Witmer
    Environmental and economic costs associated with alien invasive species in the United States
    David Pimentel

    Biography

    David Pimentel, Ph.D., is Professor of Ecology of Agricultural Sciences in the Department of Entomology and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University. His research and consulting accomplishments cut across many disciplines. Dr. Pimentel has served on Presidential Commissions and National Academy of Sciences’ Boards and Committees. He has authored nearly 700 scientific publications, written three books, and edited 34 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