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

Abstract

David Pimentel. Biological Invasions: Economic and Environmental Costs of Alien Plant, Animal, and Microbe Species 2002 CRC Press Boca Raton, FL 384 0-8493-0836-4 $139.95 In this book, the editor assembled experts from seven countries to cover the topic of an emerging global problem—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 fishing, 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 …