Abstract
The aim of this study is to provide a general overview of the economic impacts associated with vertebrate invasive species (VIS) in the United States and suggests a methodology for differentiating types of damage. We identify a general framework for categorizing VIS damage that separates this damage into three main categories: destruction, depredation, and disease. We then examine how this framework fits into current published estimates of damage and management costs. Economic impacts associated with feral swine damage and management are plentiful enough to warrant separate treatment from other VIS and are observed in all three categories. For all VIS examined in this study, damage estimates associated with destruction provide the most evaluations of VIS impacts, especially destruction of crops. Evaluations of the losses associated with depredation are largely absent from the literature. We find that while published studies have estimated substantial economic impact associated with VIS, the current state of the literature focusing on VIS frequently fails to address all of the categories of damage, is difficult to compare or replicate, and is unsuited for extrapolation to nation-wide estimates of damage.
Highlights
Invasive species are a persistent and significant source of economic loss within the United States
We find that while published studies have estimated substantial economic impact associated with vertebrate invasive species (VIS), the current state of the literature focusing on VIS frequently fails to address all of the categories of damage, is difficult to compare or replicate, and is unsuited for extrapolation to nation-wide estimates of damage
The framework this paper presents will focus on vertebrate invasive species (VIS)—a subset of invasive species that includes bony fish, sharks, rays, amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds—to present a method for deconstructing sources of damage
Summary
Invasive species are a persistent and significant source of economic loss within the United States. Reptiles (e.g., Burmese pythons and brown tree snakes) and aquatic non-native species typically result in negative economic impacts through depredation and environmental destruction, but rarely through disease transmission (Greene et al 2007; Snow et al 2007) Some avian species, such as European starlings, can be responsible for damages in the destruction as well as disease categories. Non-market valuation of wildlife or the recreational value of natural resources can be achieved using survey-based methods such as contingent valuation and travel cost methodology, as well as non-survey methods like benefit-transfer (Loomis and Walsh 1997) While these can provide some insight into the lost economic opportunity arising from VIS damage, they are imprecise as the numbers can be biased due to the subjective choice of methodology and limitations of survey responsiveness. Avian malaria was introduced to Hawai’i by exotic birds kept as companion animals by settlers and is believed to be at least partially responsible for the extinction of at least ten bird species on the island (Lowe et al 2000) In the continental United States, the invasive nutria (Myastor coypus) can be found across the Gulf Coast and can carry tuberculosis and a host of parasites that are hazardous to water supplies and recreation areas (USDA-APHIS-WS 2010)
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