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

David Pimentel Ph.D.9780849308369, 0-8493-0836-4

Biological Invasions 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.