Update on the environmental and economic costs associated with alien-invasive species in the United States
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Authors: D. Pimentel, R. Zuniga, and D. Morrison
Date: 2005
Journal: Ecological Economics
Volume: 52
Number: 3
Pages: 273-288
Summary of Methods: This article is a summary of 131 papers on the economic and ecological costs of invasive species: flora, fauna and pathogens, in the United States.
Article Summary / Main Points: While some introduced species to the US (corn, wheat, cattle poultry) have been beneficial for agricultural purposes, throughout the 20th century alone it is estimated that exotic species caused billions of dollars in environmental damages. In pastures, 45% of weeds are alien species, and forage losses resulting from alien species alone total an estimated $1 billion annually. Forage losses on rangelands also can be attributed not only to weeds but also to wild horses and burros, both animals combined contributing to an estimated $5 million annually in forage losses. There are more than 60 exotic microbes and parasites that could become serious livestock pests in the United States. Ecological factors that contribute to abundance and persistence of alien invasive species include lack of natural enemies, development of new host-parasite associations that are not well understood, lack of effective predators in new ecosystem, artificial or disturbed habitats that are favorable to exotics, and high adaptability of successful alien species.
Vegetation Types: All Vegetation Types
MLRA Ecoregions: Not Applicable
Agrovoc Control Words: Economic losses Environmental economics Invasive species
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Scientific Synthesis
Keywords: environmental cost, economic cost, alien-invasive species, threatened or endangered species
Annotation: This summary is applicable to all rangelands and plant communities throughout the United States. While this article focuses on widespread invasive species effects on plants, animals and pathogen the main points in this review were selected because they highlight cattle grazing. This is a good comprehensive review of the effects of all invasive species and provides multiple things for range managers to consider.
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