Invasive Species: Vectors and Management Strategies

Recent years have seen a steep rise in invasions of nonnative species in virtually all major habitats on Earth. Along with this rise has come a realization that a rigorous scientific understanding of why, how, when, and where species are transported is the foundation for managing biological invasions. "Invasive Species presents extensive information and new analyses on mechanisms of species transfer, or vectors, as the latest contribution from the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP). Contributors assess invasions vectors and vector management in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems for major taxonomic groups in a variety of regions around the world. Chapter authors review fungi, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates, with geographic assessments covering New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, and the United States. Although the full extent and cumulative impact of nonnative species can only be guessed, biological invasions are clearly a potent force of global change, contributing to a wide range of deleterious effects, including disease outbreaks, habitat alternation and loss, declines of native species, increased frequency of fires, and shifts in nutrient cycling. "Invasive Species brings together new information from leading scientists around the world on approaches to controlling and managing invasion vectors.