In America, the ecological impact of invasive species can be devastating. The number of non-native species introduced into the United States has been approximated around 50,000 (Pimentel et al. 2000). The United According to an assessment provided by the National Strategy and Implementation Plan for Invasive Species Management (2004), an estimated $138 billion is spent each year to combat the negative effects of non-native species (Ries et al. 2004). Invasive species are characterized as being as non-native to a specific environment (Ries et al. 2004). Furthermore, the introduction of invasive species into a non-native ecosystem is always associated with some type of economic or environmental harm (Ries et al. 2004).
Asian Longhead Beetle |
Picture Credited To United States Department Of Agriculture (http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/animals/images.shtml) |
The current expansion that we are seeing in global trade and transportation increases the likelihood of future invasions by non-native species. It is for this reason that examining the ecological impact of invasive species is so important. In order to maintain balance within various ecosystems, our society must understand the potential threat of invasive species.
Damage Caused By Asian Longhead Beetle
Picture Credited To United States Department Of Agriculture (http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/ar/archive/archive/jun00/asian0600.htm)
Michael Givens
Biology 217