Why are invasive species important?
Invasive species are non-native to the ecosystem, are likely to cause significant negative economic or environmental impacts, and once established, are not easily suppressed or eliminated. Invasive species can be insects, plants, pathogens, or animals. Accelerated invasions by exotic species and their huge impacts on the environment and human health have become an immense problem worldwide due, in large part, to the increase of human population, international travel, and global trades. In the United States alone, Pimentel et al. (2000) estimated that over $137 billion is lost annually to the effects of invasive species on agriculture, industry, recreation, and the environment. Due to the lack of effective regulations by natural enemies from its original ranges, the populations of invasive species can build up rapidly under the favorable conditions in the new environment and therefore cause tremendous damage.
