Preventing invasive plant introductions

摘要

Estimates of economic losses in the US due to invasive species, including animals, plants, insects and pathogens, have been as high as 120 billion dollar per year. Among these organisms, there are at least 400 plant species that have invaded urban, agricultural and natural areas to cause severe economic and ecological damage. Federal agencies have identified invasive plants as the second-most important threat to the natural environment in the US behind habitat destruction. In natural areas, these impacts can include reductions in animal forage quality and quantity; harmful effects on livestock or human health; increased landscape susceptibility to fire, erosion or drought; interference in recreational or commercial activities; and loss of native plant and animal diversity.