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PREDICTING THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF AN INVASIVE SPECIES ON AN ECOSYSTEM SERVICE
Author(s) -
Cook David C.,
Thomas Matthew B.,
Cunningham Saul A.,
Anderson Denis L.,
De Barro Paul J.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
ecological applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.864
H-Index - 213
eISSN - 1939-5582
pISSN - 1051-0761
DOI - 10.1890/06-1632.1
Subject(s) - varroa destructor , varroa , ecosystem services , invasive species , economic impact analysis , pollination , ecology , damages , economic cost , biology , alien species , introduced species , ecosystem , honey bee , agroforestry , economics , pollen , neoclassical economics , political science , law , microeconomics
Quantifying the impact of alien invasive species on ecosystem services is an essential step in developing effective practices and policy for invasive species management. Here we develop a stochastic bioeconomic model that enables the economic impact of an invasive pest to be estimated before its arrival, based on relatively poorly specified ecological and economic parameters. We developed the model by using a hypothetical invasion of the varroa bee mite ( Varroa destructor ) into Australia and the negative flow‐on effects that it would have on pollination by reducing honey bee populations, giving rise to a loss of pollination services, reduced crop yields, and additional production costs. If the mite were to continue to be prevented from entering the country over the next 30 years, we estimate that the economic costs avoided would be US$16.4–38.8 million (Aus$21.3–50.5 million) per year. We suggest that current invasion response funding arrangements in Australia, which do not acknowledge these avoided damages, require amendment.