Biology and policy of invasive species

• David M. Lodge

Abstract
Species transported by humans from one region to another¿nonindigenous species¿sometimes become invasive. That is, they spread widely, and some cause enormous environmental and economic damage. Cheat grass, zebra mussels, and West Nile virus are three of hundreds of examples of invasive species in the US. Over at least the last century, increasing global trade and human travel have caused dramatic rises in both intentional and accidental introductions of nonindigenous species. Undoubtedly, this trend will continue, and perhaps accelerate, as global commerce increases. Although ecologists have long recognized the phenomenon of invasive species, only in recent years have they given it concentrated scientific attention. And only in the last decade have the societal costs and natural resource management challenges posed by invasive species received serious policy attention at the US federal and state levels. My project is to write a book entitled Biology and Policy of Invasive Species. The volume will synthesize the current scientific and policy situation of invasive species, and recommend how interdisciplinary research and policy development might move forward.