Biological Invasion Costs Reveal Insufficient Proactive Management Worldwide

Abstract

Here, we use this InvaCost (invasive alien species economic costs) database to identify patterns and trends, research biases, and knowledge gaps surrounding management expenditures against biological invasions worldwide. Our aims were to (i) quantify management costs relative to IAS damage costs, (ii) characterise management expenditures for IAS at different spatial, taxonomic, environmental and temporal scales, (iii) model ecological and socio-economic determinants of damage costs and management spending, as well as potential savings should management have been more timely, and (iv) identify avenues for further efficient spending and research on IAS management.