Surprisingly high economic costs of biological invasions in protected areas

• DOI: 10.1007/s10530-022-02732-7
• Publication Date: 2022-02-04T11:28:30Z
• Authors: Desika Moodley; Elena Angulo; Ross N. Cuthbert; Brian Leung; Anna Turbelin; Ana Novoa; Melina Kourantidou; Gustavo Heringer; Phillip J. Haubrock; David Renault; Marine Robuchon; Jean Fantle-Lepczyk; Franck Courchamp; Christophe Diagne
• Keywords: Economic cost

Abstract Biological invasions are one of the main threats to biodiversity within protected areas (PAs) worldwide. Meanwhile, resilience PAs remains largely unknown. Consequently, providing a better understanding how they impacted by is critical for informing policy responses and optimally allocating resources prevention control strategies. Here we use InvaCost database address this gap from three perspectives: (i) characterizing total reported costs invasive alien species (IAS) in PAs; (ii) comparing mean observed IAS non-PAs; (iii) evaluating factors affecting PAs. Our results first show that, overall, economic amounted US$ 22.24 billion between 1975 2020, which 930.61 million were (already incurred) 21.31 potential (extrapolated or predicted). Expectedly, most management (73%) but damages still much higher than expected (24%); addition, vast majority reactive, post-invasion actions (84% costs, focused on eradication control). Second, differences non-PAs varied among continents environments. We found significantly terrestrial PA environments compared non-PAs, while regionally, Europe incurred Africa Temperate Asia non-PAs. Third, characterization drivers showed an effect (higher environments), South America), taxa invertebrates vertebrates plants) Human Development Index more developed countries). Globally, our findings indicate counterintuitively, subject very high biological invasions. This highlights need be invested achieve role ensuring long term conservation nature. Accordingly, spatially-balanced integrative studies involving both scientists stakeholders required.