Invasive Alien Species: A Toolkit of Best Prevention and Management Practices

Invasive Alien Species: A Toolkit of Best Prevention and Management Practices

Edited by R Wittenberg, CABI Bioscience Centre, Delemont, Switzerland; M J Cock, CABI Bioscience Centre, Delemont, Switzerland

Pub Date: September 2001
Paperback
240 pages

Readership
Biodiversity and conservation, ecology, pest management.

Main Description
Human activities have contributed to the distribution of many plant, animal and microbial species to parts of the world where they are not native. This spread of alien species can have devastating consequences on native biodiversity. Examples include alien mammals consuming native vegetation and alien insects spreading viruses, as well as plants such as water hyacinth, which has caused major problems to waterways when introduced from South America.
The Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) was established to address concerns with alien invasive species, formulated in the Convention on Biological Diversity. GISP is coordinated by:
• the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE)
• the World Conservation Union (IUCN)
• CAB International
Its goal is to improve prevention and management of biological invasions, and this book represents a key outcome. It has been assembled by a team of international experts. Features include:
• case studies from around the globe, with some emphasis on islands
• a focus on biodiversity, but with some consideration of traditional agriculture and forestry
• advice on national management plans, including risk analysis.

Reviews
"This is an interesting and important publication on one of the most pressing issues in biology (and society) today. This Toolkit is an output of international workshops by participants of the Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) Early Warning component. The book details the components for effectively dealing with invasive alien species (IAS). Throughout, the book emphasizes the importance of a scientific basis for any successful programme and the need to keep all stakeholders, including the public, informed."
Peter Mason, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Main Contents
• Introduction
• Building strategy and policy
• Prevention
• Early detection
• Assessment and management
• How to use this toolkit