Eradication of invasive forest insects: concepts, methods, costs and benefits
| Authors: | Eckehard G. Brockerhoff, Andrew M. Liebhold, Brian Richardson, David M. Suckling |
| Year: | 2010 |
| Type: | Scientific Journal |
| Station: | Northern Research Station |
| Source: | New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science. 40 suppl.: S117-S135. |
Abstract
Invasive exotic insects can cause substantial damage to trees and the environment, and may reduce biodiversity. They can have a large negative economic effect on the forest industry, urban amenity trees and numerous other sectors, and they may necessitate extensive management expenditures. For such high-impact invaders, eradication is desirable but also difficult and often highly controversial. It requires substantial input of resources and commitment from managers and stakeholders, including the general public. Appropriate tools for surveillance and control of the target species must be available if success is to be achieved. This review outlines the sequence of steps required in well-managed operations; examines characteristics of successful and unsuccessful eradication campaigns; describes methods and tools known to be effective against specific pests; and discusses the analysis of costs and benefits of eradication programmes.