Globalization, metropolitan areas, and invasive species

MetroInvasive provides:

• A perspective that considers urban areas as hubs of human-mediated invasions in natural and managed ecosystems.
• Resources to enhance our understanding of the role of international trade in the disemmination of invasive species.
• Information to identify hot spots for human-mediated invasions where early detection strategies could be implemented.

International transport is one of the most important human-mediated pathways for the dissemination of invasive pests. Manufactured and agricultural goods, including associated packaging material and cargo containers, can harbor exotic pests including exotic insects. Our work has focused primarily on the metropolitan areas of the United States. However, we look forward to expanding our research to other urban areas of the world.

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Cargo removed from an incoming ship newly arrived at the Port of Los Angeles/Long Beach.

Source: Charles Csavossy, U.S. Custom and Border Protection, cbp.gov

Adults of Asian longhorned beetle Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky, 1853)

Source: Kenneth R. Law, USDA APHIS PPQ, www.bugwood.org

[ Last updated: May 3, 2010 ]