Introduction pathways of economically costly invasive alien species

Abstract Introduction pathways play a pivotal role in the success of Invasive Alien Species (IAS)—the subset alien species that have negative environmental and/or socio-economic impact. Pathways refer to fundamental processes leads introduction from one geographical location another—marking beginning all invasions. Increased knowledge is essential help reduce number introductions and impacts IAS ultimately improve their management . Here we use InvaCost database, comprehensive repository on global monetary IAS, combined with pathway data classified using Convention Biological Diversity (CBD) hierarchical classification compiled CABI Compendium, Global Database (GISD) published literature address five key points. Data were available for 478 individual IAS. For these, found both total annual average cost per introduced through ‘Stowaway’ (US$144.9bn; US$89.4m) ‘Contaminant’ (US$99.3bn; US$158.0m) higher than primarily ‘Escape’ (US$87.4bn; US$25.4m) ‘Release’ (US$64.2bn; US$16.4m). Second, recorded costs (both average) unintentionally was intentionally. Third, insects mammals, respectively, accounted greatest proportion intentionally at least records; had highest Asia, Central America, North America Diverse/Unspecified regions. Fourthly, given not related year first record introduction, but time gaps might blur true pattern. Finally, pathways. Although our findings are directly limited by data, they provide important material which can contribute priority measures, notably complementing studies associated ecologically harmful They also highlight crucial need fill remaining gaps—something will be critical prioritising budgets combat current acceleration