Invasive Species and Human Health (eBook)

Giuseppe Mazza (Edited By) - Giuseppe took his PhD at the University of Florence, studying eco-ethology of alien species, in particular the red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, investigating several aspects of this invasive species (e.g. antimicrobial activity, sexual behaviour). He worked also on several aspects of biodiversity and conservation since 2003. He participated in the last years to five international expeditions, two in Malaysia, one in Vietnam, one in Ecuador and one in Kenya for the monitoring of entomo-fauna and the study of alien species. He is collaborating with national and international researchers on alien species, especially on insects and their impacts. Giuseppe is author of 58 peer-reviewed publications (31 with IF).Elena Tricarico (Edited By) - Elena studied and took her Master and PhD on Ethology and Animal Ecology at the University of Florence, working mostly on aquatic invertebrates. Since as a Master student, she deals with the biological invasions problem, particularly in freshwater ecosystems, through different perspectives, from behavioural ecology to management aspects. Elena participated to several national and European projects (as DAISIE, IMPASSE) on alien species, and she recently started to work on the predictive aspects of this problem, especially in relation to the climate change. Her main fields of research range from biological invasions to social behaviour in invertebrates, leading her to travel around Europe, USA and Africa, to establish many fruitful collaborations and to produce 60 peer reviewed publications (42 with IF), 5 book chapters and 1 edited book.Currently, she is involved in the COST Action TD1209 (Alien Challenge). Elena was co-responsible for the revision of the freshwater species of the EASIN catalogue and she is on its editorial board.

This well-referenced book highlights the impact of invasive non-native animals and plants on human health and considers the ways in which different species threaten biodiversity and disrupt ecosystems. Chapter contributors consider both direct effects to human health due to bites, wounds, and disease and indirect effects resulting from changes in ecosystems and the potential socioeconomic impacts caused by invasive species. Case studies are used to illustrate key concepts and the contributors cover a wide range of different animal (terrestrial and aquatic vertebrates and in-vertebrates) and plant species.

The editors and contributors have a wide range of expertise in the topics covered and provide a broad global perspective. This book will be of interest to students, academics, and policy makers working in the field of biosecurity, health, and biological conservation.