Quantifying the potential impact of the European wasp (Vespula germanica) on ecosystem services in Western Australia

By

Cook, David C.

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2019

Original Publication

NeoBiota : advancing research on alien species and biological invasions

Volume

50

Pages

55--74

Subjects

Benefit cost analysis , economic impact assessment , ecosystem service impact , European wasp , German wasp , pest management , pollination services , Vespula germanica , yellowjacket

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sophia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.50.37573

 

Abstract

This paper estimates the ecosystem services return on investment in government control of the introduced European wasp (Vespula germanica) in the state of Western Australia. The predictive model used accounts for uncertainties in the spread and impact ofV. germanicaon provisioning ecosystem services, represented by pollination, apiculture and viticulture, and cultural ecosystem services represented by households. Results produced by simulating a 20-year period suggest government expenditure on management will generate net benefits of AU.2–6.3 million per year, most of which will accrue to producers of pollination-dependent crops. This provides justification for investment from the government’s agriculture portfolio to manage an insect often thought of as an urban pest.