Working Paper Series,
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department Economics

Abstract: The issue of timing and scope of policies to manage invasive species has achieved considerable attention in the economic literature. Whereas many earlier studies compare prevention and control for a single invading species, we focus instead on the optimal balance of adaptation and control when an invasive species competes for scarce resources with a resident species. In particular, we focus on the role that species’ life history, i.e. the degree of evolutionary specialization in survival or reproduction, plays for the choice of strategy. A numerical age-structured optimization model is used for the analysis. Results show that life history is an important factor for the trade-off between direct control of the invader and adaptation of harvesting strategies for the resident species. Life history is also crucial for the trade-off between early and delayed control of the invader. When a direct control technology is not available, there are larger economic losses with a resident species specialized in survival, whereas if such technologies are available, the larger losses occur with a resident species specialized in reproduction.

Keywords: Invasive species; life history; control; harvest; adaptation; costs

JEL-codes: D99; Q29; Q57; Q58

32 pages, March 27, 2013

Full text files

http://pub.epsilon.slu.se/9477/  

Download statistics

• Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Department Economics
• Home page for this series

Questions (including download problems) about the papers in this series should be directed to Elizabeth Hillerius ()
Report other problems with accessing this service to Sune Karlsson ().

RePEc:hhs:slueko:2013_004This page generated on 2024-09-13 22:17:07.