Biological control as a tool for ecosystem management

Biological control is proposed as a tool useful for ecosystem management an d compatible with the goals of often competing interests regarding the rest oration and maintenance of ecosystems, We summarize the effects of introduc ed species on ecosystems in three broad groups: insects, vertebrates, and w eeds. We then discuss the role of biological control for each of these grou ps in the context of ecosystem management and realistic outcomes. Of the th ree groups, we show that biological control of weeds appears to have the be st chance for success in ecosystem management. We provide two case studies to support our ideas and finally discuss future needs and trends including fiscal considerations, cost/benefits associated with biological weed contro l, and potential funding sources. (C) 2001 Academic Press.