Insect Herbivore Effects on Forest Ecosystem Services

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2012

Abstract

Forests provide important ecosystem services-including provision of food, building materials, fresh water, as well as carbon sequestration and climate moderation. Outbreaks of herbivorous insects have negative effects on the provision of plant products in the short-term, which are easily measured in terms of lost revenue. Effects on cultural services also are generally negative. However, effects on supporting ecosystem services are complex and include benefits that may compensate for costs, to some extent. For instance, native insect herbivores may function as regulators of forest primary production, maintaining primary production and water and nutrient use within historically sustainable levels. Therefore, "pest" and ecosystem management decisions should consider long-term trade-offs in costs and benefits among ecosystem services. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Journal of Sustainable Forestry

First Page

518

Last Page

536

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