Assessing the environmental impacts of invasive alien species for prioritization using insects as a model taxon

Prioritizing resource allocation for mitigating the environmental impacts of invasive alien species is necessary given continued species introductions. Focusing on environmental impacts, this thesis used bottom-up and top-down perspectives for improving invasive alien insect species prioritization. Uncertainty in environmental impact assessment outcomes was identified, classified, and subsequently distilled into a set of recommendations. Environmental impacts of invasive alien insects varied both geographically and taxonomically. Furthermore, many high-priority sites in Australia were identified as at risk from invasive alien insect species. This work provides information, and demonstrates a site identification approach, for implementing effective prioritization and management of biological invasions.