Biological invasions and their potential economic costs in Morocco

Abstract

Biological invasions pose substantial economic threats globally, yet detailed cost assessments for many Global South nations, especially in Africa, remain scarce. This study presents the first comprehensive breakdown of the potential costs of biological invasions in Morocco. We identified 551 invasive alien species, comprising approximately 1.76% of Morocco's biodiversity. Using the InvaCost database, we gathered cost data for the 12 most frequent invasive species with available data. Calculating the mean annual cost for each species and extrapolating based on their prevalence in Morocco, we estimated the potential annual economic impact to be US$ 1.61 billion. Urban species management and damage, especially pigeons, accounted for a substantial portion of this impact. Invasive plant species also emerged as prevalent and costly. Annual management costs exceeded damage costs (US$ 1.50 billion vs. 856.80 million), driven mainly by pigeon management. Costs by authorities and stakeholders outweighed agricultural costs (US$ 1.49 billion vs. 859.10 million). Despite challenges in extrapolating cost data from other regions, this study underscores the urgent need for targeted management and policy interventions to minimize the spread of invasive species and reduce their economic toll. Morocco can implement proactive management measures and foster international collaborations to tackle this socio-ecological crisis, ensuring long-term sustainability and prosperity.