What type of species are primarily responsible for creating challenges in pest management?

Nonnative species are primarily responsible for creating challenges in pest management due to their unpredictable nature and potential to disrupt local ecosystems. When introduced to new environments, these species can often thrive in ways that native species cannot, often outcompeting them for resources. This can lead to significant population booms, resulting in increased pest pressure and challenges for management strategies.

Furthermore, nonnative species may not have natural predators in the new ecosystem, allowing their populations to expand unchecked, which complicates efforts to control them. Their introduction can alter the dynamics of the local flora and fauna, creating imbalances that can be difficult to rectify.

In contrast, native species are typically well-adapted to their environments and may play essential roles in the ecosystem, while beneficial species actively contribute to pest control and plant health. Endangered species, while important for biodiversity, do not typically present the same level of challenge in pest management compared to nonnative species.