Overview

Where do camels belong? You may be surprised to learn that they evolved and lived for tens of millions of years in North America-and also that the leek, national symbol of Wales, was a Roman import to Britain, as were chickens, rabbits and pheasants. These classic examples highlight the issues of ""native"" and ""invasive"" species. We have all heard the horror stories of invasives. But do we need to fear invaders? In this controversial book, Ken Thompson asks: Why do very few introduced species succeed, why do so few of them go on to cause trouble, and what is the real cost of invasions? He discusses, too, whether fear of invasive species could be getting in the way of conserving biodiversity and responding to climate change.

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9781771640961

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Reviews

Ken Thompson builds a careful, documented, detailed case with copious examples; smooth, factual, wry and humorous writing; an ecologist's training but a journalist's writing. His explanations are accessible, and very entertaining. ...This clear-eyed, lucid, conversational essay securely asserts that our focus on native or alien is misguided Five stars &#8212 San Francisco Book Review Fascinating, provocative... Ken Thompson presents a stimulating challenge to our perceptions of nature --George Monbiot The information he presents is compelling. ...This title brings an important minority opinion to light -- School Library Journal Thompson makes his case in a lively, readable style, spiced with a healthy dose of sarcasm towards aliens = bad fundamentalists. Better yet, he bolsters his argument with plenty of citations from the scientific literature, which adds welcome heft. --New Scientist A well put together book about the science and the philosophy surrounding invasive species -- The Times Lively and punchy ... you walk away from this book feeling flushed and a bit bruised. Thompson's arguments are powerful and his examples are fascinating -- The Sunday Times

A well put together book about the science and the philosophy surrounding invasive species -- The Times Lively and punchy ... you walk away from this book feeling flushed and a bit bruised. Thompson's arguments are powerful and his examples are fascinating -- The Sunday Times

Author Information

Dr. Ken Thompson has combined a career lecturing in the Department of Animal and Plant Sciences at the University of Sheffield with writing on gardening for the Daily Telegraph (London). He has written five previous books, including Do We Need Pandas: The Uncomfortable Truth About Biodiversity, and lives in Sheffield, U.K.

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