Unnatural Texas? : the invasive species dilemma / Robin W. Doughty and Matt Warnock Turner.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Doughty, Robin W., author.

Turner, Matt Warnock, 1960- author.

Series:

Gideon Lincecum nature and environment series.

Gideon Lincecum nature and environment series

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Introduced organisms--Control--Texas.

Introduced organisms.

Biological invasions--Environmental aspects--Texas.

Biological invasions.

Ecological disturbances--Texas.

Ecological disturbances.

Ecology--Environmental aspects--Texas.

Ecology.

Biodiversity conservation--Texas.

Biodiversity conservation.

Nature conservation--Texas.

Nature conservation.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (273 pages).

Place of Publication:

College Station : Texas A&M University Press, 2019.

Summary:

The story of introduced species in Texas is long (hogs were introduced by European settlers in the 1500s) and fraught with controversy. In Unnatural Texas? The Invasive Species Dilemma , Robin W. Doughty and Matt Warnock Turner introduce the "big hitters" of invasive species in the state. They profile the usual suspects--feral hogs, salt cedar, and fire ants--and also lesser known invasives, such as cats and sparrows. Blending natural and environmental history with geography, this book is a much-needed, balanced exploration of invasive species in Texas. The distinctions between native and invasive are not hard and fast, and perceptions of what is invasive have changed over the centuries. A striking example, free-ranging cats--domestic, stray, and feral--can wreak havoc on small mammal and bird populations. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution for invasives, and removal or complete eradication may not be possible or even desirable. The dilemma of what to do about invasive species also raises moral, social, economic, and cultural questions. This engaging introduction to the concept of invasive species in Texas will provide context for readers and will educate people on this important issue facing the state.

Contents:

Sparrows and starlings: dealing with avian reprobates

Water hyacinth and hydrilla: the dastardly duo

Feral hogs: pork chops or Sherman tanks?

Chinese tallow: unrealized promise

The risk of tamarisk: the saga of saltcedar

Feral cats: kitties and killers

The red imported fire ant and friends: the new plague

Texotics: ranching exotic wildlife

The beat goes on: new challenges

Conclusion

Appendix 1: Who deals with invasive species?

Appendix 2: Invasive species in the Americas

Notes.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-62349-706-X