Unnatural Texas?: The Invasive Species Dilemma
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.
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Unnatural Texas?: The Invasive Species Dilemma
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.
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Unnatural Texas?: The Invasive Species Dilemma

Unnatural Texas?: The Invasive Species Dilemma

Unnatural Texas?: The Invasive Species Dilemma

Unnatural Texas?: The Invasive Species Dilemma

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Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781623497064
Publisher: Texas A&M University Press
Publication date: 02/14/2019
Series: Gideon Lincecum Nature and Environment Series
Sold by: Barnes & Noble
Format: eBook
Pages: 272
File size: 75 MB
Note: This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

ROBIN W. DOUGHTY is an internationally renowned biogeographer and the author or coauthor of nine books, including Wildlife and Man in Texas: Environmental Change and Conservation. He lives in Austin, Texas. MATT WARNOCK TURNER is a freelance writer and the author of Remarkable Plants of Texas: Uncommon Accounts of Our Common Natives. He lives in Austin, Texas.

Table of Contents

Preface vii

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction 1

1 Sparrows and Starlings: Dealing with Avian Reprobates 23

2 Water Hyacinth and Hydrilla: The Dastardly Duo 39

3 Feral Hogs: Pork Chops or Sherman Tanks? 63

4 Chinese Tallow: Unrealized Promise 75

5 The Risk of Tamarisk: The Saga of Saltcedar 92

6 Feral Cats: Kitties and Killers 110

7 Red Imported Fire Ant and Friends: The New Plague 123

8 Texotics: Ranching Exotic Wildlife 141

9 The Beat Goes On: New Challenges 157

Conclusion 177

Appendix 1 Who Deals with Invasive Species? 201

Appendix 2 Invasive Species in the Americas 206

Notes 219

Index 245

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