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Book Description

The world is in the midst of an ecological explosion with devastating implications. Thousands of species of microbes, plants, and animals are being introduced, both deliberately and inadvertently, to new land areas, seas, and freshwaters. In many regions, these new colonists are running wild, disrupting the dynamics of ecosystems, pushing native species toward extinction, and causing billions of dollars in direct economic damages.

Alien Species in North America and Hawaii provides a comprehensive overview of the invasive species phenomenon, examining the threats posed and the damage that has already been done to ecosystems across North America and Hawaii. George W. Cox considers both the biological theory underlying invasions and the potential and actual effects on ecosystems and human activities. His book offers a framework for understanding the problem and provides a detailed examination of species and regions. Specific chapters examine:

  • North American invaders and their threats
  • how exotic species are dispersed to new regions
  • how physical and biotic features influence the establishment and spread of invasives
  • patterns of exotic invasions, with separate chapters covering each of the ten most seriously invaded regions and ecosystems
  • patterns of invasiveness exhibited by major groups of exotics
  • the theory of invasive capability of alien species and the resistance of communities to invasion
  • theoretical aspects of ecosystem impacts of invaders and the evolutionary interaction of invaders and natives
  • management and public policy issues

Alien Species in North America and Hawaii offers for the first time an assessment and synthesis of the problem of invasive species in North American and Hawaiian ecosystems. Scientists, conservation professionals, policymakers, and anyone involved with the study and control of invasive species will find the book an essential guide and reference to one of the most serious and widespread threats to global biodiversity.


Review Quotes

"George Cox admonishes the reader and the governments of the world to do more to stop the spread of exotics...his book, in the right hands, will set that importatnt process in the right direction."
Ecological Restoration

Contents

Preface
 
PART I. Introduction
Chaper 1. The Threat of Exotics: Biotic Pollution
Chaper 2. North American Invaders: The Invited and the Uninvited
Chapter 3. A Brief History of Invasions: Human History-An Exotic's Perspective
 
PART II. Regional Perspectives
Chapter 4. The Eastern Seaboard: Exotics Discover America
Chapter 5. West Coast Bays and Estuaries: Swamping the Natives
Chapter 6. Northern Temperate Lakes: Chaos along the Food Chain
Chapter 7. Western Rivers and Streams: Pollution That Won't Wash Away
Chapter 8. Eastern Forests: The Dark Side of Forest Biodiversity
Chapter 9. Florida and the Gulf Lowlands: Hostile Ecosystem Takeovers
Chapter 10. Plains and Intermontane Grasslands: Exotics at Home on the Range
Chapter 11. Western Floodplains: Disturbing the Disturbance Regime
Chapter 12. The Pacific States: Mediterranean Mixing Pot 
Chapter 13. Hawaiian Islands: Exotics in the Islands of Eden
 
PART III. Biotic Perspectives
Chapter 14. Exotic Game and Fish: Addiction to Game and Fish Introduction
Chapter 15. Homegrown Exotics: Natives Out of Place
Chapter 16. Human Domesticates and Associates: Our Best Friends and Closest Associates
 
PART IV. Theoretical Perspectives
Chapter 17. Exotics and Community Structure: Biodiversity Bombs
Chapter 18. Exotics and Ecosystem Impacts: Changing the Way Nature Works
Chapter 19. Exotics and Evolution: Assimilation or Conquest?
 
PART V. Policy Perspectives
Chapter 20. Living with Exotics: The Ecological Economics of Exotics
Chapter 21. Exotics and Public Policy: Are All Exotics Undesirable?
 
Literature Cited
Glossary
Appendix: Internet Sources for Exotic Species
About the Author
Index

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