Invasive and Introduced Plants and Animals: Human Perceptions, Attitudes and Approaches to Management - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1849710716 ISBN 13: 9781849710718

Publisher: Routledge, 2011

Synopsis

There have been many well-publicized cases of invasive species of plants and animals, often introduced unintentionally but sometimes on purpose, causing widespread ecological havoc. Examples of such alien invasions include pernicious weeds such as Japanese knotweed, an introduced garden ornamental which can grow through concrete, the water hyacinth which has choked tropical waterways, and many introduced animals which have out-competed and displaced local fauna.

This book addresses the broader context of invasive and exotic species, in terms of the perceived threats and environmental concerns which surround alien species and ecological invasions. As a result of unprecedented scales of environmental change, combined with rapid globalisation, the mixing of cultures and diversity, and fears over biosecurity and bioterrorism, the known impacts of particular invasions have been catastrophic. However, as several chapters show, reactions to some exotic species, and the justifications for interventions in certain situations, including biological control by introduced natural enemies, rest uncomfortably with social reactions to ethnic cleansing and persecution perpetrated across the globe. The role of democracy in deciding and determining environmental policy is another emerging issue. In an increasingly multicultural society this raises huge questions of ethics and choice. At the same time, in order to redress major ecological losses, the science of reintroduction of native species has also come to the fore, and is widely accepted by many in nature conservation. However, with questions of where and when, and with what species or even species analogues, reintroductions are acceptable, the topic is hotly debated. Again, it is shown that many decisions are based on values and perceptions rather than objective science. Including a wide range of case studies from around the world, his book raises critical issues to stimulate a much wider debate.

About this title

About the Author

Ian Rotherham is a leading researcher and writer on ecological history with a long-standing interest in exotic and invasive animals and plants. He is a Reader, Director of the Geography, Tourism, and Environment Research Unit, and International Research Co-ordinator at Sheffield Hallam University, UK.

Rob Lambert has a dual appointment at the University of Nottingham, UK, as lecturer in environmental history and lecturer in tourism and the environment. He is also a Senior Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Western Australia and co-editor of the journal Environment and History.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2011
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1849710716
• ISBN 13: 9781849710718
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 392
• Editor: Rotherham Ian D., Lambert Robert A.