The Cuban Treefrog in Florida: Life History of a Successful Colonizing Species

Meshaka Jr., Walter E.

ISBN 10: 081302109X / ISBN 13: 9780813021096

Published by University Press of Florida, 2001

This is a fine, as new, hardcover first edition, first printing copy, in a fine, as new, mylar protected DJ, blue spine. 191 pages with index. Seller Inventory # 105742

Synopsis:

Florida has become a melting pot of invasive exotic species, especially those introduced from the Caribbean. Their expanding ranges and their impact on other species underscore a growing ecological problem faced in today's world of massive land-use changes and rapid transportation on a global scale. In one of the most detailed accounts of the ecology of an introduced species in the United States, Walter Meshaka presents the natural history of the Cuban Treefrog from the perspective of its phenomenal success, in terms of sheer numbers and geographic range, as a colonizer in South Florida and, in particular, the Everglades. For those interested in the natural history of the state and especially for herpetologists, ecologists, conservation biologists, and land managers, this work provides a readable and data-rich study on a timely issue. Meshaka discusses all facets of the natural history of the Cuban Treefrog in detail as well as the correlates of its successful colonization - for example, it colonized an environment that was nearly competitor-free, it ate its potential competitors, and it exploited human habitats. In light of Meshaka's findings, any hope of eradicating the Cuban Treefrog looks dim. The usefulness of this book extends well beyond mere description of the natural history of a single species. It supplies a methodology for evaluating and setting priorities for the threats facing Florida's amphibian and reptile populations and identifies the most vulnerable species, providing a base for management decisions. It also presents and interprets a large data set associated with patterns of colonization and predictions.

About the Author: Walter E. Meshaka, Jr., senior curator of zoology and botany for the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, was curator at Everglades National Park from 1995 to 2000. He has contributed numerous articles to Journal of Herpetology, Copein, Florida Scientist, and other publications and is the coauthor of the forthcoming Exotic Amphibians and Reptiles of Florida.

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Cuban Treefrog in Florida: Life History ...
Publisher: University Press of Florida
Publication Date: 2001
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: As New
Dust Jacket Condition: As New
Edition: 1st Edition