Unnatural Texas?: The Invasive Species Dilemma

by Robin W. Doughty, Matt Warnock Turner

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:	9781623497057
Publisher:	Texas A&M University Press
Publication date:	02/14/2019
Series:	Gideon Lincecum Nature and Environment Series
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	1,072,722
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.10(d)

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

Editorial Reviews

"The book is data rich, thought provoking, and easy to read; it would complement undergraduate and graduate reading lists and regional public collections."—Choice

CHOICE - S. McCarragher

Doughty and Turner’s Unnatural Texas? is a philosophical romp through the cultural history and ecological impact of invasive species in Texas. Told in a series of invasive species vignettes, the book delves into the controversy, consequences, and conundrums created by the intentional and unintentional introduction of new species into established ecosystems. A must read for every Texan...native or introduced.” —Damon Waitt, founder of the Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Council
 

Damon Waitt

"Unnatural Texas provides food for thought on a complex topic. The authors show that frequently no simple answers exist for environmental problems." —Galveston County Daily News

Galveston County Daily News

a handsomely illustrated, thoughtful and wide-ranging exploration of the conundrums around nonnative species. . . a refreshingly clear-eyed, engaging and pragmatic exploration of a subject that more often inspires polemics.” —Texas Observer

Texas Observer

. . . a context-rich perspective on the consequences of invasive species for our unnatural world today. . . Doughty and Turner’s work lays bare the harsh reality, the challenges, and the dilemma of restoring ecological integrity in Texas.”—David H. Riskind, director, Natural Resources, Texas State Parks and Wildlife

David H. Riskind

Unnatural Texas?: The Invasive Species Dilemma successfully conveys the enormity of the threat invasive species play to our local ecosystems, economies, and health. Doughty and Turner take the science one step further and allow our humanity into the discussion. These are living creatures that we have labeled as evil, and recognizing the moral issues faced by possible extermination and mass killings of living creatures is a refreshing approach. They use these  examples to teach larger lessons about ecology, history, and our own human nature. This effort elevates what would otherwise have been nothing more than an encyclopedia of invasive species to a must read for any Texas nature lover.”—Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas

Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas