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Gideon Lincecum Nature and Environment Series
Unnatural Texas?
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.
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.
- GenresNonfiction
272 pages, Hardcover
Published February 14, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 28, 2019
Nice to get a relatively balanced update on invasive species in the state. Although I was familiar with almost all of the mentioned species, I still learned something from each chapter. Definitely written for those already interested in the topic, but not too dense for a layperson.
June 7, 2023
3 stars. A really interesting read, especially having covered many of the topics (albeit briefly) in a recent semester of Texas Biology at my university. Unnatural Texas? is a fairly short book (200 pages, with photos, and excluding appendices and introduction), and very accessible to anyone interested in Texas nature. It certainly helps to have had at least one ecology-related course (or some ecology-related knowledge in general) because some terms or concepts are not thoroughly explained in the text (fecundity, environmental services, ecological succession, etc.), but not absolutely necessary as the meanings may be inferred from the context, or easily googled.
Doughty introduces to readers the differences (or overlaps) between invasive and introduced species, how plants and animals are introduced, and techniques for eradication or control. He discusses this both in general in the introduction and conclusion, as well as more specifically within each chapter related to the respective plant or animal.
Several species covered in the book have their own chapters, while others are merged into chapters of related topics. The species covered in their own chapters are: water hyacinth; european starlings and English sparrows; feral cats; imported red fire ant; Chinese tallow; feral hogs; and saltcedar. Discussed as lesser lengths are plants and animals such a Texotics (axis deer, aoudad, oryx, etc.), giant salvinia, lionfish, white-nose syndrome in bats, and more.
The book is fairly repetitive, however, and is thoroughly summarized in the conclusion. Both my husband and I found the introduction bit too long, especially as points were reiterated both within every chapter and in the conclusion. In this regard, it reads a bit like a school paper-- stating the same fact in multiple ways, which I felt was not really needed.
One aspect of Unnatural Texas that I found the most thought-provoking was the moral and philosophical side of invasive control. Many invasive species now prove helpful to native species, some of which are endangered and have come to rely on the invasive species almost exclusively. In this case, do we eradicate the problematic invasive to the detriment of the native endangered? In other cases, primarily Texotics, the invasives are highly endangered in their natural homeland; in this case, Texas breeders and pay-to-hunt exotic farms may be a path to saving these animals and eventual reintroduction to their countries. The issues of invasive species is not as black-and-white as many people seem to believe.
Over all, this is a book I highly recommend to anyone interested in Texas biology or Texas nature, or even someone interested in a short introduction to invasive species in general.
Doughty introduces to readers the differences (or overlaps) between invasive and introduced species, how plants and animals are introduced, and techniques for eradication or control. He discusses this both in general in the introduction and conclusion, as well as more specifically within each chapter related to the respective plant or animal.
Several species covered in the book have their own chapters, while others are merged into chapters of related topics. The species covered in their own chapters are: water hyacinth; european starlings and English sparrows; feral cats; imported red fire ant; Chinese tallow; feral hogs; and saltcedar. Discussed as lesser lengths are plants and animals such a Texotics (axis deer, aoudad, oryx, etc.), giant salvinia, lionfish, white-nose syndrome in bats, and more.
The book is fairly repetitive, however, and is thoroughly summarized in the conclusion. Both my husband and I found the introduction bit too long, especially as points were reiterated both within every chapter and in the conclusion. In this regard, it reads a bit like a school paper-- stating the same fact in multiple ways, which I felt was not really needed.
One aspect of Unnatural Texas that I found the most thought-provoking was the moral and philosophical side of invasive control. Many invasive species now prove helpful to native species, some of which are endangered and have come to rely on the invasive species almost exclusively. In this case, do we eradicate the problematic invasive to the detriment of the native endangered? In other cases, primarily Texotics, the invasives are highly endangered in their natural homeland; in this case, Texas breeders and pay-to-hunt exotic farms may be a path to saving these animals and eventual reintroduction to their countries. The issues of invasive species is not as black-and-white as many people seem to believe.
Over all, this is a book I highly recommend to anyone interested in Texas biology or Texas nature, or even someone interested in a short introduction to invasive species in general.
October 23, 2019
Very informative book.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews