About the Book
The young field of invasion biology - initially a branch of ecology and conservation biology - has greatly expanded, particularly in the last two and a half decades or so. As a result, the potential negative effects of introduced species have been widely advertised and sometimes, perhaps, overemphasized. This book attempts to restore some balance to the current debate over the role of non-native species, by offering a broader perspective, and taking a longer term, evolutionary look at these species and their impact in their new environments. The relatively arbitrary nature of terms such as "native" and "non-native", and the rather inconsistent ways in which such terms are applied to biological species, as well as the subjective boundaries of so-called "native ranges" are analyzed. The role of non-native species in their new environments can be considerably more complex than the anti-introduced species information would often suggest. Thus, the more positive and nuanced perspective on introduced species and their impact offered in this book is much needed and long overdue.
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Radu Guiaşu has written a thoughtful and critical review of our ideas about nonnative species. An aquatic ecologist, Guiaşu questions the common notion that introduced species represent a major global ecological calamity. This is a must read for anyone interested in conservation and biodiversity." -Mark A. Davis, Professor of Biology, Macalester College, St. Paul, MN
Radu Guiaşu's book adds a welcome new voice to the growing chorus of conservation "heretics" calling for comprehending--rather than reflexively confronting--introduced species, and for accommodating them wherever that accomplishes the greater good." -Matthew K Chew Ph.D., Arizona State University, Center for Biology & Society
Dr. Guiaşu has performed a Herculean task of covering the field of invasive species from a wide and diverse angle. He has expertly both covered and critiqued a large scientific field with a style of writing that makes this a joy to read. Although the scientific depth is apparent, Dr. Guiaşu has deftly presented the ideas such that experts and non-experts will be informed, entertained, and challenged to think about one of the foremost threats to nature. Rather than just report findings, Dr. Guiaşu presents the field of invasive biology with all of the successes and faults in an open way allowing the reader to draw their own nuanced conclusions. This book is destined to become a staple reading for biologists in any field, but an essential read for ecologists and conservation biologists. This book will be added to the required reading list for my students." -Dr. Paul A. Moore Ph.D., Biology Department, Bowling Green State University