Alien invaders" brings to mind the B-movies of the 1950s and 1960s, as creatures from other worlds came to Earth with conquest on their minds, only to be defeated at the end of the film by a stalwart band of heroes. In reality, alien invasions are occurring all over the planet on a daily basis as humans travel around the globe, bringing animals and plants with them... Many have adapted so well to the heavily modified world that humans--probably the archetypal "invasive species"--have created what can justifiably be called super species. Hamilton...examines 20 of the most successful invasive species. Well-known animals, such as the Easter gray squirrel and the American bullfrog, are shown to be integral parts of their home ecosystems but aggressive "bullies" when transplanted elsewhere. Water hyacinths proliferate in any warm freshwater environment and clog waterways but are also highly effective at water purification. Hamilton discusses the dangers of invasive species but also points out that many have a positive side.
- Nancy Bent Booklist 2010 11 01
Garry Hamilton details the fascinating stories of the species that seem to have won the natural selection sweepstakes...But his tone isn't hysterical. Some invasive species, like the plant kudzu, he contends, don't actually have much of an impact on local biodiversity despite alarmist news stories. These species may actually be creating a new biosphere from the "rubble of our own destruction.
- Frogs Are Green blog 2010 11 10
In this cautionary tale, a journalist profiles 20 of the invasive organisms that may one day dominate the planet.
- Science News 2010 11 20
This examination of 20 worldwide invasive life forms--animals, plants, bacteria, and fungi--that are winners in the race to dominate their new habitat is a sobering account of the potential far-reaching effects of human activity. Some of these "super species" are established.... All of them are potential killers--either of amphibians, shellfish, humans, or other animals displaced by the newcomers' proliferation and aggressiveness--and they make scientists question the validity of even considering some species as "native" when the immigrants seem to be merely correcting imbalances caused by our ongoing ecosystem disturbances. Fascinating entries include the Argentine ant, with megacolonies extending thousands of miles, and the feral pigs that are ripping up huge tracts of the United States, southern B.C and Alberta, Europe, and Australia.
- Martin Dunphy The Georgia Straight/straight.com 2010 12 03
The phrase "invasive species" is loaded with many meanings.... organisms that are relentlessly on the march, displacing native species, and causing great ecological damage.... "exotic" or "alien species" ... "introduced species" ... causing significant economic harm. Such "super species," as journalist/author Hamilton calls them, are clearly good competitors. They are usually rapid reproducers and good at dispersal; either they are unfazed by human activity or they actually benefit from it. This book chronicles the success that 20 of these super species have had at either invading new habitats or significantly extending their native ranges. Some, like kudzu and the zebra mussel, are well known. Others, such as the familiar eastern gray squirrel, are usually considered so cute and cuddly that they are not often thought of as being invasive. Well researched and written, with an abundance of excellent photos, this work provides an outstanding, balanced look at this group of species. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Academic audiences, all levels; general readers.
- F. T. Kuserk, Moravian College Choice 2011 04 01
