A Handbook of Global Freshwater Invasive Species

Robert A Francis editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:12th Dec '11

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

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A Handbook of Global Freshwater Invasive Species cover

Invasive non-native species are a major threat to global biodiversity. Often introduced accidentally through international travel or trade, they invade and colonize new habitats, often with devastating consequences for the local flora and fauna. Their environmental impacts can range from damage to resource production (e.g. agriculture and forestry) and infrastructure (e.g. buildings, road and water supply), to human health. They consequently can have major economic impacts. It is a priority to prevent their introduction and spread, as well as to control them. Freshwater ecosystems are particularly at risk from invasions and are landscape corridors that facilitate the spread of invasives.

This book reviews the current state of knowledge of the most notable global invasive freshwater species or groups, based on their severity of economic impact, geographic distribution outside of their native range, extent of research, and recognition of the ecological severity of the impact of the species by the IUCN. As well as some of the very well-known species, the book also covers some invasives that are emerging as serious threats. Examples covered include a range of aquatic and riparian plants, insects, molluscs, crustacea, fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals, as well as some major pathogens of aquatic organisms.

The book also includes overview chapters synthesizing the ecological impact of invasive species in fresh water and summarizing practical implications for the management of rivers and other freshwater habitats.

"A comprehensive compendium of the major alien plant, animal and pathogen species that threaten riparian, freshwater and brackish ecosystems around the world. Each chapter, authored by leading international experts, ensures a thorough and up-to-date treatment of the history, ecology, distribution, impacts and management of over 30 key species. Taken together, this volume provides an outstanding resource for invasion ecologists, freshwater biologist and catchment scientists."Philip E Hulme, Professor of Plant Biosecurity, The Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand

"Freshwater ecosystems are among the most susceptible to invasion by introduced species. Invasive plants, invertebrates, fishes, amphibians and reptiles, mammals, and pathogens are interacting with other agents of change to threaten biodiversity and disrupt the provision of ecosystem services in these ecosystems worldwide. This important volume brings together insights from 63 contributors to review available knowledge and define new challenges and priorities for research and management. It is sure to stand as the primary source of information on invasive species in freshwater ecosystems for many years to come."David M. Richardson, Centre for Invasion Biology, Stellenbosch University, South Africa

"This Handbook is a must-read for anyone seriously concerned with aquatic invasions. Its detailed yet readable accounts of impacts and management approaches for important introduced plants, animals, and parasites will serve as authoritative references for years to come." –Daniel Simberloff, Nancy Gore Hunger Professor of Environmental Studies, University of Tennessee and Editor-in-Chief, Biological Invasions

ISBN: 9781849712286

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 630g

484 pages