Invasive and Introduced Plants and Animals Human Perceptions, Attitudes and Approaches to Management

'...a truly momentous, provocative and at times, hilarious analysis of the incredibly complex, controversial and conflict-ridden world of invasive and introduced plants and animals. In bridging the gap between objective science and subjective sociocultural fashions and values, this compelling tome dares to go 'where no one has gone before', with its rich and diverse consideration of the multi-faceted issues surrounding species invasions and introductions. Be warned! After devouring this, you'll never look at plants and animals in quite the same way ever again... This is a clarion call - no more excuses.' - Sarah Simons, Executive Director, Global Invasive Species Programme. 'An interesting and much-needed book that tackles an important aspect of invasive alien species: how they are perceived, valued and judged by humans. The volume draws together a broad range of fascinating case studies and is very thought-provoking. A must for any serious invasion ecologist.' - Robert A. Francis, King's College London, and Secretary of the British Ecological Society Invasive Species Special Interest Group. 'For an ecologist it is a salutary experience to examine this excellent record of the widespread confusion and conflict that has surrounded the human response to invasive species. Is this a humiliating testament to the immature and fragmentary state of our subject or should we admit that local, cultural, economic, political and sentimental forces are more important and will often dictate an unpredictable course of action?' - Professor Philip Grime, University of Sheffield, UK. 'Abounding with parallels with the human world, Invasive and Introduced Plants and Animals: Human Perceptions, Attitudes and Approaches to Management is a book to recommend without hesitation.' - Robert Alexander Hearn, University of Genoa, in Environment and History (Vol 19, 2013). 'It takes a fresh approach to invasive species by asking to what extent popular perceptions and attitudes conflict with objective science and examining how this conflict affects outcomes.'- Peter Marren, British Wildlife 'It is gratifying to find the matter so thoroughly dealt with, especially meeting the issues of xenophobia, arbitrary cut off cut-off points in ecological time, and the often ignored fact that in most parts of Britain and Europe at least, one us dealing with a whole landscape shaped by non- native species.' - Peter Taylor, ECOS