"100 Alien Invaders" exposes one of the greatest threats to the planet after climate change and overpopulation. Animals and plants are perfectly harmless in their native areas, but become a menace when they colonise new territories - often out-competing native species and, in some instances, drastically affecting the ecology. What's more, it is humankind that is largely responsible. Some species, such as killer bees and cane toads, are obvious terrors. Others, such as the water hyacinth, pose a more insidious threat. Read this book and you'll never look at house sparrows or hedgehogs in the same way again. "100 Alien Invaders" is a warts-and-all expose of 100 of the most destructive alien species on the planet.

About the Author

Gill Williams is a travel and natural history journalist with more than 30 years' experience. She runs greentravelguides.tv, an internet TV channel showing people how to travel without trashing the planet.

Table of Contents

Foreward 3 Introducing the aliens 6 1 INVADERS IN COLD BLOOD 8 Introduction to reptiles & amphibians 10 Alien invaders 1-9 12 Protecting the Galapagos 24 Alien invaders 10-11 26 2 FURRY FIENDS AND FELONS 28 Introduction to mammals 30 Alien invaders 12-37 32 3 UNDERWATER ALIENS 60 Introduction to underwater aliens 62 Alien invaders 38-45 64 Coral reefs under threat 72 Alien invaders 46-49 74 The explorers 78 4 MARCH OF THE CREEPY-CRAWLIES 80 Introduction to creepy-crawlies 82 Alien invaders 50-62 84 Saving the Everglades 96 5 OUR FEATHERED FOES 98 Introduction to birds 100 Alien invaders 63-73 102 South Atlantic 114 Alien invaders 74-78 116 The Victorians 122 6 GATE-CRASHING GREENERY 124 Introduction to plants 126 Alien invaders 79-80 128 Kew Gardens 130 Alien invaders 81-85 132 Gardening for biodiversity 136 Alien invaders 86-91 138 Antarctica: time to close the freezer door 144 Alien invaders 92-100 146 Conservation contacts 155 Acknowledgements and picture credits 158 Index 159

Reviews

'Everything you need to know about the world's most successful and destructive species. Never underestimate a mollusc...' Kate Humble, TV presenter I commend this handsomely produced book, and congratulate all involved in its publication. It will, I'm sure, stimulate awareness and appropriate action in a compelling way on one of the most important biological issues of our time. Professor Stephen D Hopper Director - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew 'Offering a full-colour exploration of non-native terrestrial species and the devastating, often unexpected, effects they can have on the world's delicate indigenous eco-systems. Glossy but sobering.' Wanderlust