Encyclopedia of Invasive Species [2 volumes] : From Africanized Honey Bees to Zebra Mussels

This two-volume set provides a one-stop resource on invasive plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that are threatening native ecosystems, agriculture, economies, and human health in the United States. Kudzu vine and field bindweed. Eurasian collared-doves, Burmese pythons, and black rats. The northern snakehead and the gypsy moth. All of these are examples of invasive species that have taken over or are threatening certain ecosystems-places where these organisms never naturally occurred. This two-volume work contains 168 entries on plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms that are invasive in the United States, providing a complete examination of the variety of organisms, pathways, distribution patterns, and impacts of non-native species introduced to this country. Encyclopedia of Invasive Species: From Africanized Honey Bees to Zebra Mussels begins with a background essay that illuminates the complexities of dealing with invasive animals and plants. Each entry provides information on the origins and invasion history of the species in question as well as a general description of the biology and ecology of each organism. Impacts-actual and potential, as well as management strategies-are addressed. Every species is depicted via photographs as well as maps that show its place of origin and invaded regions in the United States. This unique work presents fascinating scientific information as well as valuable insights about how seemingly minor events can drastically alter our environment. * 79 entries on animal species and 89 entries on plants, including some fungi and microorganisms * State-by-state lists of invasive animals and plants designated as noxious or invasive * Maps accompany each entry, depicting the organism's original habitat and the regions to which it has now spread * Tables on pathways of introduction and impacts of invasive plants * Hundreds of photographs of featured plants, animals, and fungi * A glossary of terms related to the biology and ecology of invasive species * Appendixes containing information on organizations and legislation related to the prevention or control of invasive species