But when ecologists looked closer, reports Thompson, there was little evidence of actual harm. Purple loosestrife, for example, is often viewed as one of the worst invasive weeds in North America because it forms dense stands of tall, conspicuous flowering heads. In Where Do Camels Belong? The story and science of invasive species, plant biologist Ken Thompson argues that most alien species – even some topping the eco-horror lists – cause little or no lasting damage and aren’t worth the angst, effort or money we devote to controlling them. Anyone with a concern for the environment should have this book on their 'to read' list.Not so fast.

'An interesting, refreshing and optimistic look at invasive species. This title brings an important minority opinion to light.' - Library Journal 'The information he presents is compelling. 'I raced through this engaging book and found, at the end, that my view of the introduced starlings and dandelions in my backyard, not to mention the countless non-native species in the surrounding country, had shifted into a more optimistic space.' -Alan de Queiroz, evolutionary biologist and author of The Monkey's Voyage 'Ken Thompson presents a stimulating challenge to our perceptions of nature.' -George Monbiot Better yet, he bolsters his argument with plenty of citations from the scientific literature, which adds welcome heft.' - New Scientist 'Thompson makes his case in a lively, readable style, spiced with a healthy dose of sarcasm towards 'aliens = bad' fundamentalists. 'This is a well put together book about the science and the philosophy surrounding invasive species.' -the Times 'lively and punchy…you walk away from this book feeling flushed and a bit bruised.' -the Sunday Times In this controversial book, Ken Thompson asks: Why do very few introduced species succeed, why do so few of them go on to cause trouble, and what is the real cost of invasions? He discusses, too, whether fear of invasive species could be getting in the way of conserving biodiversity and responding to climate change. We have all heard the horror stories of invasives.

These classic examples highlight the issues of 'native' and 'invasive' species. Where do camels belong? You may be surprised to learn that they evolved and lived for tens of millions of years in North America-and also that the leek, national symbol of Wales, was a Roman import to Britain, as were chickens, rabbits and pheasants.

Where do camels belong book