A book you might like to read

RobS · #1 (**permalink**) 27-07-2010, 09:11 PM

I am currently reading 'The Naturalized Animals of Britain and Ireland' by Christopher Lever.

The Naturalized Animals of Britain and Ireland: Amazon.co.uk: Christopher Lever: Books

I bought it thinking it would be a good reference book to have on the shelf. However I had a quick look inside and thought I just have to read this, so I am currently ploughing through it. Each species is dealt with in a similar way and I found the history (e.g. when it was introduced and what happened since then) and the effect that it has had on the UK as a result of its introduction the most interesting sections.

I have just finished reading about the rabbit and the effect of myxomatosis was fascinating benefiting some species but not others (certainly not the rabbit). The idea of let's kill off rabbits by introducing a disease in hindsight was perhaps not thought through - species that were reliant on the rabbit e.g. fox then changed to smaller mammals which removed food sources for e.g. owls. Birds that like short grass suffered, but those that like long grass thrived - our ecosystem is so delicate.

This book should be compulsory reading for Animal Rights activists who think animals in cages should be released - do they really think their actions through to the end point?

Can't wait to get to Mink!

Rob S

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 28-07-2010, 07:29 PM

Agree it's a fascinating book.

Tringa · #3 (**permalink**) 28-07-2010, 07:57 PM

Thanks for info, Rob. It looks really interesting.

Dave

Ukwildlifeo · #4 (**permalink**) 28-07-2010, 08:00 PM

Its a great book, I have the previous edition of the book too. One of the most interesting reads for a british naturalist, with some interesting animals in it!

stigofthedump · #5 (**permalink**) 28-07-2010, 08:27 PM

Yes it looks like a interesting read, on my wish list.

Vince.

Hobjob · #6 (**permalink**) 29-07-2010, 11:20 AM

One click ordering on Amazon is so easy - not sure whether to thank you or not

SpikyPhasmid · #7 (**permalink**) 29-07-2010, 11:50 AM

I like the look of that book. I'm currently reading this:
The Lives of Ants: Amazon.co.uk: Laurent Keller, Elisabeth Gordon: Books
it's amazing. It tells you things about ants that turn conventional ideas on their heads - for example, colonies with multiple queens exist, and not just in obscure, exotic species. Maybe I'm just slow, but I had no idea that could happen.