A Plague of Rats and Rubbervines: the Growing Threat of Species Invasions. (Books: a selection of new and notable books of scientific interest).

A PLAGUE OF RATS AND RUBBERVINES: The Growing Threat of Species Invasions YVONNE BASKIN

In about 30 hours, almost anyone can get to any corner of the globe. International corporations are omnipresent. Globalization is literal. One consequence is that plants, animals, and microbial species are invading everywhere, sometimes with devastating effects on biodiversity. Baskin points to Asian long-horned beetles, kudzu, zebra mussels, West Nile virus, spotted knapweed, and caulerpa seaweed as just a few culprits. The author reports that 20 new insects invade Hawaii each year and that a new pest arrives in California every 60 days. The economic toll is significant: $137 billion annually in the United States alone. Baskin examines this problem from all angles. By giving firsthand examples of the damage wrought by such invasions around the globe, she explains how species move and what the warning signs are for new invasions. Then she provides several solutions that will facilitate international trade and yet protect the environment. Island Pr, 2002, 377 p., b&w plates, hardcover, $25.00.