"A wonderfully detailed account of an alien species in the U.S. . . . The author provides intriguing details of the natural history of the Cuban Treefrog in Florida and why it has been so successful in its new home."--Robert W. Henderson, curator of herpetology, Milwaukee Public Museum"The abundance of data cited in this study not only characterizes the Cuban Treefrog but establishes it as a model of a successful colonizer. This latter feature vastly increases the importance of this work by providing wildlife biologists with a list of characteristics that can be applied to other introduced species to determine the likelihood of successful establishment and expansion in non-native habitats--particularly those severely altered by human activity."--Robert Powell, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, author of A Key to the Amphibians and Reptiles of the Continental United States and CanadaFlorida has become a melting pot of invasive exotic species, especially those introduced from the Caribbean. Their expanding ranges and their impact on other species underscore a growing ecological problem faced in today’s world of massive land-use changes and rapid transportation on a global scale. In one of the most detailed accounts of the ecology of an introduced species in the United States, Walter Meshaka presents the natural history of the Cuban Treefrog from the perspective of its phenomenal success, in terms of sheer numbers and geographic range, as a colonizer in South Florida and, in particular, the Everglades.  For those interested in the natural history of the state and especially for herpetologists, ecologists, conservation biologists, and land managers, this work provides a readable and data-rich study on a timely issue.  Meshaka discusses all facets of the natural history of the Cuban Treefrog in detail as well as the correlates of its successful colonization—for example, it colonized an environment that was nearly competitor-free, it ate its potential competitors, and it exploited human habitats. In light of Meshaka’s findings, any hope of eradicating the Cuban Treefrog looks dim. The usefulness of this book extends well beyond mere description of the natural history of a single species. It supplies a methodology for evaluating and setting priorities for the threats facing Florida’s amphibian and reptile populations and identifies the most vulnerable species, providing a base for management decisions. It also presents and interprets a large data set associated with patterns of colonization and predictions.Walter E. Meshaka, Jr., senior curator of zoology and botany for the State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg, was curator at Everglades National Park from 1995 to 2000. He has contributed numerous articles to Journal of Herpetology, Copeia, Florida Scientist, and other publications and is the coauthor of the forthcoming Exotic Amphibians and Reptiles of Florida.

The Cuban Treefrog in Florida: Life History of a Successful Colonizing Species

Science & Math

Meshaka Jr., Walter E.

Biological Sciences

University Press of Florida

The first complete field guide to the exotic amphibians and reptiles established in the continental United States and Hawai?i, this volume covers 74 species that are not native to the country and 29 species that are native but occur beyond their original geographic range. Dispersed from their former habitats by human activity, many of these species are invasive in their new environments, causing ecological or economic harm. Ideal for naturalists of all levels, Exotic Amphibians and Reptiles of the United States details each species? taxonomy, distribution, history, and ecology and portrays each one with vibrant photographs. Drawing on county-level distribution maps from 2,908 published records, this guide provides an in-depth understanding of local factors that drive the success of exotic species. It connects species-specific information to conservation issues as it explores human causes of exotic and invasive establishment. The book also includes eight invited essays which provide regional perspectives on scientific, economic, and management-related aspects of this phenomenon. As ecological pressures on native species and habitats increase, understanding the histories and roles of exotic species is becoming more and more important for conservation efforts. Providing practical identification skills and an awareness of the environmental impacts of these amphibians and reptiles, this indispensable guide equips readers to confront the unusual biodiversity crisis of exotic species.

Exotic Amphibians and Reptiles of the United States

Collins, Suzanne L.

Bury, R. Bruce

McCallum, Malcolm L.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Meshaka Jr., Walter E.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Meshaka Jr., Walter E.