This book exposes one of the greatest threats to the planet after climate change and overpopulation. Animals and plants are perfectly harmless in their native areas, but become a menace when they colonise new territories - often out-competing native species and, in some instances, drastically affecting the ecology. What's more, it is humankind that is largely responsible.
Some species, such as killer bees and cane toads, are obvious terrors. Others, such as the water hyacinth, pose a more insidious threat. Read this book and you'll never look at house sparrows or hedgehogs in the same way again.
Gill Williams is a travel and natural history journalist with more than 30 years' experience. She runs greentravelguides.tv, an internet TV channel showing people how to travel without trashing the planet.
Everything you need to know about the world's most successful and destructive species. Never underestimate a mollusc...
- Kate Humble, TV presenter
"I commend this handsomely produced book, and congratulate all involved in its publication. It will, I'm sure, stimulate awareness and appropriate action in a compelling way on one of the most important biological issues of our time." - Professor Stephen D. Hopper, Director, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew