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

Walter E. Meshaka Jr. (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Florida 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.

About the Author

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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: University Press of Florida; 1st edition (November 27, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081302109X
• ISBN-13: 978-0813021096
• Product Dimensions: 11.7 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,237,350 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Science and Good Writeing, January 9, 2002

By 

Bernard Ferster (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cuban Treefrog in Florida: Life History of a Successful Colonizing Species (Hardcover)

A vigorously researched work of science, but at the same time an exciting adventure story (A handful of little green guys set out to create a new life in a new land!), and a mystery story (Who is responsible for the green tide that changed Florida forever?), a rip roaring sex romp (And where did you think that all theses things come from?), a thriller of a story (Surviving the most deadly force of nature, the dreaded hurricane, alone and unprotected!) as well as a heart warming story of how a handful of Cuban refugees fleeing the repression of Castro's Communism created a successful life for their descendents in the free land of America.