The Naturalisation of Animals and Plants in New Zealand

A 1922 study of the introduction and spread of non-native plants and animals in New Zealand since the 1770s.

George M. Thomson (Author)

9781108108317, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 19 May 2011

624 pages, 1 map
23.4 x 15.6 x 3.2 cm, 0.86 kg

George Thomson (1848–1933) was born in Calcutta, grew up in Scotland and emigrated to New Zealand at 20. He settled there, working as a teacher and analytical chemist, and was eventually elected to the House of Representatives in 1908. Thomson had an interest in natural history, but he was especially fascinated by the biological battles between native species of plants and animals and more recent arrivals. Realising New Zealand's unique advantage in having written records about the introduction of new species from the period of Captain Cook's second voyage in 1773 onwards, Thomson was able to trace the origins and spread of many plants and animals. This study, published in 1922, notes their locations and dates, and includes lists of foreign species officially designated as pests. It is a comprehensive guide to the non-native flora and fauna of New Zealand, providing valuable information about the country's ecological history.

Preface
Part I. Introduction and Historical Records: 1. Introduction
2. Historical record
Part II. Naturalisation of Animals: 3. Mammalia
4. Birds
5. Reptiles and amphibia
6. Fishes
7. Mollusca
8. Insects with myriapoda
9. Crustacea and arachnida
10. Pentastomidae, platyhelminthes, nemathelminthes, oligochaeta
Part III. Naturalisation of Plants: 11. Dicotyledons and coniferae
12. Monocotyledons and ferns
Part IV. 13. Interaction of endemic and introduced faunas
14. Alteration in flora since European occupation of New Zealand
15. Acclimatisation work
general considerations
16. Legislation
Appendix
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: Environmental management [RNF]