Exotics on the Range

Book excerpt: For the first time, the unique wildlife situation involving Texas "exotics, " non-native hoofed animals living and breeding on Texas rangeland, has been documented in a comprehensive form. After summarizing the development of this situation in the 1920s and 1930s, all eight established exotic species are characterized and twenty-five other animals (combined into fifteen groupings) are given to illustrate both successes and failures. Then the variety of prevailing management techniques are discussed. Of special interest is a state-of-the-art carrying capacity evaluation method simple enough for repeated use. To assist readers in identifying further written material, the book ends with a detailed section listing publications on all topics covered. Written in a clear, interesting style, the content is informative and of practical use to the non-specialist. At the same time, it is technically oriented for scientists, professionals, and students in natural resource disciplines. It is a compilation of the current information available on exotic ungulates on Texas rangelands. This is of instant use to ranchers and other decision makers, such as exotics managers, as a reference book. Additionally, it offers much to zoo staff, academics, and anyone from around the United States or around the world interested in these animals or in what can happen when new wildlife species establish themselves alongside natives in rangeland environments.