CABI News

A CABI-published book exploring the global trends and impacts of 32 species of invasive birds has won the ‘Edited Book’ category of the 2022 The Wildlife Society’s Wildlife Publication Awards.

The Society’s Wildlife Publication Awards recognize excellence in scientific literature of wildlife biology and management issued within the last three years. The publications selected are characterized by originality of research or thought and a high scholastic standard in the manner of presentation.

‘Invasive Birds: Global Trends and Impacts,’ edited by Colleen T Downs, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Lorinda A Hart, University of Namibia, Namibia, beat five other titles to the prize as part of the awards which were first presented in 1940.

Six categories of research or management-oriented publications were eligible for awards: book, edited book, article/journal paper, monograph, student paper, and biography/history of wildlife biology.

Founded in 1937, The Wildlife Society is an international organization committed to addressing national and international issues that affect the current and future status of wildlife in North America and throughout the world.

The Society also annually recognizes professional excellence, outstanding achievement, and highlights contributions to wildlife science and management through its Awards Program. The first TWS award (Honorary Membership) was bestowed on J.N. (Ding) Darling in 1938, just one year after the founding of TWS.

Dave Hemming, Commissioning Editor, CABI, said, “Invasive Birds: Global Trends and Impacts is a one-stop reference volume that has been superbly edited by Professor Downs and Dr Hart – who are both experts in the field of invasive bird species.

“The book assesses current invasive status for each bird species, including details of physical description, diet, introduction and invasion pathways, breeding behaviour, natural habitat.

“It also looks at the environmental impact of each species, as well as current and future control methods. Full colour photographs assist with species identification and global distribution maps give a visual representation of the current known distributions of these species.”

‘Invasive Birds: Global Trends and Impacts’ is aimed at researchers, students, scientists, conservation managers, government officials, risk assessors and anyone directly involved in researching, managing, or drawing up risk assessments for invasive bird species around the world.

Species examined include the red-necked Parakeet (Psittacula krameri Scopoli, 1769), the Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus Wagler, 1827) and the Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild Linnaeus, 1758). Professor Christopher Perrins, of the International Journal of Avian Science and a Fellow of The Royal Society, in reviewing the book, said, “This is an important work, covering a difficult and diverse subject. The huge number of studies cited make it an invaluable reference.”

Additional information

Main image: The ring-necked Parakeet is one of 32 global avian invasive species examined in the award-winning CABI book ‘Invasive Birds: Global Trends and Impacts’ edited by Colleen T Downs and Lorinda A Hart (Credit: Pixabay).

Award-winning book Edited by Colleen T Downs, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Lorinda A Hart, University of Namibia, Namibia, ‘Invasive Birds: Global Trends and Impacts,’ is available to buy as an eBook or hardback from the CABI Bookshop here.

About the Wildlife Society

For more than 80 years, The Wildlife Society has been influencing the future of wildlife and wild places for the benefit of generations to come.

Founded in 1937, the organization’s mission is “To inspire, empower, and enable wildlife professionals to sustain wildlife populations and habitats through science-based management and conservation.” The Wildlife Society enhances its members’ networking and learning opportunities, professional and career development, and provides numerous ways for them to get more involved in creating a better future for wildlife and their habitats.

It has more than 11,000 members who include scientists, managers, educators, technicians, planners, consultants and others who manage, conserve, and study wildlife populations and habitats. The membership also includes students who are pursuing degrees and experience that will enable them to become the next generation of wildlife professionals. The Wildlife Society’s supporters help spread the word and take action on important wildlife and habitat issues.