Invasive species aren’t all bad. Ken Thompson sets out to
challenge received thinking on invasive species. His highly readable book
certainly succeeded in challenging my preconceptions on the subject.
Where Do Camels
Belong? is a special non-fiction book. It intrigued me like a thriller. I
couldn’t put it down until I’d finished. You emerge on the last page freed from
hype, with a fresh, informed viewpoint.
This book appealed to me on two levels. Firstly, I welcomed
the challenge of facts on invasive species with the discussion of different examples.
I enjoyed the explosion of exaggerations and myths. Secondly, it inspired me to
think figuratively about attitudes to human ‘aliens’ in the current world climate.
We should
stop thinking that we can turn the clock back to some pristine, (…) golden age,
(…). We should instead focus on getting the best out of our brave new invaded world. (page 223).
The title offers the best example to question our
concept of nativeness. Is the answer to Where Do Camels Belong
(a), (b), (c) or (d)?
(a)
In the Middle East? Because
that what our instinct tells us?
(b) In North America? Where they evolved but are now extinct?
(c)
In South America? Where
they retain their greatest diversity?
(d) In Australia? Where the world’s only truly wild rather than
domesticated dromedaries now occur? (pages 1-2)
Now, apply this animal concept to plants, then people. Looking
back, I’m no longer sure whether I was a botanist or a linguist first in
childhood. Does it matter to which field I belonged first? The ability to turn
an accepted issue on its head due to a dual background is an advantage.
I highly recommend this book. It will open your eyes and
challenge you to see the world differently.
Thompson, Ken (2014):
Where Do Camels Belong? Why Invasive Species Aren’t All Bad.
Publisher: Greystone Books
