Why do Australian rainforests occur as islands within the vast tracts of Eucalyptus? Why is fire a critical ecological factor in every Australian landscape? What were the consequences of the use of fire by the Ice Age colonists? In this original and challenging book, David Bowman critically examines all hypotheses that have been advanced to answer these questions. He demonstrates that fire is the most critical factor in controlling the distribution of rainforest throughout Australia. Furthermore, while Aboriginal people used fire to skillfully manage and preserve habitats, he concludes that they did not significantly influence the evolution of Australia's unique flora and fauna. This volume, the first comprehensive overview of the diverse literature on this topic, solves the puzzle of the archipelago of rainforest habitats in Australia. It is essential reading for all ecologists, foresters, conservation biologists, and others interested in the biogeography and ecology of Australian rainforests.

Nearly 105,000 horses were slaughtered for human food in 2006, all in two foreign-owned Texas plants and a third foreign plant in Illinois, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Virtually all the meat was for export, the largest markets being France, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Japan and Mexico. Most of these horses were raised for other purposes, like riding. Although U.S. slaughter has ended for the present, advocates continue to support federal legislation to ban it permanently. This book explores equine welfare concerns with a focus on horse slaughter and the wild and unwanted horse issue.

This book challenges the assumption that humans generally treat all animal species equally according to their need of conservation. Recent studies suggest that humans show strong preferences toward particular animal species/taxa and are willing to protect them more than others. Such understanding of human preferences is an important part of conservation strategies. Special attention has to be paid to less preferred, but endangered species. Fortunately, the highly preferred species are present in almost every family and also among threatened species. Thus, the zoos can replace preferred but common species by endangered one that meets both, conservation as well as visitor's aesthetic criteria.

The most authoritative reference guide to every cetacean species and subspecies in the world Handbook of Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the World is the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide to these popular mammals. With nearly 1,000 accurate color illustrations-complete with detailed annotations pointing out significant field marks-this outstanding book covers all 90 species and every subspecies of cetaceans around the globe. Leading cetacean biologists have collaborated with pioneering conservationist Mark Carwardine on the concise text, which is packed with helpful identification tips. From the blue whale to the Indo-Pacific finless porpoise, the illuminating species accounts are accompanied by abundant distribution maps and photographs. Designed to ensure easy access to critical information, Handbook of Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the World is an indispensable resource that every whale watcher and cetacean seeker will find invaluable. Provides details on every species and subspecies of whale, dolphin, and porpoise Features nearly 1,000 meticulous color illustrations and 90 distribution maps Includes helpful facts about behavior, life history, and conservation

Most animals are invertebrates, yet conservation managers and practitioners know very little about their biology, or how to study and survey them adequately in the field. Invertebrate Surveys for Conservation is a comprehensive guide to the ecological methods used to survey invertebrate animals in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments. Containing practical advice and discussion on optimal sampling methods, and on how to interpret samples effectively for practical conservation assessment, this book will be an essential tool for anyone involved in conservation biology or ecology.

This title comes with a special section on Wildlife Conservation in a Time of War. "State of the Wild" is a biennial series that brings together international conservation experts and writers to discuss emerging issues in the conservation of wildlife and wild places. Each volume in the series combines evocative writings with a fascinating tour of conservation news highlights and vital statistics from around the world. One-third of each volume focuses on a topic of particular concern to conservationists. This 2010-2011 edition considers how destabilization and war affect wildlife and wild places. Only recently has the international community begun to appreciate the cost of conflict - simmering tension, war, and reconstruction - on the natural world. This special section examines the role that conservation plays in the context of human conflict considering issues such as, Can the work of saving wildlife and wild places help ameliorate tensions? Can conservation deepen political understanding? Can conservation help in post-conflict situations? The book's twenty essays are intermixed with poetry and beautiful photos that capture our connection to the wild. "State of the Wild's" accessible approach educates a wide range of audiences while at the same time presenting leading-edge scientific overviews of hot topics in conservation. Uniquely structured with magazinelike features up front, conservation news in the middle, and essays from eminent authors and experienced scientists throughout, this landmark series is an essential addition to any environmental bookshelf.

This book deals with the ecological effect a species can have when it moves into an environment that it has not previously occupied (commonly referred to as an `Invasion'). It is unique in presenting a clear and accessible introduction to a highly complex area - the modelling of biological invasions. The book presents the latest theories and models developed from studies into this crucial area. It includes data and examples from biological case studies showing how the models can be applied to the study of invasions.

Today's conservation literature emphasizes landscape ecology and population genetics without addressing the behavioral links that enable the long-term survival of populations. This book presents theoretical and practical arguments for considering behavior patterns in attempts to conserve biodiversity. It brings together prominent scientists and wildlife managers to address a number of issues, including the limits and potentials of behavioral research to conservation, the importance of behavioral variation as a component of biodiversity, and the use of animal behavior to solve conservation problems. Throughout, the text provides specific direction for research and management practices. The book is unique in its emphasis on conservation of wild populations as opposed to captive and reintroduced populations, where behavioral research has concentrated in the past.

A gracefully written treatment of the mutual relationship between pine trees and jays, this book covers a wide range of regions, focusing on the Rocky Mountains and the American Southwest, but also ranging from the Alps to Finland, and from Siberia to China. The book treats one of the more satisfying stories of symbiosis and natural history from perspectives of evolution, ecology, and animal behaviour.

We are pleased to announce a new series of environmental history readers, suitable for students. Comprising essays selected from our journals, Environment and History and Environmental Values, each inexpensive paperback volume will address an important theme in environmental history, combining underlying theory and specific case-studies. The first volume, Bio-invaders, investigates the rhetoric and realities of exotic, introduced and 'alien' species. The book comprises a number of general essays, exploring and challenging common perceptions about such species, and a series of case studies of specific species in specific contexts. Its geographical coverage ranges from the United Kingdom to New Zealand by way of South Africa, India and Palestine; and the essays cover both historical and recent introductions.

The apparent decline in numbers among many species of migratory songbirds is a timely subject in conservation biology, particularly for ornithologists, ecologists, and wildlife managers. This book is an attempt to discuss the problem in full scope. It presents an ambitious, comprehensive assessment of the current status of neotropical migratory birds in the U.S., and the methods and strategies used to conserve migrant populations. Each chapter is an essay reviewing and assessing the trend from a different viewpoint, all written by leaders in the fields of ornithology, conservation, and population biology.

National Parks (NPs) are mainly designed to protect the remaining "wilderness" of a given country and have primarily focused on the conservation of extraordinary areas or emblematic species. National parks have many roles among which "preserving nature" has become a matter of considerable social, political, economical and scientific concern. One of the major problems concerning National Parks is how to preserve their landscapes and biodiversity. While the diversity of plants and animals can be experimentally assessed, their protection involves the maintenance of their ecosystems and periodic monitoring. Any change in an environment can certainly have some effect on the plants and animals living there and so, the consequences of changes at a variety of scales is hard to predict although variations often lead to a reduction or homogenisation of animal and plant diversity. In the long run, the positive role played by National Parks for nature conservation and tourism will be maintained if we ensure that social, economic and environmental goals are closely aligned. This new important book gathers the latest research in this field.

As the first book on the conservation biology of invertebrate animals - the predominant components of most global communities - this volume synthesises much important information in this emerging science. Global in scope, and dealing with animals in terrestrial, freshwater, and marine communities, the book includes chapters on biodiversity, rationale and priorities for invertebrate conservation, and practical conservation, and syggests practical agendas for the future. Many examples are discussed, and comprehensive references given.

This volume documents 25 programmes that have contributed, through education and widening channels of communication, to the conservation of wildlife and natural resources. Case studies range from a national park programme in Borneo to water quality improvement in the Michigan River.

Because of the scope of conservation problems, biologists and managers often rely on 'surrogate' species to act as proxies to represent larger conservation issues. In "Conservation by Proxy", conservation biologist and field researcher Tim Caro offers systematic definitions of surrogate species concepts, explores the theories behind them, considers how surrogate species are chosen, examines evidence for and against their utility, and makes recommendations for their continued use. "Conservation by Proxy" is a benchmark reference that provides clear definitions and common understanding of the evidence and theory behind surrogate species. It is the first book to review and bring together literature on more than fifteen types of surrogate species, enabling us to assess their role in conservation and offering guidelines on how they can be used most effectively.

Between fiscal years 2002 and 2007, the refuge system experienced funding and staffing level fluctuations, the introduction of several new policy initiatives, and the increased influence of external factors such as extreme weather that threaten wildlife habitat and visitor infrastructure. Although core funding -- measured as obligations for refuge operations, maintenance, and fire management -- increased each year, inflation-adjusted core funding peaked in fiscal year 2003 at about $391 million -- 6.8 percent above fiscal year 2002 funding. Inflation-adjusted core funding ended the period 2.3 percent below peak levels, but 4.3 percent above fiscal year 2002 levels by fiscal year 2007. Core refuge staffing levels peaked in fiscal year 2004 at 3,610 full-time equivalents -- 10.0 percent above the fiscal year 2002 level -- and then declined more slowly than funding levels. By fiscal year 2007, staffing levels fell to 4.0 percent below peak levels, but 5.5 percent above fiscal year 2002 levels. Through fiscal year 2007, the number of permanent employees utilised by the refuge system declined to 7.5 percent below peak levels. During this period, refuge system officials initiated new policies that: (1) reduced staff positions and reallocated funds and staff among refuges to better align staff levels with funding; (2) required refuge staff to focus on a legislative mandate to complete refuge conservation plans by 2012; (3) shifted to constructing a larger number of smaller visitor structures, such as informational kiosks, and fewer large visitor centres to spread visitor service funds across more refuges; (4) increased the number of full-time law enforcement officers and their associated training and experience requirements; and (5) resulted in additional administrative work. During this period, external factors that complicate refuge staffs' ability to protect and restore habitat quality also increased, including severe storms and development around refuges.

As the human impact on the earth leads to ever increasing environmental degradation, the restoration of dwindling populations of numerous plant and animal species is becoming ever more important. In this unique volume, the political, biological and experimental procedures affecting the restoration of populations of both plants and animals are examined using case studies to illustrate basic points. Conceptual issues concerning the organization and management of restoration efforts and plans for the restoration of a wide variety of species including the Pitcher's thistle and woodland caribou are outlined. The success and progress of implemented plans for other species such as the Lakeside daisy and black-footed ferret are then evaluated, and the book ends with a broad overview, suggesting future opportunities and problems. The book will interest especially students and practitioners of restoration ecology.

The habitats of most species have been fragmented by human actions, isolating small populations that consequently develop genetic problems. Millions of small, isolated, fragmented populations are likely suffering from inbreeding depression and loss of genetic diversity, greatly increasing their risk of extinction. Crossing between populations is required to reverse these effects, but managers rarely do so. A key reason for such inaction is that managers are often advised to manage populations in isolation whenever molecular genetic methods indicate genetic differences among them. Following this advice will often doom small populations to extinction when the habitat fragmentation and genetic differences were caused by human activities. A paradigm shift is required whereby evidence of genetic differentiation among populations is a trigger to ask whether any populations are suffering genetic problems, and if so, whether they can be rescued by augmenting gene flow. Consequently, there is now an urgent need for an authoritative practical guide to facilitate this paradigm shift in genetic management of fragmented populations.

There are more than one-thousand species of threatened birds in the world, while many others are valued for sport and some are serious pests. All these bird populations require management of one kind or another. This volume reviews our current understanding of avian population dynamics and explores ways in which population studies can contribute to effective conservation and management. The earlier chapters review general questions such as estimation of demographic parameters, the role of mathematical modelling, and the special problems of island populations and seabird populations. The specific chapters are devoted to great tits, snow geese, white storks, puffins, flamingos, grey partridge, red grouse, common terns, herring gulls, lesser black-backed gulls, ducks, Florida scrub jays, and northern spotted owls. The emphasis throughout is on how bird populations are regulated under various constraints and conditions and on what changes we might expect under varying environmental regimes.

The Asian elephant has had a unique cultural association with people. Unfortunately, elephants and people have also been in conflict, resulting in the decline in elephants throughout their former range in Southern Asia. This book provides an ecological analysis of elephant-human interaction and its implication for the conservation of elephants. The foraging habits of elephants and their impact on vegetation are considered, along with the interactions that occur between elephants and humans. The ecological data provide the basis for recommendations on elephant conservation and management, keeping in view the socio-economic imperatives of the Asian region. This first comprehensive account of Asian elephant ecology will be of particular interest to conservation biologists and mammalogists.

Endangered species can be defined as a group of animals or plants in danger of becoming extinct. This book presents an overview of such species as a result of certain factors such as climate change, extensive urbanisation, overgrazing, and agricultural expansion. The first chapter of this book describes China's attempt to protect its rare, threatened, and endangered species in their natural habitats. It identifies the root causes of species loss as well as China's participation in international environmental conventions and its participation in non-governmental organisations (NGO's). Chapter Two reviews the ways in which the abundance of endangered marine benthic species are estimated using distance sampling through SCUBA diving. Distance sampling is a widely used set of methods for estimating abundance and/or density of biological populations. It is a standard method for abundance estimations for many endangered species. Chapter Three reviews the causes of medicinal species endangerment in the Middle East as well as conservations measures that are being used to protect and preserve them from extinction. Chapter 4 describes a species known as Pine marten (or Martes martes), which is an animal in the weasel family. This chapter reviews the reasons why this species is in danger of extinction (such as the presence of incidental killings, forest reduction, and habitat fragmentation in recent years) as well as the measures that have to be taken to prevent a further decline in population. The northern pike, one of the most important freshwater fish, might become an endangered species due to its rapid decline in population from overfishing, habitat reduction, and climate changes. Chapter Five addresses these problems as well as explores the actual conservation and management state of this species in Europe, comparing genetic and molecular ecology data obtained for European and North American populations. Chapter Six is a description of a case study of the river otter, Lontra longicaudis annectens, present in Central Mexico, and the ways in which ecological niche modelling and place prioritisation procedures were used to identify areas for conservation and restoration for this species. Chapter Seven describes the impact that deforestation has on biodiversity conservation in Mexico by measuring its effects on mammal species' distributions, delineation of biogeographical regionalisation, the effectiveness of conservation area networks and area prioritisation for biodiversity conservation. Finally, the last chapter of this book presents an overview of the global usage of felines in traditional folk medicine and as a result, their danger of becoming extinct.

Following passage of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act in 1971, limits for the number of horses on each herd unit (referred to as Herd Management Areas or HMA's) were set. These limits or population goals are referred to as Appropriate Management Levels or AMLs. From 1980 and through the present, more active management reduced wild horse numbers closer to AMLs. Wild horse numbers were reduced to about 40,000 by 1999 and to about 37,186 wild horses in 2003, prior to the foaling season. Some 203 HMAs are managed by the BLM across the Western U.S. The responsibility of monitoring range conditions; allocating range resources between horses, livestock, and wildlife; monitoring horse and burro numbers and managing their population levels represents a large federal management responsibility. The number of animals in most herds are counted or estimated every three to four years, in order to plan for any gathers, and adoptions. Herd management activities, such as gathers and removals, take place for most herd areas every four years.

Wildlife includes all non-domesticated plants, animals, and other organisms. Domesticating wild plant and animal species for human benefit has occurred many times all over the planet, and has a major impact on the environment, both positive and negative. Wildlife can be found in all ecosystems, Deserts, rain forests, plains, and other areas -- including the most developed urban sites -- all have distinct forms of wildlife. While the term in popular culture usually refers to animals that are untouched by human factors, most scientists agree that wildlife around the world is impacted by human activities. This book examines the destruction, conservation and biodiversity of wildlife.