This handbook presents an up-to-date review of the ecology and behavior of ungulates inhabiting eastern Europe and northern and central Asia, a vast area covering one sixth of the Earth. It provides detailed descriptions of 26 ungulate species focusing on quantitative data and condensing presentations of the autecology of the species, in order to facilitate comparisons between species, including data from several areas. Each species description includes data on geographical range and variability of body measurements over its range; preferred biotopes and evaluations of limiting factors of the abiotic environment; descriptions of social and territorial behavior; feeding features including lists of used plants; parameters of breeding in different parts of the range; factors of mortality with information on predators, diseases and parasites; and dynamics of numbers and harvesting in all parts of the range.

The knowledge on the ecology of ungulates (orders Perissodactyla and Artiodactyla) inhabiting eastern Europe and northern and central Asia is of special importance for those interested in zoology, ecology, nature conservation, hunting and management. There are 26 species of ungulates 2 oE-169 DegreesW within the 22. 4 million km area, between 35-82 DegreesN and 20 and they occupy several vegetation zones from arctic deserts to the subtropics. In our opinion, the advancement of science can be retarded and general conclusions will be difficult to make, if the knowledge of the organisms inhabiting one sixth of the world'sland surface, covered by this vast region, is not included. The language barrier, as well as the lack of international accessibility of local publications, makes it difficult to make use of the great volume of scientific information gathered within the territory of the former USSR. The only complete ecological review of ungulates of the Soviet Union, Mammals of the Soviet Union, vol. 1. Ungulates, was published by V. G. Heptner, A. A. Nasimovich, and A. G. Bannikov in 1961 (in Russian, Heptner and Naumov 1961)and 1989(the English translation,Heptner and Naumov 1989). This excellent book does not, however, contain scientific contributions published after 1959. This is unfortunate, because during the foHowing40years,intense and highly qualified research on the ecology and behavior of ungulates was performed.

Most large herbivores require some type of management within their habitats. Some populations of large herbivores are at the brink of extinction, some are under discussion for reintroduction, whilst others already occur in dense populations causing conflicts with other land use. Large herbivores are the major drivers for forming the shape and function of terrestrial ecosystems. This 2006 book addresses the scientifically based action plans to manage both the large herbivore populations and their habitats worldwide. It covers the processes by which large herbivores not only affect their environment (e.g. grazing) but are affected by it (e.g. nutrient cycling) and the management strategies required. Also discussed are new modeling techniques, which help assess integration processes in a landscape context, as well as assessing the consequences of new developments in the processes of conservation. This book will be essential reading for all involved in the management of both large herbivores and natural resources.