Wildlife Issues in a Changing World, Second Edition

The broad perspective of wildlife issues presented in this book make fascinating reading for professionals and non-professionals alike. The authors discuss the ecological impact of introduced species, wildlife rehabilitation, and nonindigenous species. They explain wildlife laws, and why they are failing to protect endangered species. Concrete examples of wildlife issues worldwide are given. This second edition has been re-organized to add focus on "The Evil Quartet" - the four principal causes of extinction - and new chapters on "A History of Wildlife in the U.S." and "Can Humans Manage Wildlife?" Fast becoming a standard textbook in the U.S. in college ecology curricula, the book has international appeal for all ecologists and convervationists worldwide. TOC:Wildlife laws.- Examples of wildlife issues.- What is wildlife?- Genetic diversity.- Origin and distribution of biodiversity.- The Evil Quartet: overexploitation, habitat fragmentation and destruction, introduced species, chains of extinction.- Harvesting of wildlife.- A history of wildlife in the U.S., Parts I and II.- National and international Issues. More international issues. An in-depth study of Irian Jaya. An in-depth case study of gorillas. Can humans manage wildlife? Novel solutions.

Students of conservation encounter some of the most complex issues on our planet. The resolution of existing problems become more complex when humans create further stresses on the natural balance. Moulton and Sanderson brought the challenging issues in wildlife conservation into greater clarity in Wildlife Issues in a Changing World.The Second Edition of this definitive reference focuses more closely on the causes of wildlife issues. The examination of Jared Diamond's "Evil Quartet" (the four principal causes of extinction) provides a framework for categorizing and resolving these issues. The authors encourage the use of the scientific method basis for resolution - especially where environmental laws have failed.The three new chapters provide further counterpoints to preconceived notions. A two-part history of wildlife in the U.S. shows how wildlife had already been decimated by the year 1900. "Can Humans Manage Wildlife?" questions efforts to revive endangered species, acts which may inadvertently jeopardize the survival of other life.Viewing the natural order from prehistoric times to the present, Wildlife Issues in a Changing World, Second Edition gives students and instructors an all-encompassing introduction to past relations between humans and nature; explorations of current threats to species and their habitats; and recent "novel solutions," where humanity and industry have made adjustments to protect the natural order. Professionals will also find invaluable reminders of the importance of their work - the continuation and endurance of wildlife everywhere on Earth.

IntroductionWildlife LawsExamples of Wildlife IssuesWhat is Wildlife?Genetic DiversityOrigin and Distribution of BiodiversityThe Evil QuartetEvil Quartet 1: OverexploitationEvil Quartet 2: Habitat Fragmentation and DestructionEvil Quartet 3: Introduced SpeciesEvil Quartet 4: Chains of ExtinctionsHarvesting of WildlifeRemembering History: The Eastern U.S. Experience- A History of Wildlife Issues in Florida, New Jersey, Maine and PennsylvaniaFrom Exploitation to Reintroduction: Wildlife in the Western U.S.-California, Arizona, Colorado, New MexicoGlobal Perspectives of Wildlife IssuesOceanic International IssuesAn In-Depth Study of Irian JayaAn In-Depth Case Study of GorillasCan Humans Manage Wildlife?Novel SolutionsEpilogue