Large Mammal Restoration: Ecological And Sociological Challenges In The 21St Century

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 336 pages
• Published by: Island Press
• Edition: 1st Edition October 1, 2001
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 1559638176
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1559638173
• Book Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 1 inches
• Weighs: 1.2 pounds

Product Description


Evidence is mounting that top carnivores and other large mammals play a pivotal role in regulating ecosystem health and function, yet those are the species that are most likely to have been eliminated by past human activities. In recent decades, numerous efforts have been undertaken to return some of the species that were previously extirpated on local or regional scales.

Large Mammal Restoration brings together for the first time detailed case studies of those efforts, from restoring elk in Appalachia to returning bison herds to the Great Plains to the much- publicized effort to bring back the gray wolf to Yellowstone National Park. Together these case studies offer important lessons and new ways of thinking for wildlife managers and conservation biologists involved with restoration programs. Sections examine:

• approaches to determining the feasibility of a restoration program
• critical hands-on aspects of restoring large mammals
• obtaining public input into the process and gaining community support for programs
• the potential of some species to return without direct human intervention, and what can be done to facilitate that natural colonization

An introductory chapter by Reed F. Noss explores some of the reasons for restoring large mammals, as well as some of the ecological and social complications, and a concluding overview by David S. Maehr discusses the evolutionary importance of large mammal restoration. Contributors include Paul C. Paquet, Barbara Dugelby, Steven H. Fritts, Paul R. Krausman, Larry D. Harris, Johnna Roy, and many others. Large Mammal Restoration brings together in a single volume essential information on the lessons learned from previous efforts, providing an invaluable resource for researchers and students of conservation biology and wildlife management as well as for policymakers, restoration advocates, and others involved with the planning or execution of a restoration program.

Reader Reviews
The editors have produced an interesting and informative series of case studies in large mammal restoration. Each application is unique, and no points are buffaloed by the authors. While not terribly useful from a practical standpoint, this is especially useful and educational for students to the field. It is worth a read for undergraduates and graduates alike.