The relentless exploitation and unsustainable use of
wildlife, whether for food, medicine or other uses, is a
key concern for conservationists worldwide. Indeed,
wildlife conservation and sustainable use have recently
become centrepieces in conservation and development
research. Assessment, interpretation and ultimate action
in a scientific study of exploited species must consider
numerous factors: from the biology, habitat requirements
and population dynamics of the species in question to
the relationships that people have with their
environment and the species within it. Any long-term
management plan must ensure that people and wildlife can
coexist - otherwise it is doomed to failure.
Conservation and Sustainable Use provides a practical
and integrated approach to carrying out research on the
conservation of exploited species. It is relevant to
both tropical and temperate biomes and is applicable to
all exploited species, including mammals, fish and
plants. It describes both the practical (field) and
theoretical (modelling) techniques for obtaining and
interpreting information, integrating biological,
social, economic and institutional analyses.It also
demonstrates how to translate information into effective
action through appropriate interventions, from
legislation to changing people's attitudes. This is the
first time that all these issues have been covered
together in a single, practically-orientated volume.
This book will be essential reading for graduate level
students and researchers in conservation biology, human
ecology, sociology and resource economics. It will also
provide an important reference for anyone who is
interested in carrying out a scientifically-based
conservation programme for an exploited species,
including field biologists, wildlife managers and
practitioners in the fields of conservation and
international development. |
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