Carnivore Ecology and Conservation ─ A Handbook of Techniques

Animals that must hunt and kill for at least part of their living are inherently interesting to many people and the role that carnivores play in biological communities attract interest from ecologists and conservation biologists. Conflicts with human activities stimulate continual debates about the management of carnivore populations, and throughout the world people seek workable solutions for human/carnivore coexistence.

This concise yet authoritative handbook describes research methods and techniques for the study and conservation of all terrestrial carnivore species. Particular attention is paid to techniques for managing the human/carnivore interface. Descriptions of the latest methodologies are supported by references to case studies, whilst dedicated boxes are used to illustrate how a technique is applied to a specific land cover type, species, or particular socio-economic context. The book describes the most recent advances in modelling the patterns of animal distributions, movements, and use of land cover types, as well as including the most efficient methods to trap, handle, and mark carnivores.

Carnivores are biogeographically diverse and whilst extensive scientific research has investigated many aspects of carnivore biology, not all species have been equally covered. This book is unique in its intention to provide practical guidance for carrying out research and conservation of carnivores across all species and areas of the world.

Luigi BOITANI is Professor of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology at the University of Rome, Dept of Biology and Biotechnologies, and Affiliated Professor at the Department of Natural Resources, Idaho University, Moscow, USA. He is the current (2009-2011) President of the Society for Conservation Biology. His main scientific interests are on a) the social ecology of carnivores, particularly wolves and bears on which he has been working since 1972; b) patterns and models of species distributions based on GIS tools; and c) conservation planning theory applied to species and protected areas, with emphasis on the African and European continents. He has served as member of the IUCN's Species Survival Commission since 1973 and as member of its Steering Committee since 1994. He is also the Chair of the Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe, a SSC Specialist Group which is a regular consultant to the European Union. He is author of more than 260 scientific papers, 9 books and 80 technical reports.

Roger POWELL is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Biology, North Carolina State University, and in the interdepartmental program for Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation. He is also an Affiliate Professor in the Wildlife Biology Program at the University of Montana and a frequent instructor at the Wilderness Field Station of Coe College. Over the past 30 years, his research has emphasized how limiting resources affect animals, especially predatory mammals. His research has led to diverse applications through state wildlife agencies, the USDA Forest Service, the US Fish & Wildlife Service, and the National Park Service. He has written or co-written 3 books (1 in 2 editions), edited 1 book and 5 special sections for journals, and written over 75 peer-reviewed papers since 1972.