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Elsevier

Books in Animal ecology

  • Earth 5.0

    Innovations for a Sustainable Future
    • 1st Edition
    • Suhaib A. Bandh + 1 more
    • English
    Earth 5.0: Innovations for a Sustainable Future is an important guide for navigating the planetary challenges of the Anthropocene through science, technology, and policy. It explores how humanity can redesign its relationship with the planet in an age defined by environmental limits and systemic risk by bridging science and strategies for a sustainable future. The book is organized into four parts, starting with a rethinking of the planetary framework, including chapters on the Anthropocene, planetary boundaries, and digital tools for environmental management. It then explores pathways of innovation in energy, circular economies, nature-based solutions, and ocean futures. The third section covers governance, climate justice, finance, and social change, while the final part focuses on designing the future through geoengineering, waste reduction, degrowth, and real-world case studies, ending with a strategic roadmap for systemic transformation. Earth 5.0: Innovations for a Sustainable Future provides invaluable insights and practical frameworks for researchers, students, and professionals interested in environmental science, ecology, sustainability, and climate change and equips readers with the knowledge, tools, and case studies needed to understand complex environmental challenges and to drive meaningful change. This book is an essential resource for those committed to shaping a just, regenerative, and resilient future for our planet.

  • Biotic Interactions across Gradients and Scales

    • 1st Edition
    • Wesley Dáttilo + 1 more
    • English
    Biotic Interactions across Gradients and Scales provides a valuable exploration of the intricate connections of the web of life, including foundational ecological principles to current macroecological perspectives. The book examines the various dimensions of biotic interactions across spatiotemporal gradients in terrestrial and aquatic environments. Its integrated approach is crucial to understanding the potential responses of ecological networks to unprecedented stressors, including climate change, anthropogenic impacts, and loss of connectivity and functional redundancy. Written by renowned subject matter experts from the global North and South, this book introduces the concept of biotic interactions before delving into the physical factors influencing ecological networks.Central chapters describe the tools, methods, and history of study of biotic interactions. Latter chapters explore such networks across aquatic and terrestrial domains, before concluding chapters discuss disruptive stressors and open science opportunities for future research endeavors. Case studies, boxed elements, and end chapter review questions ensure student mastery of content.

  • Conceptual Breakthroughs in Comparative Animal Physiology

    • 1st Edition
    • James Hicks + 1 more
    • English
    Conceptual Breakthroughs in Comparative Animal Physiology tells a story of innate human curiosity about the natural world, and a deeply creative discipline, shaped by varied environments, unusual organisms, elegant experiments, and the persistent effort to understand how animals work and why they work the way they do—along the way discovering “adaptations and mechanisms of the most surprising character”.Written by two leading experts in the field, each chapter reflects on the origins of ideas and the approach of turning natural diversity into experimental design. From deserts to oceans, from the anoxia-tolerant animals to endothermic insects, from deep-diving mammals to the integration of “omics,” each chapter follows the discoveries and people who were compelled to modify their view of “what life can do.” The chapters also highlight the long-term influence of key conceptual breakthroughs, demonstrating how insights from comparative physiology have shaped not only the field itself but also, ecology, evolution, and engineering.As scientists strive to understand the complexity of living systems, the book underscores the inherent integrative nature of comparative physiology, revealing a process that strives to connect genes to organisms and organisms to environments, and providing a framework for understanding the diversity of life. This is an essential resource for undergraduates, graduate students and researchers interested in physiology with its comprehensive synopsis on the field’s foundational history and significant advances.

  • Oceanic Dolphins

    Ridgway and Harrison's Handbook of Marine Mammals, Volume 2
    • 1st Edition
    • Thomas Allen Jefferson
    • National Marine Mammal Foundation
    • English
    Oceanic Dolphins: Ridgway and Harrison's Handbook of Marine Mammals, Volume Two in the Handbook of Marine Mammals series, focuses on dolphins, the remarkable marine mammals that live in our seas and oceans. For centuries, dolphins have fascinated humans with their intelligence and adaptability. As our understanding of marine mammals expands, there is a growing need for comprehensive references on their ecology and biology. This series, created to meet this need, provides definitive reviews of all living species of whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, sea cows, and marine otters and bears.This volume features chapters written by leading global experts on offshore and oceanic dolphin species. Each chapter includes detailed descriptions of the species, covering aspects such as distribution and abundance, anatomy, physiology, behavior, ecology, reproduction, parasites and diseases, and the effects of human activities on these species.

  • Domestic and Wild Sheep

    Origins, Genetics and Breeding
    • 1st Edition
    • Menghua Li + 1 more
    • English
    The Characterization of Genus Ovis: Genetics, Domestication and Behavior delves into the diverse world of wild and domesticated sheep. This book offers comprehensive information on the genetics, evolution, diversity, behavior, expansion, breeding, and domestication of sheep. It is a detailed characterization of this ecologically and commercially significant genus. Written by experts who have hosted the World Sheep Conference four times, the book is systematically structured into four sections to guide readers through the various Ovis species, their biological characteristics, genetic markers, and their significance to human populations.Furtherm... it offers new insights into the functional genetics of sheep species, their migrations and expansions in connection with human history, and guidance on successful breeding and husbandry. The book is organized for accessibility to student, academic, and professional audiences, making it an indispensable resource for anyone interested in animal evolution, diversity, behavior, and husbandry.

  • Terrestrial Biomes

    Global Biome Conservation and Global Warming Impacts on Ecology and Biodiversity
    • 1st Edition
    • Germano Leão Demolin-Leite
    • English
    Terrestrial Biomes: Global Biome Conservation and Global Warming Impacts on Ecology and Biodiversity explores the effects of anthropogenic activities on Earth’s terrestrial biomes, species, and climate. The book summarizes operational and potential monitoring tools to conserve or recover terrestrial biomes at a global scale. Written by international experts in ecology and biodiversity conservation, this book identifies the challenges and threats to terrestrial organisms and connects them to real cases of conservation.This is an important resource for students, professors, researchers, and governmental and non-governmental organizations active in biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.

  • Innovative Conservation Techniques and Perspectives

    Global Biome Conservation and Global Warming Impacts on Ecology and Biodiversity
    • 1st Edition
    • Germano Leão Demolin-Leite
    • English
    Innovative Conservation Techniques and Perspectives: Global Biome Conservation and Global Warming Impacts on Ecology and Biodiversity explores operational and potential monitoring tools to conserve and/or recover biomes at a global scale. Written by international experts in ecology and biodiversity conservation, this book identifies operational, emerging, and proposed methods for land monitoring and management across the world’s biomes. This important resource on biodiversity is an ideal resource for students, professors, researchers, and both governmental and non-governmental organizations active in biodiversity conservation.

  • Ecophysiology and Ocean Acidification in Marine Mollusks

    From Molecule to Behavior
    • 1st Edition
    • Youji Wang
    • English
    Ecophysiology and Ocean Acidification in Marine Mollusks: From Molecule to Behavior provides an extensive overview of the latest research on the various ecophysiological effects of ocean acidification on marine mollusks. This book synthesizes historical information and recent findings on the effects of environmental change, ocean warming, and acidification on key mollusks and their life-history. It also discusses the underlying mechanisms underpinning the effects of ocean warming and acidification. Written by internationally recognized experts in the field of marine biology, this book systematically examines the effects of ocean acidification on the reproduction, growth and development, physiological metabolism, immunity, and behavior of marine mollusks.The book concludes by discussing the implications of current research, acknowledging data limitations in the field, and proposing future research directions, providing a better understanding of the potential impacts of ocean acidification on mollusks and the global aquaculture industry and inspiring new thinking for future research practices. It will be an indispensable resource for researchers, practitioners, undergraduate and graduate students, conservationists, and aquaculturists alike who are interested in marine environmental change, ecology, physiology, and marine biology.

  • Continental Northeast Asian Amphibians

    Origins, Behavioural Ecology, and Conservation
    • 1st Edition
    • Amaël Borzée
    • English
    Continental Northeast Asian Amphibians: Origins, Behavioral Ecology, and Conservation is the only comprehensive compilation of knowledge on the amphibian species of continental northeast Asia. Along with accounts for each species, the book introduces the biogeographic history, behavioral patterns, ecological requirements, and threats in the region. Written by a leading expert on Asian amphibians, this book delves into the details of origin and life history and distinguishes which variables have been instrumental to the distribution of populations and amphibian biodiversity in this region. Sections provide detailed accounts for field identification and range of the species’ behavior during both breeding and non-breeding seasons.Finally, the book provides in-depth accounts on the threats and trends for each species, considering the current conservation pressure in the region. Each point is explained in relation with the very contrasted landscapes of the region that include two rather different species assemblages, one on the alluvial plains and the other at higher elevation on mountain ranges.

  • Assessments and Conservation of Biological Diversity from Coral Reefs to the Deep Sea

    Uncovering Buried Treasures and the Value of the Benthos
    • 1st Edition
    • Jose Victor Lopez
    • English
    Assessments and Conservation of Biological Diversity from Coral Reefs to the Deep Sea: Uncovering Buried Treasures and the Value of the Benthos examines marine benthic habitats around the world that are linked by their physical location at the bottom of the oceans. The book approaches deep sea marine biodiversity with perspectives on genetics, microbiology and evolution, weaving a narrative of vital expert linkages with the goal of protecting something that most people cannot view or experience. Heterogeneity becomes operative across one of the largest continuous habitats of the planet. The book provides a full assessment of biological diversity within various benthic habitats, from coral reefs to plankton and fish species, and offers global case studies.It is the ideal resource for marine conservationists and biologists aiming to expand their knowledge and efforts to the rarely seen, yet equally important, realms of the ocean and respective benthic species. As deep-sea ecosystems and their species face unprecedented threats of disruption and extinction due to factors including disease, disinformation, pollution and climate change, this book provides current, sweeping knowledge of this undersea world along with remedies for its conservation.

  • Snow Leopards

    • 2nd Edition
    • English
    Snow Leopards, Second Edition provides a foundational, comprehensive overview of the biology, ecology and conservation of this iconic species. This updated edition incorporates all the recent information from range-wide surveys and conservation projects, the results of technical and advances particularly in genetics, camera trapping and satellite tracking, and evaluates emerging threats. New chapters synthesize the novel scientific methods and statistical analyses used to develop density and population estimates and how they inform conservation and management estimates. Sections cover historical information, the main biogeographic patterns, evolutionary trends, conservational efforts, and cultural significance. Status and distribution are fully updated for all 12 countries where snow leopards occur. Other sections describe established and emerging threats, including human-wildlife conflict, illegal trade, infrastructure development, and climate change along with conservation solutions used to address these threats. The book concludes with a final section on global snow leopard initiatives and future potentials.

  • Coastal Habitat Conservation

    New Perspectives and Sustainable Development of Biodiversity in the Anthropocene
    • 1st Edition
    • Free Espinosa
    • English
    Coastal Habitat Conservation: New Perspectives and Sustainable Development of Biodiversity in the Anthropocene offers the latest research and approaches to biodiversity conservation in coastal areas. The book synthesizes the background of foundational conservation views and provides new perspectives and recent strategies within a sustainable development context for coastal species and organic life. Written by a team of international authors with expertise in wide-ranging issues of biodiversity conservation, this book analyzes the challenges of conserving marine habitats and species that humanity faces in the Anthropocene era. Sections explore emerging and unforeseen impacts within a changing world, specifically, the marine-based conservation in the context of global change, coastal urbanization and mitigation of its environmental impacts, marine bioinvasions, conservation strategies for of out-of-sight communities like caves, habitat restoration, and the citizen science and its challenging role in monitoring conservation.

  • Conservation of Marine Birds

    • 1st Edition
    • Lindsay Young + 1 more
    • English
    Conservation of Marine Birds is the first book to outline and synthesize the myriad of threats faced by one of the most imperiled groups of birds on earth. With more than half of all 346 seabird species worldwide experiencing population declines and 29% of species recognized as globally threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the timing to determine solutions to threats could not be more urgent. Written by a diverse team of international experts on marine birds, this book explores the environmental and biogeographical factors that influence seabird conservation and provides concrete recommendations for mounting climate change issues. This book will be an important resource for researchers and conservationists, as well as ecologists and students who want to understand seabirds, the threats they are facing, and tactics to help conserve and protect them.

  • Sea Turtle Research and Conservation

    Lessons From Working In The Field
    • 1st Edition
    • Brad Nahill
    • English
    Sea Turtles: Field Research and Conservation is a comprehensive reference of experiences with sea turtle species from global experts. This book looks at the human side of protecting and studying these unique animals around the world, as well as the challenges involved, such as cultural differences and conducting research in remote locations.Led by a renowned expert in sea turtle conservation, this book addresses the largest issue facing sea turtle species currently; nearly all species of sea turtles are endangered due to poaching, fishing snares, climate change, and more. Chapters in this book range from the use of cutting-edge technology to learn more about this elusive reptile, to working with communities with long histories of sea turtle trade and consumption. It provides readers with firsthand accounts of sea turtle conservation efforts from conservationists based around the world and offers important suggestions and solutions for ensuring the future of these sea turtle species.Sea Turtles: Field Research and Conservation is the ideal resource for field biologist and marine conservationists, specifically those working in marine herpetology and with sea turtle species. Policymakers concerned with marine conservation, wildlife protection, and sustainable development, will also find this a useful reference for efforts and directions to enact change and save sea turtles from extinction.

  • Elephants Under Human Care

    The Behaviour, Ecology, and Welfare of Elephants in Captivity
    • 1st Edition
    • Paul A. Rees
    • English
    This book draws together, for the first time, the published research on the behaviour, ecology and welfare of elephants living in zoos, circuses, logging camps and other captive environments in a single comprehensive volume. It takes a multi-disciplinary approach, considering the work of zoo biologists, animal behaviour and welfare scientists, veterinarians, philosophers, zoo educators, tourism specialists, conservation biologists, lawyers and others with a professional interest in elephants. Elephants under Human Care: The Behaviour, Ecology, and Welfare of Elephants in Captivity is a valuable resource for zoo biology and animal welfare researchers. It is also useful for students and zoo professionals and managers looking for a comprehensive guide to current research on captive elephants. Although not intended as a husbandry manual, the book discusses some of the elephant welfare standards developed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and their relationship to current knowledge of captive elephants.

  • Jaguars of the Northern Pantanal

    Panthera Onca at the Meeting of the Waters
    • 1st Edition
    • Paul Brooke + 1 more
    • English
    Jaguars of the Northern Pantanal: Panthera Onca at the Meeting of the Waters details the lives and behaviors of this subpopulation of jaguars through one-of-a-kind photographs from 26 international photographers, as well as illustrations, maps, waypoints, scientific insights, field journal excerpts and personal narratives. The book seeks to understand how locals can coexist with these cats while benefitting financially through ecotourism. Users will find this book to be a conceptual model to apply to other subpopulations in order to save jaguars throughout North and South America. It is an ideal resource for researchers and practitioners in wildlife conservation, naturalism ecotourism and biologists.

  • Quaternary Ecology, Evolution, and Biogeography

    • 1st Edition
    • Valentí Rull
    • English
    Quaternary Ecology, Evolution, and Biogeography offers an introduction to the study of the ecological and evolutionary processes that have shaped our present biosphere under the influence of glacial-interglacial cycles. Written by an ecologist with paleoecological expertise, this book reviews the climactic changes that have occurred during the last 2.6 million years, along with the responses of organisms and ecosystems. It offers an understanding of the evolutionary origin of extant biodiversity, its biogeographical patterns, and the composition of modern ecological communities. In addition, it explores human evolution and the influence of our activities on the biosphere, especially in the last millennia.This book offers the latest information on how studying the past can contribute to our understanding of present climate issues for a better future, and is an ideal resource for researchers and students in the natural sciences.

  • Pangolins

    Science, Society and Conservation
    • 1st Edition
    • English
    Pangolins: Science, Society and Conservation brings together experts from around the world to document the most up-to-date scientific knowledge on pangolins and their conservation. It chronicles threats facing the species, explores the current initiatives required to protect them, and looks ahead at the future of pangolin science and conservation efforts. Led by a team of editors with more than 20 years collective experience in pangolin conservation, this book includes accounts of the species’ evolution, morphology, and systematics. It discusses the role of pangolins in historically symbolic, mythological, and ritualistic practices across Africa, Asia, and Europe, as well as contemporary practices including international trafficking. Chapters in the latter portion of this book focus on conservation solutions, including law enforcement and international policy, behavior change, local community engagement, ex situ conservation, tourism, and other interventions needed to secure the future of the species. Pangolins: Science, Society and Conservation is the latest volume in Elsevier’s species-specific series, Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes. This book is a valuable resource for researchers and students in species conservation science, planning, and policymaking.

  • Taylor's Power Law

    Order and Pattern in Nature
    • 1st Edition
    • R.A.J. Taylor
    • English
    Taylor's Power Law: Order and Pattern in Nature is a broad synthesis of this ubiquitous property of natural and man-made phenomena. This stimulating and approachable work surveys the biological and non-biological empirical data, describes the statistical uses of Taylor’s power law (TPL) and its relationship to statistical distributions, exposes the mathematical connections to other power laws, covers the competing explanatory models; and develops an argument for TPL's genesis. Taylor’s power law relates the variability of a process or population to its average value. It was first described in relation to insect populations and then more broadly to other animal and plant populations. Subsequently it has been recognized in microbiology, genetics, economics, astronomy, physics, and computer science, and it is thought to be one of the few general laws in ecology where it is routinely used to describe the spatial and temporal distributions of populations. Biologists who know the law as Taylor's power law and physical scientists who know it as fluctuation scaling will be interested in the bigger picture on this fascinating subject. As the relationship between variance and mean is found in so wide a range of disciplines, it seems possible it is a deep property of number, not just a phenomenon in ecology as was thought originally. Although theories abound that purport to explain or predict TPL, none is entirely satisfactory either because it fails to be very predictive, or it does not account for all the available empirical data. To uncover such a property requires a synthesis across disciplines, an acute need that is approached by this exciting work.

  • Wildlife Conservation in Africa

    A Scientific Approach
    • 1st Edition
    • S.S. Ajayi
    • English
    Wildlife Conservation in Africa: A Scientific Approach presents comprehensive management strategies for the consumptive and non-consumptive utilization of wildlife across Sub-Saharan Africa. It describes African economies that are currently dependent on wildlife resources and prescribes strategies for conserving biodiversity in both forests and animals in ecosystems across the continent. The book covers the history and current status of how Africa’s culture, traditions, healthcare and food sources are woven intricately around the local wildlife and resources. It is a necessary resource for researchers and practitioners in wildlife and ecological conservation, but is also useful for administrators and managers of protected areas.

  • Marine Mammal Ecotoxicology

    Impacts of Multiple Stressors on Population Health
    • 1st Edition
    • Maria Cristina Fossi + 1 more
    • English
    Marine Mammal Ecotoxicology: Impacts of Multiple Stressors on Population Health provides tactics on how to develop a comprehensive methodology for the study of existing threats to marine mammals. By presenting a conservation-biology approach and new and emerging technologies, this work helps provide crucial knowledge on the status of marine mammal populations that not only helps readers understand the ecosystem’s health, but also instigate mitigation measures. This volume provides information that helps investigators unravel the relationships between exposure to environmental stressors (e.g., climate change, pollutants, marine litter, pathogens and biotoxins) and a range of endpoints in marine mammal species. The application of robust examination procedures and biochemical, immunological, and molecular techniques, combined with pathological examination and feeding ecology, has led to the development of health assessment methods at the individual and population levels in wild marine mammals.

  • Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation in Tropical Islands

    • 1st Edition
    • Chandrakasan Sivaperuman + 3 more
    • English
    Biodiversity and Climate Change Adaptation in Tropical Islands provides comprehensive information on climate change, biodiversity, possible impacts, adaptation measures and policy challenges to help users rehabilitate and preserve the natural resources of tropical islands. While biodiversity and climate change of tropical islands has previously received less attention, it is ironically one of the most vulnerable regions in this regard. The core content of the work derives largely from the ideas and research output from various reputed scientists and experts who have recorded climate change impacts on aquatic and coastal life in tropical regions. Contributors have direct working experience with the tribes in some of the tropical islands. All of their expertise and information is compiled and presented in the work, including coverage related to climate change. This work highlights the ever-growing need to develop and apply strategies that optimize the use of natural resources, both on land and in water and judicious use of biodiversity. It functions as a critical resource on tropical island biodiversity for researchers, academicians, practitioners and policy makers in a variety of related disciplines.

  • Ethnozoology

    Animals in Our Lives
    • 1st Edition
    • Romulo Romeu Nobrega Alves + 1 more
    • English
    Ethnozoology: Animals In Our Lives represents the first book about this discipline, providing a discussion on key themes on human-animal interactions and their implications, along with recent major advances in research. Humans share the world with a bewildering variety of other animals, and have interacted with them in different ways. This variety of interactions (both past and present) is investigated through ethnozoology, which is a hybrid discipline structured with elements from both the natural and social sciences, as it seeks to understand how humans have perceived and interacted with faunal resources throughout history. In a broader context, ethnozoology, and its companion discipline, ethnobotany, form part of the larger body of the science of ethnobiology. In recent years, the importance of ethnozoological/ethn... studies has increasingly been recognized, unsurprisingly given the strong human influence on biodiversity. From the perspective of ethnozoology, the book addresses all aspects of human connection, animals and health, from its use in traditional medicine, to bioprospecting derivatives of fauna for pharmaceuticals, with expert contributions from leading researchers in the field.

  • Why Penguins Communicate

    The Evolution of Visual and Vocal Signals
    • 1st Edition
    • Pierre Jouventin + 1 more
    • English
    Why Penguins Communicate: The Evolution of Visual and Vocal Signals is a comprehensive and condensed review of several hundred publications on the evolution of penguin behaviors, particularly signaling, linking genetics and ecology via such behavioral adaptations as nuptial displays. This exciting work has developed from the authors’ many years researching on the behavioral strategies of penguins, such as the unique vocal signatures for individual recognition. Studies of penguins on islands surrounding Antarctica are presented, fully showcasing the behavioral significance of visual ornaments (mating displays) and how and why penguins behave via adaptive evolutionary explanations. Through this evolutionary lens, the authors address several questions involving their identification and taxonomy, habitat and location, breeding, and differences between penguins and other seabirds. Each species occupies a unique ecological niche, and behaviors permit separating the species through mutual display. Although model organisms in science are diverse and specialized, we see the entire integration in penguins, from acoustical and optical physics, to behavioral display and speciation. This work highlights the adaptive significance of their behavior through an evolutionary point- of-view.

  • Mixed-Species Groups of Animals

    Behavior, Community Structure, and Conservation
    • 1st Edition
    • Eben Goodale + 2 more
    • English
    Mixed-Species Groups of Animals: Behavior, Community Structure, and Conservation presents a comprehensive discussion on the mixed-species groups of animals, a spectacular and accessible example of the complexity of species interactions. They are found in a wide range of animals, including invertebrates, fish, mammals and birds, and in different habitats, both terrestrial and aquatic, throughout the world. While there are more than 500 articles on this subject scattered in separate categories of journals, there has yet to be a general, cross-taxa book-length introduction to this subject that summarizes the behavior and community structure of these groups. The authors first survey the diversity of spatial associations among animals and then concentrate on moving groups. They review the major classes of theories that have been developed to explain their presence, particularly in how groups increase foraging efficiency and decrease predation. Finally, they explore the intricacies of species interactions, such as communication, that explain species roles in groups and discuss what implications these social systems have for conservation.

  • Gorilla Pathology and Health

    With a Catalogue of Preserved Materials
    • 1st Edition
    • John E Cooper + 1 more
    • English
    Gorilla Pathology and Health: With a Catalogue of Preserved Materials consists of two cross-referenced parts. The first, the book itself, is a review of pathological changes and tissue responses in gorillas (Gorilla gorilla and G. beringei), with an emphasis on free-living animals, but also with reference to those in captivity. The comparative aspects are discussed, stressing the relevance of research to both gorillas and humans. What makes the publication truly unique, however, is the second part, a comprehensive descriptive catalogue of the location and nature of gorilla material in museums and scientific institutions throughout the world. This is of great consequence because free-living gorillas are strictly conserved with restricted access, so the location of a wealth of preserved tissues and other material that has been collected over the decades is a great benefit for research and study.This book can, and should, be used to gain cardinal knowledge regarding the biology and pathology of this genus. The combination of book and catalogue in this extensive compilation makes it an invaluable tool for all those concerned with the health, welfare, and conservation of gorillas, one of our nearest living relatives.

  • Snow Leopards

    Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes
    • 1st Edition
    • English
    Snow Leopards: Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes is the only comprehensive work on the biology, behavior, and conservation status of the snow leopard, a species that has long been one of the least studied, and hence poorly understood, of the large cats. Breakthroughs in technologies and methodologies to study this elusive cat have come rapidly, including non-invasive genetics, camera traps, and GPS-satellite collaring. The book begins with chapters on the genetic standing and taxonomy of the snow leopard, followed by chapters on their behavior and ecology. Additional contributions follow on the current and emerging threats to the species, which include longstanding concerns, such as poaching and conflicts with livestock, and new and emerging threats such as mining and climate change. A section on conservation solutions, backed by valuable case studies, starts with an overview of the important role mountain communities play in assuring the snow leopard’s long-term persistence. In addition, chapters on the role of captive snow leopards for the conservation of the species, state-of-the-art techniques and technologies for studying and monitoring snow leopards, status reports from around the region, and future perspectives, such as transboundary conservation initiatives, international conventions (CITES, CMS, etc.), the role of the IUCN Cat Specialist Group and the Snow Leopard Network, and undertakings such as the Global Snow Leopard Forum facilitated by the World Bank are also included.

  • Avian Genetics

    A Population and Ecological Approach
    • 1st Edition
    • F. Cooke + 1 more
    • English
    Avian Genetics: A Population and Ecological Approach is a collection of papers that deals with the study of birds in relation to the synthetic theory of evolution. This book studies the ecology, demography, behavior, and geographical distribution of birds; the text also discusses quantitative, chromosomal, biochemical, and population genetics. Part I reviews the various genetic interactions, including an analysis of DNA sequence variation. The different and newer techniques are compared such as the works of Sibley, Quinn, and White. Part II describes the molding genetic variation and covers topics such as inbreeding; gene flow and the genetic structure of populations; non-random mating; and the process of selection in natural populations of birds. Part III covers actual genetic case histories, including quantitative ecological genetics of great tits; genetic evolution of house sparrows; and presentation of evidence for sexual selection by female choice in the Arctic Skua. This book also presents future research in subjects such as the neutrality-selection controversy or genetics and conservation. This text can be beneficial for ecologists, ornithologists, animal conservationists, and population biologists studying birds.

  • Wetland Modelling

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 12
    • W.J. Mitsch + 2 more
    • English
    The study of wetlands is a relatively new field and the modelling of these systems is still in its formative stages. Nevertheless, the editors felt compelled to assemble this volume as a first statement of the state of the art of modelling approaches for the quantitative study of wetlands. A global approach has been adopted in this book, not only by including a wide geographic distribution of wetlands, but also by including papers on both freshwater and saltwater wetlands. Wetlands are defined as systems intermediate between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and include ecosystems under a wide range of hydrologic and ecologic conditions. The wetland types discussed in this book reflect that heterogeneity, ranging from intermittently flooded wet meadows to permanently flooded shallow reservoirs and lakes. Also included are modelling examples from coastal salt marshes, shallow estuaries, mesotrophic bogs, reedswamps, forested swamps, and regional wetlands. In summary, the book presents ecological modelling as a tool for management of these sensitive ecosystems, and for studying their structure and function. Each chapter has extensive references related to the modelling approach and wetland type discussed. It will be useful for wetland scientists and managers, and could also serve as a supplemental text on courses in wetland ecology.

  • Penguin Biology

    • 1st Edition
    • Lloyd S. Davis + 1 more
    • English
    Penguin Biology is the first broad-based collection of biological and ecological studies of these unique birds to be published since 1975. Topics have since become broad ecological hypotheses, not species-specific descriptions, and new technology has taken observations into the oceanic depths. Penguin Biology shows new techniques and the applications mad of them in contemporary biological and evolutionary theory. Penguin Biology is an invaluable reference for ornithologists, animal behaviorists, animal physiologists, marine zoologists, marine ecologists, evolutionary biologists, and Antarctic researchers.

  • Tigers of the World

    The Science, Politics and Conservation of Panthera tigris
    • 2nd Edition
    • Ronald Tilson + 1 more
    • English
    Tigers of the World, Second Edition explores tiger biology, ecology, conservation, management, and the science and technology that make this possible. In 1988, when the first edition was published, tiger conservation was still in its infancy, and two decades later there has been a revolution not only in what is known, but how information about tigers is obtained and disseminated. In the fast changing world of conservation, there is a great need to summarize the vast and current state-of-the-art, to put this into historical perspective, and to speculate in what yet remains to be done.Tigers of the World, Second Edition fulfills this need by bringing together in a unique way the world’s leading tiger experts into one volume. Despite the challenges ahead, there are bright spots in this story and lessons aplenty not only for tiger specialists but large carnivore specialists, conservation biologists, wildlife managers, natural resource policymakers, and most importantly the caring public.

  • The Migration Ecology of Birds

    • 1st Edition
    • Ian Newton
    • English
    This book presents an up-to-date, detailed and thorough review of the most fascinating ecological findings of bird migration. It deals with all aspects of this absorbing subject, including the problems of navigation and vagrancy, the timing and physiological control of migration, the factors that limit their populations, and more. Author, Ian Newton, reveals the extraordinary adaptability of birds to the variable and changing conditions across the globe, including current climate change. This adventurous book places emphasis on ecological aspects, which have received only scant attention in previous publications. Overall, the book provides the most thorough and in-depth appraisal of current information available, with abundant tables, maps and diagrams, and many new insights. Written in a clear and readable style, this book appeals not only to migration researchers in the field and Ornithologists, but to anyone with an interest in this fascinating subject.

  • Field and Laboratory Exercises in Animal Behavior

    • 1st Edition
    • Chadwick V. Tillberg + 2 more
    • English
    Field and Laboratory Exercises in Animal Behavior is an interactive laboratory manual for students in animal behavior, ethology, and behavioral ecology. It is the first of its kind in this subject area that guides students through the diverse and fascinating fields of behavioral and ethological studies, employing a wide array of organisms as model systems for the study of behavior. Students participate in the development of hypothesis and turn the recording, analysis, and interpretation of data into an active and engaging process. A teacher-friendly companion website provides extensive teaching notes on the background to each lab project, tips and hints for successful project presentation, sources for studying organisms, ideas for variations in labs, and alternate study organisms. This text is recommended for undergraduate courses in Animal Behavior, Ethology, and Behavioral Ecology.

  • Birds and Climate Change

    • 1st Edition
    • English
    Temperature and other climate variables are currently changing at a dramatic rate. Birds are excellent model organisms, with a very active metabolism, they are highly sensitive to environmental changes and as highly mobile creatures they are also extremely reactive. Birds and Climate Change discusses our current knowledge of observed changes and provides guidelines for studies in the years to come so we can document and understand how patterns of changing weather conditions may affect birds. The various chapters are written by leading experts in these fields and enlighten a broad range of aspects in bird ecology.

  • Birds and Climate Change

    • 1st Edition
    • Volume 35
    • English
    Temperature and other climate variables are currently changing at a dramatic rate. As observations have shown, these climatic changes have serious consequences for all organisms and their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Birds are excellent model organisms, with a very active metabolism, they are highly sensitive to environmental changes and as highly mobile creatures they are also extremely reactive. Birds and Climate Change discusses our current knowledge of observed changes and provides guidelines for studies in the years to come so we can document and understand how patterns of changing weather conditions may affect birds.

  • Speciation and Biogeography of Birds

    • 1st Edition
    • Ian Newton
    • English
    This book should be of value to anyone interested in bird evolution and taxonomy, biogeography, distributional history, dispersal and migration patterns. It provides an up-to-date synthesis of current knowledge on species formation, and the factors influencing current distribution patterns. It draws heavily on new information on Earth history, including past glacial and other climatic changes, on new developments in molecular biology and palaeontology, and on recent studies of bird distribution and migration patterns, to produce a coherent account of the factors that have influenced bird species diversity and distribution patterns worldwide.Received the Best Bird Book of the Year award for 2004 from British Birds magazine.

  • Elsevier's Dictionary of Nature and Hunting

    In English, French, Russian, German and Latin
    • 1st Edition
    • C. Zykov
    • English
    Elsevier's Dictionary of Nature and Hunting" contains terms covering the following fields and subfields: • A. Plants and Ecosystems: Species, Cenoses• B. Animals: Species• C. Domestic Animals: General, Dogs, Horses, Cattle and Poultry• D. Hunting and Fishing: Game Names, Arms, Trapping, Methods.It includes 5,594 terms, both scientific and common, in English, French, German and Russian and in Latin (for the generally accepted biological terms for European and North Asian plants and animals).The dictionary was developed with the help of Russian specialists - scientists from the Severtsov Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, officials from the Union of the Hunters and Fishers of Russia, and French colleagues from various organizations dealing with environment protection and natural resources: OMPO (Oiseaux Migrateurs du Paléarctique Occidental), ANCGE (Association National des Chasseurs du Gibier d'Eau), ONC (Office National de la Chasse) and CIC (Conseil International de la Chasse et de la Protection du Gibier).

  • Radio Tracking and Animal Populations

    • 1st Edition
    • Joshua Millspaugh + 1 more
    • English
    Radio Tracking and Animal Populations is a succinct synthesis of emerging technologies and their applications to the empirical and theoretical problems of population assessment. The book is divided into sections designed to encompass the various aspects of animal ecology that may be evaluated using radiotelemetry technology - experimental design, equipment and technology, animal movement, resource selection, and demographics. Wildlife biologists at the leading edge of new developments in the technology and its application have joined forces.

  • Caribbean Amphibians and Reptiles

    • 1st Edition
    • Brian I. Crother
    • English
    Amphibians and reptiles are the most numerous, diverse, and frequently encountered animals on the Caribbean islands. This book provides a variety of perspectives on this amazing group of organisms. Caribbean Amphibians and Reptiles, compiled by an international team of zoologists, takes a fresh and detailed look at the complex biological puzzle of the Caribbean. The first true overview of the islands, it includes a historical examination of the people who have studied the Caribbean amphibians and reptiles. The book reviews the ecology, evolutionary history, and biogeographic explanations for the origins and diversity of the region's fauna with island-by-island coverage. It puts the Caribbean in perspective by comparing the islands to Central America and its amphibian reptile diversity. Additionally, the book includes figures, tables, and color plates which bring to life some of the region's most spectacular creatures.

  • Population Limitation in Birds

    • 1st Edition
    • Ian Newton
    • English
    This book meets the demand for a comprehensive introduction to understanding the processes of population limitation. Recognized world-wide as a respected biologist and communicator, Dr. Ian Newton has now written a clear and detailed treatise on local scale population limiting factors in birds. It is based almost entirely on results from field studies, though it is set in a contemporary theoretical framework. The 16 chapters fall under three major section headings: Behavior and Density Regulation; Natural Limiting Factors; and Human Impacts. Population Limitation in Birds serves as a needed resource expanding on Dr. David Lacks research in this area of ornithology in the 1950s. It includes numerous line diagrams and beautiful illustrations by acclaimed wildlife artist Keith Brockie.

  • Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates

    • 1st Edition
    • James H. Thorp + 1 more
    • English
    Ecology and Classification of North American Freshwater Invertebrates, written by experts in the ecology of various freshwater invertebrate groups, is the most up-to-date and informative text of its kind. The coverage includes all freshwater invertebrate phyla with an emphasis on ecological information. Each chapter contains ecological and morphological information and a key to genera (or family for insects) as well as a bibliography and list of further readings. A glossary and subject index are included at the end of the book. The text is written at a median level of difficulty and geared toward researchers and upper-undergraduate and graduate students.

  • Analysis of Wildlife Radio-Tracking Data

    • 1st Edition
    • Gary C. White + 1 more
    • English
    With the substantial advances in the miniaturization of electronic components, wildlife biologists now routinely monitor the movements of free-ranging animals with radio-tracking devices. This book explicates the many analytical techniques and computer programs available to extract biological information from the radio tracking data.

  • Animal Migration, Orientation and Navigation

    • 1st Edition
    • Gauthreaux
    • English
    Animal Migration, Orientation, and Navigation presents the various aspects of animal migration, including the evolution of migration, climatic and meteorological influences, and bioenergetics. This book discusses the physiological control, sensory systems, orientation and navigation, and biological clocks and phenology aspects of animal migration. Organized into five chapters, this book begins with an overview of the migration strategies of animals in the context of a space continuum. This text then explains the influence of short- and long-term climatic cycles on the spectrum of migratory patterns in nature. Other chapters consider the energetic requirements of different migration strategies and the energy stores of the migrants. This book discusses as well the physiological basis of animal migration, with emphasis on endocrinal findings on the timing and energetic aspects of different migration strategies. The final chapter deals with the mechanisms used in direction finding by migrating animals. This book is a valuable resource for biologists and ecologists.