Large Herbivore Ecology, Ecosystem Dynamics and Conservation

Some large herbivore species are rare, others are over-abundant. Managing herbivore populations and their habitats is an important, urgent and sometimes controversial issue, requiring scientifically-based action plans and models. This 2006 book provides an up-to-date background to the science behind the management of large herbivores, for students, researchers and conservation managers.

Most large herbivores require some type of management within their habitats. Some populations of large herbivores are at the brink of extinction, some are under discussion for reintroduction, whilst others already occur in dense populations causing conflicts with other land use. Large herbivores are the major drivers for forming the shape and function of terrestrial ecosystems. This 2006 book addresses the scientifically based action plans to manage both the large herbivore populations and their habitats worldwide. It covers the processes by which large herbivores not only affect their environment (e.g. grazing) but are affected by it (e.g. nutrient cycling) and the management strategies required. Also discussed are new modeling techniques, which help assess integration processes in a landscape context, as well as assessing the consequences of new developments in the processes of conservation. This book will be essential reading for all involved in the management of both large herbivores and natural resources.