National Park Science
A Century of Research in South Africa

This book explains the changing philosophies and permutations in research and management of South Africa's national parks during the twentieth century.

Jane Carruthers (Author)

9781107191440, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 17 August 2017

554 pages, 37 b/w illus. 11 colour illus.
23.5 x 15.8 x 2.9 cm, 1.03 kg

'Emeritus Professor Jane Carruthers … has added to her impressive record of environmental history with a detailed scholarly analysis of the development of scientific study and the application of science to management within the national park and conservation sector in South Africa. … Both scientists and managers can learn much from this book.' Marc Hockings, Parks: The International Journal of Protected Areas and Conservation

South Africa is renowned for its wildlife and environmental conservation in iconic national parks such as the Kruger, one of the world's first formal protected areas. However, this is the first book to thoroughly analyse and explain the interesting and changing scientific research that has been accomplished in South Africa's national parks during the twentieth century. Providing a fascinating and thorough historical narrative based on an extensive range of sources, this text details the evolution of traditional natural history pursuits to modern conservation science in South Africa, covering all research areas of conservation biology and all the national parks around the country. It reveals the interaction between the international context, government, learning institutions and the public that has shaped the present conservation arena. A complex story that will interest and inform not only those involved in conservation science of South Africa, but worldwide.

Part I. Protecting, Preserving and Propagating, 1900 to 1960: 1. Overview
2. Origins of conservation science until 1910
3. Consolidating conservation 1910 to 1930
4. An emerging science 1930 to 1960
Part II. Measuring, Monitoring and Manipulating, 1960s to 1990s: 5. Overview
6. Biodiversity and new sciences
7. Botany and beyond
8. Zoology
Part III. Integration, Innovation and Internationalisation, 1990 to 2010: 9. Overview
10. New thinking in conservation science
11. The Kruger National Park
12. Other national parks
13. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Environmental science, engineering & technology [TQ], Conservation of wildlife & habitats [RNKH], Conservation of the environment [RNK], Environmental management [RNF], The environment [RN], Biology, life sciences [PS], History of science [PDX], African history [HBJH]