Wildlife Politics

An analysis of forces affecting wildlife politics worldwide, covering topics such as overexploitation, hunting, ecotourism and trafficking.

Bruce Rocheleau (Author)

9781107187306, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 30 March 2017

382 pages
25.5 x 18 x 2.1 cm, 0.92 kg

'Wildlife Politics is an impressive summary of many of the social and political issues that shape conservation … this will be a valuable resource for those interested in wildlife politics, wherever they are in the world.' Rebecca Nesbit, The Biologist

Attitudes towards charismatic animals such as tigers, lions, bears and wolves vary greatly and change over time, resulting in bitter political debates. This comprehensive book identifies and analyses the factors that influence policies across the globe, highlighting how this impacts conservation as a whole. Issues such as overexploitation, hunting, ecotourism and the struggle to prevent illegal wildlife trafficking are examined and science's role in policymaking is assessed. The conflicting forces behind legislation, including institutions, interest groups and the media are analysed, with particular focus on the significance of the Endangered Species Act, covering over forty-five species that have become matters of political debate in sixty-seven different countries. Case studies and conceptual frameworks provide a clear understanding of the key topics, shedding light on this important yet often overlooked area of environmental politics.

1. An introduction to wildlife politics
2. Science and the protection of wildlife
3. Implementation and enforcement issues in preserving wildlife
4. The development of US wildlife policies and legislation
5. Charismatic animals, carnivores, and the politics of wildlife
6. The ESA: evaluation and politics
7. Comparative wildlife politics
8. International wildlife politics
9. Wildlife politics, values, and ethics
10. Hunting and wildlife politics
11. Tourism: good or bad for conservation of wildlife?
12. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Wildlife: general interest [WNC], Conservation of wildlife & habitats [RNKH], Environmental management [RNF], Animal ecology [PSVS], Nature Conservation law [LNKN]