Wildlife Biology Txtbook

Wildlife Biology

Page 5: Wildlife Biology Overview

Page 6: General Wildlife Information

Page 7: Book Details

  • Title: Biodiversity and Wildlife Biology

  • Author: Raymond F. Dasmann

  • Position: Associate Professor at Humboldt State College, Arcata, California

  • Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

  • Locations: New York, London, Sydney

Page 8: Copyright and Publication Information

  • Second Printing: November, 1966

  • Copyright: © 1964 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All Rights Reserved

  • ISBN: Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 64-25894

  • Print Location: Printed in the United States

Page 9: Preface

  • The book introduces principles of wildlife biology essential for wildlife management practices.

  • Aims to provide ecological knowledge basic for understanding wildlife management.

  • Focuses primarily on terrestrial wildlife, particularly in North America, while drawing from global examples.

  • Emphasizes the need for wildlife conservation and presents educational experiences from teaching wildlife conservation at the University of California and Humboldt State College.

  • Acknowledgments given to students and reviewers who provided feedback and improvement suggestions.

  • Photographs credited to various contributors, enhancing the educational value of chapters.

Page 11: Table of Contents

  1. Wildlife and man

  2. Wildlife in America—the California story

  3. Some ecological ideas

  4. Wildlife habitat

  5. Characteristics of wildlife populations

  6. Wildlife territory and travels

  7. Methods for studying wildlife

  8. Dynamics of wildlife populations

  9. Regulation of wildlife populations

  10. Wildlife and land use

  11. References

  12. Index

Chapter 1 - Wildlife and Man

  • Interest in Wildlife: An inherent, deep-seated connection exists between humanity and wild species, which sometimes requires justification in urbanized living.

  • Historical Perspective: Aldo Leopold expresses the divide between those who cherish wild nature and those indifferent to it, emphasizing the essential role of wildlife to many.

    • Aldo Leopold: Wrote “A Sand County Almanac.” Important for his contributions to environmental ethics, emphasizing an intrinsic value of wildlife and advocating for a land ethic. Helped shape modern conservation efforts and voiced for a deeper connection between humanity and nature.

  • Attitudes Toward Wildlife: Public attitudes vary from active concern for wildlife to complete indifference, with implications for conservation efforts.

    • Negative experiences with wildlife shape some individuals' views, particularly among farmers and city dwellers.

    • Governments worldwide have embraced wildlife conservation as a public responsibility, although effectiveness varies by nation.

  • Speculation on Prehistory: Wildlife served as crucial resources for early humans, influencing society and the development of tools.

  • Evolution of Human-Wildlife Relationship: Initial existence involved competition for food and survival, later evolving into domestication of certain species, including dogs and livestock.

  • Cultural Influence on Wildlife Conservation: The transition from practical interactions with wildlife to viewing it as a public resource for recreation and ecological balance, revealing a historical arc towards sustainable wildlife management.

  • Modern Wildlife Values: Commercial value, recreation, aesthetics, ethics, and scientific importance shape contemporary understandings of wildlife.

Chapter 2 - Wildlife in America

  • California's Wildlife Story: California serves as a case study for the broader narrative of wildlife destruction and conservation in North America, showcasing significant changes brought by colonization, industrialization, and conservation efforts.

  • Early Wildlife Abundance: Before significant human interference, California boasted diverse and abundant wildlife populations historically noted by Spanish explorers.

  • Impact of Settlers: Subsequent overexploitation led to the decline of many species, driven by hunting and habitat destruction due to agriculture and urbanization.

  • Conservation Movement Initiation: The state took early steps to protect wildlife, establishing laws and agencies aimed at restoring populations and habitats.

  • Role of National Parks: Establishment of national parks and protected areas marked a turning point for wildlife recovery efforts in the early 20th century.

  • Federal Involvement and Research: Federal legislation provided funding for wildlife research and protection, leading to improved populations for certain species, although challenges remained.

Chapter 3 - Some Ecological Ideas

  • Biotic Community and Ecosystem: Understanding the interconnectedness of species within their habitats is essential for managing wildlife populations.

  • Functioning of Ecosystems: Ecosystems rely on energy flow (primarily from sunlight) and nutrient cycles that maintain balance and stability.

    • Energy Flow: Plants capture solar energy, which supports herbivores and subsequently carnivores, illustrating energy transfer limitations through food chains.

    • Mineral Pathways and Hydrologic Cycle: Minerals circulate through living systems while water follows a consistent cycle, crucial for sustaining life within ecosystems.

    • Food Chains and Ecological Networks: The complex interdependence among species is demonstrated through food webs, highlighting how changes in one level can impact the entire ecosystem.

  • Development of Communities: Biotic succession processes demonstrate how ecosystems evolve over time, with natural disturbances prompting regeneration in previously stable environments.