Continental Conservation

by Soule, Michael E.; Terborgh, John; Wildlands Project

• ISBN13: 9781559636988
• ISBN10: 155963698X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-05-01
• Publisher: Island Pr

Summary

The Wildlands Project is a far-reaching effort by scientists and activists to develop better ways of protecting nature, wilderness, and biodiversity. Its ultimate goal is to establish an effective network of nature reserves throughout North America-core conservation areas linked by corridors, and buffered, where appropriate, by lands that may also serve economic objectives.Continental Conservation represents the work of thirty leading experts-including Michael Soulé, John Terborgh, Reed Noss, Paul Paquet, Dan Simberloff, Rodolfo Dirzo, J. Michael Scott, Andrew Dobson, and others-brought together by The Wildlands Project to examine the science underlying the design and management of these regional-scale networks. It provides conservationists and biologists with the latest scientific principles for protecting living nature at spatial scales that encompass entire regions and continents.Following an opening chapter that sets the stage by introducing major themes and the scientific and policy background, the contributors: consider scale in the identification, selection, and design of biological reserves examine the role of top carnivores in regulating terrestrial ecosystems suggest the need for a paradigm shift in the field of ecological restoration consider the scientific details of implementing regional conservation in core areas, corridors, and in buffer zones discuss the need for megareserves and how to design them The book ends by challenging the reader, whether scientist or advocate, to commit more time to the effort of saving nature. The authors argue that the very survival of nature is at stake, and scientists can no longer afford to stand behind a wall of austere objectivity.Continental Conservation is an important guidebook that can serve a vital role in helping fashion a radically honest, scientifically rigorous land-use agenda. It will be required reading for scientists and professionals at all levels involved with ecosystem and land management.

Table of Contents

Preface
The Policy and Science of Regional Conservation	p. 1
The Issue of Scale in Selecting and Designing Biological Reserves	p. 19
The Role of Top Carnivores in Regulating Terrestrial Ecosystems	p. 39
Regional and Continental Restoration	p. 65
Core Areas: Where Nature Reigns	p. 99
Connectivity: Maintaining Flows in Fragmented Landscapes	p. 129
Buffer Zones: Benefits and Dangers of Compatible Stewardship	p. 171
Why We Need Mega-Reserves - and How to Design Them	p. 199
About the Contributors	p. 211
Index	p. 217
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