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Speaking Tiger
Speaking Tiger is an independent publishing company based in New Delhi. Founded in September 2014, the company publishes a diverse list comprising quality fiction and non-fiction from South Asia and the rest of the world, with a strong emphasis on new voices.
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July 2024Conservation of Dragonflies
Sentinels for Freshwater Conservation
by Michael J Samways
Dragonflies are among the most familiar and popular of all insects, deeply embedded in human cultural history. They are iconic and tell us much about the environments in which we and they live. Their conservation is an important part of biodiversity conservation. One modern dragonfly species is listed as extinct, with many others currently threatened. It is now essential to increase conservation efforts towards saving these threatened species, with strategies now available for doing this. Recovery of dragonfly populations goes hand in hand with improvements to both freshwater conditions and bank vegetation quality. In contrast, some other dragonfly species have benefitted greatly from human transformation of the landscape, with artificial ponds in particular, increasing the population levels of many species. In turn, climate change is seeing many geographical range shifts. Dragonflies are variously sensitive to the health of freshwater systems, and the quality of vegetation along rivers and around ponds. Dragonflies are excellent indicators in these times of great concern over the quality of our freshwater supplies. Their wide range of sensitivities enables us to measure the extent to which freshwater ecosystems are either deteriorating or are improving when we undertake restoration. They enable us to gauge how well we are conserving freshwaters, whether ponds and lakes, streams or rivers. They are also good umbrellas for many other freshwater inhabitants, which altogether reflect the health of a freshwater system. Conservation of Dragonflies: Sentinels for Freshwater Conservation is for naturalists, citizen scientists, entomologists and conservation scientists, as well as practitioners and policy makers around the world.
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December 2023Biology and Management of the Formosan Subterranean Termite and Related Species
by Nan-Yao Su, Chow-Yang Lee, Lauren Davies, Thomas Chouvenc, J. Kenneth Grace, Claudia Husseneder, Shuji Itakura, Hou-Feng Li, Nathan Lo, Kok-Boon Neoh, Wakako Ohmura, Faith M. Oi, Rudolf H. Scheffrahn, Qian Sun, Gaku Tokuda, Edward L. Vargo, Chia-Chien Wu, Koichi Yamamoto
The Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus, is the most destructive and invasive termite species globally. It is also the only termite species listed in the world's 100 worst invasive alien species of the Global Invasive Species Database. Annually, its infestation costs more than $4 billion in control and damage repairs in the USA alone. This book is the first comprehensive resource drawing on all the literature on C. formosanus since Tokuichi Shiraki first described the species in 1909. The book covers the worldwide distribution of this species, its biogeography, and how it has dispersed from its native range in southern China and Taiwan to different parts of the world. It describes its present taxonomic status and discusses the species' biology, ecology, foraging behavior, physiology, chemical ecology and its association with symbionts. From a practical standpoint, the authors address all of the various management options for this species, such as baits, soil termiticides, wood preservatives, inspection and detection technologies, and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches. Lastly, there are chapters dedicated to another important destructive species, Coptotermes gestroi (the Asian subterranean termite), and the recently discovered C. formosanus/C. gestroi hybrids. This important book is an essential and valuable reference for researchers, graduate students, pest management professionals, chemical manufacturer personnel, building and property managers, and others. It provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the biology and management of the Formosan subterranean termite and the Asian subterranean termite.
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Geography & the EnvironmentJanuary 2021Key Questions in Applied Ecology and Conservation
A Study and Revision Guide
by Paul Rees
An understanding of applied ecology and conservation is an important requirement of a wide range of programmes of study including applied biology, ecology, environmental science and wildlife conservation.This book is a study and revision guide for students following such programmes. It contains 600 multiple-choice questions (and answers) set at three levels - foundation, intermediate and advanced - and grouped into 10 major topic areas:History and foundations of applied ecology and conservationEnvironmental pollution and perturbationsWildlife and conservation biologyRestoration biology and habitat managementAgriculture, forestry and fisheries managementPest, weed and disease managementUrban ecology and waste managementGlobal environmental change and biodiversity lossEnvironmental and wildlife law and policyEnvironmental assessment, monitoring and modellingThe book has been produced in a convenient format so that it can be used at any time in any place. It allows the reader to learn and revise the meaning of terms used in applied ecology and conservation, study the effects of pollution on ecosystems, the management, conservation and restoration of wildlife populations and habitats, urban ecology, global environmental change, environment law and much more. The structure of the book allows the study of one topic area at a time, progressing through simple questions to those that are more demanding. Many of the questions require students to use their knowledge to interpret information provided in the form of graphs, data or photographs.
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Business, Economics & LawJune 2020Field Guide to the Forest Trees of Uganda
For Identification and Conservation
by James Kalema, Alan Hamilton
This book is a guide for the identification of the indigenous forest trees of Uganda. It will be useful for those who wish to contribute towards the conservation of the forests or to plant indigenous trees. Information is provided on how to propagate and cultivate about 80 of the most valuable species. Indigenous trees provide numerous resources useful for welfare and development. They include many types of timber and non-timber forest products, such as craft materials, foods and medicines. The proximity of indigenous forest helps to moderate the local climate, making it more suitable for agriculture. Indigenous forests protect springs, therefore safeguarding water supplies more effectively than exotic trees such as pines and eucalyptus. All 450 known indigenous tree species from the forests are included. Both scientific and local names are provided, the latter in 21 languages. Local names facilitate access to knowledge and values traditionally attached to the species, useful when planning pathways of development firmly rooted in local culture. The book will be invaluable for botanists, foresters, rural development workers and members of the general public concerned about contributing to conservation and sustainable development in Uganda. Many of the species grow in neighbouring countries, so the book has relevance there too.
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Technology, Engineering & AgricultureAugust 2020The Quest to Conserve Rare Breeds
Setting the Record Straight
by Lawrence Alderson
Since the middle of the twentieth century the world has witnessed a succession of political and social disruptions. Globalisation, technological advancement, climate change, human migration, war and conflict - all have caused major worldwide upheavals. In this light, it's unsurprising that conservation of rare breed animals has been neglected. Yet the preservation of these genetic resources - this biological diversity - is an essential ingredient of sustainable life on Earth, and not something we can afford to lose. This book, straight from the 'horse's mouth' Lawrence Alderson CBE, challenges often repeated 'facts' about livestock farming and argues for a reasoned and evidence-based approach from political and public circles. Correcting misconceptions as he goes, he recounts the creation and development of the rare breed conservation movement, addresses extinctions and genetic safe-guarding measures, and considers where we go from here. Challenged as we are by climate change, sustainability and feeding the world, perhaps it is these endangered animals that hold the answer - perhaps with them, we can adapt to our changing environment and see a way forward to a more certain future.
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BiodiversityDecember 2007Crop Wild Relative Conservation and Use
by Edited by Nigel Maxted, Brian V Ford-Lloyd, Shelagh P Kell, José M Iriondo, Mohammad E Dulloo, Jozef Turok
Crop wild relatives (CWR) are species closely related to crop plants which can contribute beneficial traits, such as pest or disease resistance and yield improvement. These species are critical for improving agricultural production and increasing food security. They are also essential components of natural and semi-natural habitats as well as agricultural systems, and are therefore vital in maintaining ecosystem health. However, CWR, like any other group of wild species, are subject to an increasing range of threats: habitat loss, degradation and mismanagement, over-collection and climate change. Through an examination of the national, regional and global context of CWR, these authoritative studies present methodologies and case studies that review and provide recommendations for global conservation and use. Topics range from the establishment of conservation priorities and strategies, threat assessment and genetic erosion and pollution.
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Microbiology (non-medical)January 1979Graminicolous Ascochyta species
by E Punithalingam
Mycological paper discussing the species of Graminicolous Ascochyta.
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Botany & plant sciencesJanuary 2008Conserving Plant Genetic Diversity in Protected Areas
by Edited by José M Iriondo, Nigel Maxted, Mohammad E Dulloo
Conservation in protected areas has focused on preserving biodiversity of ecosystems and species, whereas conserving the genetic diversity contained within species has historically often been ignored. However, maintaining genetic diversity is fundamental to food security and the provision of raw materials and it is best preserved within plants' natural habitats. This is particularly true for wild plants that are directly related to crop species and can play a key role in providing beneficial traits, such as pest or disease resistance and yield improvement. These wild relatives are presently threatened due to processes of habitat destruction and change and methodologies have been adapted to provide in-situ conservation through the establishment of genetic reserves within the existing network of protected areas.Providing a long-awaited synthesis of these new methodologies, this book presents a practical set of management guidelines that can be used for the conservation of plant genetic diversity of crop wild relatives in protected areas.
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June 2024Sustainable Ecological Restoration and Conservation in the Hindu-Kush Himalayan Region
A Comprehensive Review
by Zhanhuan Shang, Allan Degen, Devendra Gauchan, Madan Koirala, Muhammad Khalid Rafiq, Awais Iqbal, Binyu Luo, Dawei Zhang, Diwakar Adhikari, Dongmei Li, Furbe Lama, Haonan Guo, Hui Xu, Huma Ali, Jalal Hayat Khan, Jiayi He, Jie Lian, Mei Huang, Monika Ghimire, Narayan Prasad Gaire, Peipei Liu, Qinghui Fang, Ramesh Prasad Sapkota, Ramesh Raj Pant, Rashila Deshar, Ritika K.C, Rui Zhang, Rukhsanda Aziz, Srijana Khanal, Tianyun Qi, Udhab Raj Khadka, Usha Rai, Usman Ali, Wenyin Wang, Xiaoping Jing, Yamuna Ghale, Youyan Liu, Zhen Peng, Zhiqiang Dang
The years 2021 to 2030 have been designated as "The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration". Ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation efforts face unprecedented challenges, especially in developing countries and areas, such as the Hindu Kush-Himalayan (HKH) region. This huge HKH region, which includes areas in eight separate countries (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, India, China, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Bhutan), is a biodiversity hotspot with a vast array of ecosystems, landscapes, peoples and cultures. It is known as one of 'the pulses of the world'. However, the HKH is also the world's largest and poorest mountain region, where landscapes and environments have been severely damaged as a result of climate change and human activities. Coordinating conservation and restoration policies, sharing knowledge and funds, and maintaining livelihoods are major challenges and are in urgent need of improvement. This book details the past and current ecological problems in the HKH region, and the threats and challenges that ecosystems and local people face. It pays special attention to developments of transformative adaptations and presents examples of sustainable conservation and ecological restoration management practices. Three primary questions are addressed: (1) Do the existing conservation strategies of international organizations and government policies really protect ecosystems and solve biodiversity problems? (2) Can these management measures be one-time solutions? and (3) What is the strategic framework and scenario prognosis for the future based on the historical trajectory of ecological conservation and restoration in the region? This book is essential reading for ecologists and conservation biologists involved in large-scale ecological restoration projects, along with practitioners, graduate students, policy makers and international development workers.
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SAVING CRITICALLY ENDANGERED LARGE MAMMALS OF WEST MALAYSIA
by Mohd Momin Khan, Shamsul Ismin Tumin
In 1958, the then Game Department in the state of Perak were responsible for protecting wildlife and answering calls for assistance to protect crops, property and lives threatened by these animals. It was a time of plenty, with forest cover of more than 75 percent. Unfortunately, those forests were rapidly being cleared, causing wildlife species to become homeless. Moreover, solving problems often resulted in the killings of these animals. Hunting licenses were introduced, accounting for large numbers of sambar and barking deer being killed. This slaughter continued for decades, leading to a decline in the numbers of several large animal species. Due to rampant hunting, poaching, and the loss of about 30 percent of the forest species that were once common are now in dire need of saving from further decline. The need to step up conservation efforts has reached an alarming level, requiring prompt action to ensure population recovery.
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Technology, Engineering & AgricultureDecember 2021Conservation Agriculture in Africa
Climate Smart Agricultural Development
by Saidi Mkomwa, Amir H Kassam
Tillage agriculture has led to wide-spread soil and ecosystem degradation globally, and more particularly in the developing regions. This is especially so in Africa where traditional agricultural practices have become unsustainable due to severe exploitation of natural resources with negative impacts on the environment. In addition, agriculture in Africa today faces major challenges including increased costs, climate change effects and a need for more sustainable production intensification methods. Conservation (no-tillage) agriculture has emerged as a major alternative sustainable agriculture practice in Africa and has spread to many African countries in the past decade as more development and research has enabled its extension and uptake. This landmark volume is based on the material presented at the Second Africa Congress on Conservation Agriculture which was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, 9-12 October 2018. The main theme of the Congress was: Making Climate Smart Agriculture Real in Africa with Conservation Agriculture: Supporting the Malabo Declaration and Agenda 2063. The Congress was aligned to mobilize stakeholders in all agriculture sectors to provide development support, impetus and direction to the vision and agenda for transforming African agriculture as set out by the Malabo Declaration and Agenda 2063. This book is aimed at all agricultural stakeholders in the public, private and civil sectors in Africa engaged in supporting the transformation of conventional tillage agriculture to Conservation Agriculture. This includes: researchers, academics, students, development stakeholders and policy makers as well as institutional libraries across the world.
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BiodiversitySeptember 2001Invasive Alien Species
A Toolkit of Best Prevention and Management Practices
by Edited by R Wittenberg, Matthew J W Cock
Human activities have contributed to the distribution of many plant, animal and microbial species to parts of the world where they are not native. This spread of alien species can have devastating consequences on native biodiversity. Examples include alien mammals consuming native vegetation and alien insects spreading viruses, as well as plants such as water hyacinth, which has caused major problems to waterways when introduced from South America.The Global Invasive Species Programme (GISP) was established to address concerns with alien invasive species, formulated in the Convention on Biological Diversity. GISP is coordinated by:the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE)the World Conservation Union (IUCN)CAB InternationalIts goal is to improve prevention and management of biological invasions, and this book represents a key outcome. It has been assembled by a team of international experts. Features include:case studies from around the globe, with some emphasis on islandsa focus on biodiversity, but with some consideration of traditional agriculture and forestryadvice on national management plans, including risk analysis.
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Business, Economics & LawMarch 2019Private Sector Tourism in Conservation Areas in Africa
by Susan Snyman, Anna Spenceley
In Africa's protected areas, tourism involves numerous stakeholders interacting in various partnerships and relationships. These stakeholders include governments, communities, NGOs, the private sector, and academics. Through the use of extensive case studies from throughout Africa this book presents guidelines to ensure optimal benefits for stakeholders as well as promoting the sustainability of tourism in Africa. It includes descriptions of the various models/options for the private sector to engage in tourism in conservation areas in Africa including, amongst others, pure private sector ownership, joint ventures, tripartite agreements and government leases. The processes used to develop these partnerships - from start to finish - are covered, as well as best practices for the private sector engaging in tourism. The book provides guidance on assessing what private sector tourism options are most suitable based on guidelines of conditions and desired outcomes promoting the long-term sustainability of African tourism in protected areas.
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August 2022Butterflies of Cyprus
A Field Guide and Distribution Atlas
by Eddie John, Christodoulos Makris
From the tiny Freyeria trochylus (Grass Jewel), Europe's smallest butterfly, to the magnificent, newly arrived Papilio demoleus (Lime Swallowtail), this comprehensively illustrated reference book and field guide includes all butterfly species known for Cyprus over the past 100 years. Featured on the covers are images of the island's seven endemics, which are discussed in depth and, where applicable, species/subspecies present in nearby countries of the eastern Mediterranean are given. Included, too, are detailed distribution maps representing records garnered from almost 300 recorders/sources (particularly members of the Cyprus Butterfly Study Group), over a period of more than 20 years. Content includes many citations complemented by a supporting Bibliography, with emphasis on butterflies of the eastern Mediterranean region. The book is aimed at butterfly enthusiasts seeking to identify Cyprus's butterflies, and professional entomologists and academic researchers.
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Business, Economics & LawDecember 2018World Heritage Sites
Tourism, Local Communities and Conservation Activities
by Takamitsu Jimura
Heritage is a growing area of both tourism and study, with World Heritage Site designations increasing year-on-year. This book reviews the important interrelations between the industry, local communities and conservation work, bringing together the various opportunities and challenges for different destinations. World Heritage status is a strong marketing brand, and proper heritage management and effective conservation are vital, but this tourism must also be developed and managed appropriately if it is to benefit a site. As many sites are located in residential areas, their interaction with the local community must also be carefully considered. This book: - Reviews new areas of development such as Historic Urban Landscapes, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Memory of the World and Global Geoparks. - Includes global case studies to relate theory to practice. - Covers a worldwide industry of over 1,000 cultural and natural heritage sites. An important read for academics, researchers and students of heritage studies, cultural studies and tourism, this book is also a useful resource for professionals working in conservation, cultural and natural heritage management.
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Geography & the EnvironmentSeries of the National Zoological Museum of China for Wildlife Ecology and Conservation: Endangered Animals
by Huang Chengming
In this book, Prof. Huang gives the brief introduction to Chinese endangered animals, especially birds and mammals. China contains lots of endangered wildlife, such as giant pandas, snub-nosed monkeys, crested ibis, cranes, Chinese alligators. Readers may understand the conservation status of the endangered species of China. 内容简介 随着自然环境的变化和人类活动的干扰，许多动物濒临灭绝。濒危动物，已经是中国野生动物生态保护中的一个常用词。本书通过讲述中国野生濒危动物的生态研究、生存状态，以富有冲击力的图文形式，提醒人们爱护我们身边的动物朋友。
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January 2022The Fruit Fly Fauna (Diptera : Tephritidae : Dacinae) of Papua New Guinea, Indonesian Papua, Associated Islands and Bougainville
by Richard A I Drew, Meredith C Romig
The book is a taxonomic treatise of the tropical fruit flies of Papua New Guinea, Indonesian Papua, associated islands and Bougainville, the region of the world where speciation in the sub-family Dacinae has been most prolific. The book aims to provide readers with an updated record of all known species of Dacinae that occur in this geographic area including descriptions of 65 new species out of an entire list of 296 known species covered. It provides a discussion on the evolutionary origins of the Dacinae and a key to the genera and sub-genera recorded in the Australian-Pacific Region. Further, the major pest species and their biosecurity risks to other countries are discussed. Extensive field research by the authors and colleagues over many years has resulted in the accumulation of advanced knowledge of the tropical fruit flies in this region. - Records 296 known species - Descriptions and artwork of 65 new species - Discusses the evolutionary origins of the Dacinae - Provides a key to the genera and sub-genera in the Australian-Pacific A key reference for researchers of taxonomy, ecology and pest management in the family Tephritidae worldwide. Useful for biosecurity and horticulture workers in Agriculture Departments within government administration and universities around the world.
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Science & MathematicsMarch 2022Encyclopedia of Scale Insect Pests
by Takumasa Kondo, Gillian Watson
Scale insects feed on plant juices and can easily be transported to new countries on live plants. They sometimes become invasive pests, costing billions of dollars in damage to crops worldwide annually, and farmers try to control them with toxic pesticides, risking environmental damage. Fortunately, scale insects are highly susceptible to control by natural enemies so biological control is possible. They have unique genetic systems, unusual metamorphosis, a broad spectrum of essential symbionts, and some are sources of commercial products like red dyes, shellac and wax. There is, therefore, wide interest in these unusual, destructive, beneficial, and abundant insects. The Encyclopedia of Scale Insect Pests is the most comprehensive work on worldwide scale insect pests, providing detailed coverage of the most important species (230 species in 26 families, 36% of the species known). Advice is provided on collection, preservation, slide-mounting, vouchering, and labelling of specimens, fully illustrated with colour photographs, diagrams and drawings. Pest species are presented in two informal groups of families, the 'primitive' Archaeococcids followed by the more 'advanced' Neococcids, covered in phylogenetic order. Each family is illustrated and diagnosed based on features of live and slide-mounted specimens, with information on numbers of genera and species, main hosts, distribution, and biology. For the important pest species, coverage includes information on the morphology of live and slide-mounted specimens, common names, principal synonyms, geographical distribution, plant hosts, plant damage and economic impact, reproductive biology, dispersal, and management strategies including biological, cultural and chemical control, sterile insect techniques, regulatory control, early warning systems and field monitoring. An additional complete list of scale insect pests worldwide is provided, comprising 642 species in 28 scale insect families (about 8% of the 8396 species of living scales known), with information on plant hosts, geographical distribution and validation sources. Beneficial uses of scale insects as sources of red dyes, natural resins and waxes, as agents for invasive weed control. The importance of their honeydew to bees for making honey, and as a food source to other animals, are included. Academic researchers, students, entomologists, pest management officials in agribusiness or government including plant quarantine identifiers, extensionists, farmers, field scientists and ecologists will all benefit from this book.
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Geography & the EnvironmentJuly 2018Invasive Species and Human Health
by Giuseppe Mazza, Elena Tricarico, Pedro M. Anastácio, Leonardo Ancillotto, Sylvie Augustin, Daniela Boccolini, Giuseppe Brundu, Dario Capizzi, Lucilla Carnevali, Marco Di Luca, Franz Essl, Bella Galil, Piero Genovesi, Giulio Grandi, Lorenzo Lazzaro, Antonella Lugliè, Angeliki F. Martinou, Jolyon M. Medlock, Mattia Menchetti, Andrea Monaco, Emiliano Mori, Wolfgang Nentwig, Nikola Pantchev, Bachisio Mario Padedda, Olivier S.G. Pauwels, Cristina Preda, Petr Pyšek, Wolfgang Rabitsch, Julian Reynolds, Roberto Romi, Alain Roques, Helen E. Roy, Marie-Anne Auger-Rozenberg, Riccardo Scalera, Francis Schaffner, Stefan Schindler, Francesco Severini, Sauro Simoni, Catherine Souty-Grosset, Paolo Sposimo, Diederik Strubbe, Luciano Toma
Invasive alien plants and animals are known for their disruption of ecosystems and threat to biodiversity. This book highlights their major impact on human health. This includes not only direct effects through contact with the species via bites, wounds and disease, but also indirect effects caused by changes induced in ecosystems by invasive species, such as more water hyacinth increasing mosquito levels and thereby the potential for malaria. Covering a wide range of case studies from different taxa (animals and plants), and giving an overview of the diverse impacts of invasive species on health in developed and developing countries, the book is a significant contribution that will help in prioritizing approaches to controlling invasive species and mitigating their health effects. It covers invasive plants, marine species, spiders and other arachnids, ticks and dust mites, insects, mosquitos and other diptera, freshwater species (invertebrates and fishes), amphibians and reptiles, birds and mammals. Key Features Collects together the major health impacts for the first time Covers animal and plant invasive species Examines issues in developed and developing countries The broad spectrum of the analyzed case studies will ensure the appeal of the book to a wide public, including researchers of biological invasions, doctors, policy-makers and managers, and students of invasive species in ecology, animal and plant biology and public health medicine.
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Humanities & Social SciencesJanuary 2024Dog politics
Species stories and the animal sciences
by Mariam Motamedi Fraser
Do dogs belong with humans? Scientific accounts of dogs' 'species story,' in which contemporary dog-human relations are naturalised with reference to dogs' evolutionary becoming, suggest that they do. Dog politics dissects this story. This book offers a rich empirical analysis and critique of the development and consolidation of dogs' species story in science, asking what evidence exists to support it, and what practical consequences, for dogs, follow from it. It explores how this story is woven into broader scientific shifts in understandings of species, animals, and animal behaviours, and how such shifts were informed by and informed transformative political events, including slavery and colonialism, the Second World War and its aftermath, and the emergence of anti-racist movements in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The book pays particular attention to how species-thinking bears on 'race,' racism, and individuals.
