Animal Population Ecology

The fundamental concepts of animal population are misunderstood; this book draws a road map to the future development of ecology.

Animal Population Ecology focuses on the interaction between the various factors that affect an animal population. Population ecology is the study of the factors that determine the abundance of species and is concerned with the identification and mode of action of those environmental factors that cause fluctuations in population size and of those which determine the extent of these fluctuations. Organized into 11 chapters, the book initially examines some of the basic ideas about animal populations and defines many of the terms used by population ecologists. Then, it describes the action of the most important factors affecting population size. The interaction between these factors is demonstrated in chapters 8 and 9, wherein the results from studies of a few selected species are presented in detail. Finally, chapters 10 and 11 cover the development of generalized theories of population dynamics and their application to practical problems. With a strong focus on intensive study of animal populations in the field, rather than elaborate theories, the book will be helpful to population ecologists, animal researchers, teachers, and students.

Worldwide, Population Ecology is the leading textbook on this titled subject. Written primarily for students, it describes the present state of population ecology in terms that can be readily understood by undergraduates with little or no background in the subject. Carefully chosen experimental examples illustrate each topic, and studies of plants and animals are combined to show how fundamental principles can be derived that apply to both species. Use of complex mathematics ia avoided throughout the book, and what math is necessary is dealt with by examination of real experimental data rather than dull theory. The latest edition of this leading textbook. Adopted as an Open University set text.

This text on animal pollution dynamics should be of interest to those studying ecology, population dynamics and pest control.

Understanding wildlife population ecology is vital for all wildlife managers and conservation biologists. Leopold draws on 30 years of research and teaching experience to give students and natural resource professionals the foundation they need to effectively manage wildlife populations. He begins with the key statistical concepts and research approaches necessary to gain insight into various models of population dynamics. The many factors that influence wildlife populations are thoroughly explored and their consequences are investigated. In addition, the author presents techniques for analyzing wildlife harvest data and a lucid discussion of valuable wildlife census methods. Frequent examples of foundational literature supplement each chapter with applications of the theories and provide a concise compendium of fundamental concepts of population ecology. Abundant statistical exercises reinforce students’ learning throughout the text.

In revising this book I have tried to bring the theory of environment up to date in the light of certain important criticisms that have appeared since 1961, especially in papers by T. O. Browning and D. A. Maelzer, and in the light of experience gained while using the book as a text for an undergraduate course in population ecology in the University of Adelaide. As a consequence the order in which the argument is pre sented has been altered. Some new material has been introduced to expand the discussion of certain topics, especially resources, pathogens, aggressors and territorial behaviour. But the general approach to the subject and the general theory remains very much the same as in the first edition. I am grateful to Professor F. Fenner and Dr F. N. Ratcliffe and to Cambridge University Press for permission to reproduce Fig. 5.04; to Professor D. O. Chitty and the Ecological Society of Australia for permission to reproduce Fig. 5.05 (with minor modifications); Fig. 3.03 has been modified from a figure in a paper by H. G. Andrewartha and T. O. Browning first published in the Journal of Experimental Biology. Adelaide, 1970 H. G. A. xi Preface to the First Edition My interest in animal ecology was first aroused by reading Elton's Animal Ecology. His definition of the scope of ecology which I quote in section 1.0 is still the best that I have met.

Surveying an area dense with conflicting observations and ideas, this volume vividly depicts the current state of knowledge as well as the great diversity of opinion in the field of population ecology. Ten papers by outstanding authorities focus on three main issues-the effects of environment and population density on population dynamics, the influence of animal behavior on population growth, and the possibilities of genetic feedback or short-term evolutionary change on control of animal populations. An incisive introduction by the editor establishes a frame of reference and supplies succinct resolutions of some of the important controversies dealt with in these pages.