Wildlife Habitat Relationships

Wildlife-Habitat Relationships goes beyond introductory wildlife biology texts to provide wildlife professionals and students with an understanding of the importance of habitat relationships in studying and managing wildlife. The book offers a unique synthesis and critical evaluation of data, methods, and studies, along with specific guidance on how to conduct rigorous studies. Now in its third edition, Wildlife-Habitat Relationships combines basic field zoology and natural history, evolutionary biology, ecological theory, and quantitative tools in explaining ecological processes and their influence on wildlife and habitats. Also included is a glossary of terms that every wildlife professional should know. Michael L. Morrison is professor and Caesar Kleberg Chair in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station. Bruce G. Marcot is wildlife ecologist with the USDA Forest Service in Portland, Oregon. R. William Mannan is professor of wildlife ecology at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Ultimately, the success of conservation efforts depends on gathering analyzing, and interpreting reliable information on species composition communities, and habitats. In recent years, however, the availability of technology for assessing wildlife data has outstripped training in how best to use that technology. To aid the student and the professional this book explains fundamental concepts of both wildlife habitat theory and statistical modeling and analysis. It is the first major effort to bring together the theoretical framework and the practical applications of research on wild animals and their habitats. Taking a critical approach, the authors examine the rationale behind the most common methods of habitat analysis and provide a thorough, evaluative review of past and current literature. They begin with a look at the historical and legislative circumstances that gave rise to research on wildlife-habitat relationships. Subsequent chapters examine habitat in an ecological and evolutionary perspective, habitat fragmentation, ways in which habitat can be measured and the data then analyzed, and how the foraging behavior of animals fits into analysis of habitat relationships. The closing chapters discuss predictive models and multivariate analysis. Throughout the book, the authors suggest directions for future research on wildlife habitat. Wildlife-Habitat Relationships goes beyond introductory wildlife biology textbooks and specialized studies of single species to provide a broad but sophisticated understanding of habitat relationships applicable to all species. Designed as a text for advanced students in zoology, ecology, wildlife biology, and other natural resource fields, thisvolume provides explanations of ecological theory that will be useful as well for the practicing wildlife manager. The extensive literature review is a base of information valuable to all researchers.

Presents the most recently developed theory of environment and how this theory relates to the wildlife in forested ecosystems. Patton proposes a systems analysis approach to management of habitat relationships, and makes a convincing case for the importance of using computer-maintained databases and computer models in ecosystem management. For researchers, land managers, and policy makers. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This volume provides information about the terrestrial, freshwater, and marine habitats of Oregon and Washington and the wildlife that depend upon them; it also supports broader and more consistent conservation planning, management, and research. The 27 chapters identify 593 wildlife species, define some 300 wildlife terms, profile wildlife communities, review introduced and extirpated species and species at risk, and discuss management approaches. The volume includes color and bandw photographs, maps, diagrams, and illustrations; and the accompanying CD-ROM contains additional wildlife data (60,000 records), maps, and seven matrixes that link wildlife species with their respective habitat types. Johnson is a wildlife biologist, engineer, and habitat scientist; and O'Neill is director of the Northwest Habitat Institute; they worked together on this publication project as its managing directors. Annotation copyrighted by Book News Inc., Portland, OR

This introductory textbook to wildlife habitat ecology and management offers students and practitioners the basic tools to understand, plan, implement, measure, analyze, and document efforts to improve habitat for wildlife. Providing a step-by-step guide that is adaptable to a range of environmental settings, the authors first lay out the ecological principles applicable to any project. They then take the reader through various sampling designs, measurement techniques, and analytical methods required to develop and complete a habitat project, including the creation of a report or management plan. The authors emphasize key management concepts and provide exercises putting ecological principles into practice. Case studies identify emerging issues that are changing and complicating wildlife habitat management. These include large-scale ecological concerns and their social and political challenges—global climate change, the decline in water quality and availability, loss and fragmentation of habitat, broadening invasive species and diseases, increased human-wildlife conflicts, and urbanization. This practical guide is an invaluable reference for students, land managers, and landowners who are developing and implementing management plans for habitat modification and improvement on both private and public lands.

In recent years, conflicts between ecological conservation and economic growth forced a reassessment of the motivations and goals of wildlife and forestry management. Focus shifted from game and commodity management to biodiversity conservation and ecological forestry. Previously separate fields such as forestry, biology, botany, and zoology merged