Reintroduction of Top-order Predators

Large predators are among the most threatened species on the planet and ways of conserving them in the face of increasing human populations and associated resource requirements are becoming critical. This book draws upon the experiences of some of the world's foremost large carnivore specialists to discuss the numerous issues associated reintroducing large predators back into their natural habitats. Reviews of internationally renowned reintroduction programs for wolves, European lynx and African wild dog reveal the successes and failures of these actions. Social, economic, political and genetic considerations are also addressed.

Matt W. Hayward conducted a PhD on the conservation ecology of the Australian marsupial quokka, then studied bushmeat hunting in the Transkei region of South Africa and the reintroduction of large predators to Addo Elephant National Park. He is currently researching Holarctic predator dietary ecology, forest regeneration and European bison conservation in Biatowieza Primeval Forest, Poland. Michael J. Somers is a lecturer at the Centre for Wildlife Management and a core team member of the NRF-DST Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology at the University of Pretoria. His research interests are broad but mostly include reintroduction biology and invasion ecology.