Tigers of the World: The Science, Politics, and Conservation of Panthera Tigris

The second edition of Tigers of the World explores tiger biology, ecology, conservation, management, and the science and technology that make this possible. In 1988 when the first edition was published, tiger conservation was still in its infancy, and two decades later there has been a revolution not only in what is known, but how information about tigers is obtained and disseminated. In the fast changing world of conservation there is a great need to summarize the vast and current state-of-the-art, to put this into historical perspective, and to speculate in what yet remains to be done. Tigers of the World, 2nd Edition fulfills this need by bringing together in a unique way the world's leading tiger experts into one volume. Despite the challenges ahead, there are bright spots in this story, and lessons aplenty not only for tiger specialists but large carnivore specialists, conservation biologists, wildlife managers, natural resource policy makers, and most importantly the caring public. It is through broad public understanding and support - in Asia, North America, and Europe - that will have the greatest impact on tigers over the long term. With this in mind, the book is novel in its presentation of information using images, indigenous art and poetry, anecdotes, maps and other images to engage and inform. Side bars and text boxes focus on important concepts and debates and help to balance different perspectives and opinions. There is no other book which equally benefits both the scientific and general audiences. *The epicenter of the global debate over nature conservation and economic development is Asia, and the tiger is the most dominant and most emblematic species in this debate. *The survival of the tiger hinges on policy in India, China and other Asian countries where tiger habitat is found. This is a critical look at current policies and contains suggestions from authors living and working in these locations. *Comprehensive look at the past twenty years with contributions from the most highly referenced (in the literature) authors of the past three decades. *Excellent opportunity for upper-level and graduate courses in conservation biology, wildlife management, and veterinary programs. *Closest competition is an outdated 1999 title (Riding the Tiger Cambridge University Press)