Reintroduction of Fish and Wildlife Populations

"Protecting Life on Earth is an excellent introduction to conservation biology: concise yet comprehensive, and full of interesting real-life examples of conservation problems and solutions. This could be the basis for an introductory course, or just interesting reading for someone wanting to learn what this field is about."and#151;Dr. Daniel Simberloff, University of Tennessee

"An excellent introduction to the science and policy of conservation biology for anyone interested in becoming better informed about today's pressing environmental challenges; nicely complemented by discussions of environmental economics and law, and including real-world conservation problems and the ways in which they are being addressed."and#151;Wayne P. Sousa, University of California, Berkeley

"I have never seen a more comprehensive and succinct presentation of conservation biologyand#151;the most important topic of our time. It bridges the gap between science and people with easy to read, non-technical prose. Conservation is everybody's business, and Protecting life on Earth is a must read for everyone who cares about the future of the planet."and#151;Mike Dombeck, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point University, System Fellow of Global Conservation, former Chief, U.S. Forest Service

and#8220;This worthwhile book can be used by teachers to stimulate student interest in the value of protecting our natural world.and#8221;

and#8220;This groundbreaking, and#8216;must readand#8217; book will serve as the prelude for understanding how the worldand#8217;s modern marine ecosystems have been so severely impacted by humans.and#8221;

and#8220;Rich in data and containing plentiful. . . paleoecological research useful to those studying terrestrial as well as marine ecosystems.and#8221;

"What impresses you is the broad, holistic arguments for collaborative research and the relevance of archaeology."

"No one who wishes to participate in this debate . . . can do without the detailed case studies and conclusions presented."

"Tells his story with colloquial informality . . . . A good read."

"Jachowski's story is one of persistent effort and profound disillusionment in the face of great obstacles. But as the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) hangs on and even makes modest progress, Jachowski holds out some hope for the future."

"Jachowski has a vision of a healthier and more vibrant Great Plains, where both people and wildlife can thrive. . . . He deserves thanks for all his efforts, on the land and now in the pages of his book."

Reintroduction of Fish and Wildlife Populations provides a practical step-by-step guide to successfully planning, implementing, and evaluating the reestablishment of animal populations in former habitats or their introduction in new environments. In each chapter, experts in reintroduction biology outline a comprehensive synthesis of core concepts, issues, techniques, and perspectives. This manual and reference supports scientists and managers from fisheries and wildlife professions as they plan reintroductions, initiate releases of individuals, and manage restored populations over time. Covering a broad range of taxonomic groups, ecosystems, and global regions, this edited volume is an essential guide for academics, students, and professionals in natural resource management.

Fire is both an integral natural process in the California landscape and growing threat to its urban and suburban developments as they encroach on wildlands. Written by many of the foremost authorities on the subject, this comprehensive volume, an ideal text and authoritative reference tool, is the first to synthesize our knowledge of the science, ecology, and management of fire in California. Part I introduces the basics of fire ecology. It includes an historical overview of fire, vegetation, and climate in California; overviews of fire as a physical and ecological process; and reviews the interactions between fire and the physical, plant, and animal components of the environment. Part II explores the history and ecology of fire in each of California's nine bioregions. Part III examines fire management in California, including both Native American and post-European settlement; discusses current issues related to fire policy and management, including air quality, watershed management, invasive plant species, native species, and fuel management; and considers the future of fire management.

"Fire in California's Ecosystems provides a rigorous synthesis and review of the role of fire in California's tremendously variable natural environments. The authors have made a substantial contribution to the fields of fire ecology, natural history, and land stewardship. With this volume, California again shines as a model for other states and regions."and#151;Dr. J. Morgan Varner, Humboldt State University

"Fire in California's Ecosystems proficiently explains the complex nature of the effects of wildfire, wildfire suppression, and fuels treatments on our state's diverse fauna and flora. This book is a useful tool for biologists seeking to develop effective management measures to maintain fire-dependent ecosystems or to conduct further research."and#151;Monica Bond, Wildlife Biologist, Center for Biological Diversity

Written to be accessible to any college-level reader, Protecting Life on Earth offers a non-technical, yet comprehensive introduction to the growing field of conservation science. This multifaceted exploration of our current biodiversity crisis delivers vivid examples throughout, including features on some of natureand#8217;s most compelling wildlife. Beginning with a brief introduction to environmental history, the text introduces the central concepts of evolution and ecology, and covers several major issues related to the conservation of biodiversity including extinction, climate change, sustainability, conservation law, and invasive species. It also touches on adjacent disciples such as economics and sociology as they relate to conservation. The text even includes practical advice on the decisions we make every dayand#151;how we spend our money, where we live and work, what we eat and buy. Throughout, Protecting Life on Earth underscores the ways in which our future is tied to that of Earthand#8217;s threatened species, and demonstrates exactly why conservation is so vitally important for us all.

This engaging personal account of one of America's most contested wildlife conservation campaigns has as its central character the black-footed ferret. Once feared extinct, and still one of North America's rarest mammals, the black-footed ferret exemplifies the ecological, social, and political challenges of conservation in the West, including the risks involved with intensive captive breeding and reintroduction to natural habitat.

David Jachowski draws on more than a decade of experience working to save the ferret. His unique perspective and informative anecdotes reveal the scientific and human aspects of conservation as well as the immense dedication required to protect a species on the edge of extinction.

By telling one story of conservation biology in practiceand#151;its routine work, triumphs, challenges, and inevitable conflictsand#151;this book gives readers a greater understanding of the conservation ethic that emerged on the Great Plains as part of one of the most remarkable recovery efforts in the history of the Endangered Species Act.

"In Wild Again, Jachowski does for the black-footed ferret and the Great Plains what Edward Abbey did for our deserts: illuminates their elegant wonder, exposes their secrets and rare beauty, and transports them front and center into our national conservation conscience."

T. DeLene Beeland, author of The Secret World of Red Wolves

"This beautifully scripted book by David Jachowski addresses fundamentally important issues about grasslands, biodiversity, and people. Wild Again is not only modern and pithy, but it also tells a story about commitments to conservation using charismatic animals. Anyone who wants to understand how to do conservation and appreciate why biology matters needs to start here."

Joel Berger, Senior Scientist, Wildlife Conservation Society, and author of The Better to Eat You With

Archaeological data now show that relatively intense human adaptations to coastal environments developed much earlier than once believedand#151;more than 125,000 years ago. With our oceans and marine fisheries currently in a state of crisis, coastal archaeological sites contain a wealth of data that can shed light on the history of human exploitation of marine ecosystems. In eleven case studies from the Americas, Pacific Islands, North Sea, Caribbean, Europe, and Africa, leading researchers working in coastal areas around the world cover diverse marine ecosystems, reaching into deep history to discover how humans interacted with and impacted these aquatic environments and shedding new light on our understanding of contemporary environmental problems.

and#147;An excellent volume with mature, sophisticated, comprehensive research by leaders in the fields of archaeology, zooarchaeology, and paleoarchaeology that will be useful to scientists of many interests.and#8221;and#151;David Steadman, author of Extinction and Biogeography of Tropical Pacific Birds

and#147;This volume will make a significant contribution to our understanding of ancient human impacts on marine ecosystems, which will be of interest to all researchers who are concerned about the environment. The editors and contributors are commended for their efforts on this significant research topic.and#8221;and#151;Steven R. James, coeditor of The Archaeology of Global Change: The Impact of Humans on Their Environment

Michael P. Marchetti is Associate Professor of Biology at California State University at Chico. He is coauthor, with Julie Lockwood and Martha Hoopes, of Invasion Ecology. Peter B. Moyle, Professor in the Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology at the University of California, Davis, is coauthor of Comparing Futures for the Sacramento - San Joaquin Delta, and author of Fish: An Enthusiastand#8217;s Guide and Inland Fishes of California, Revised and Expanded (all available from UC Press) among other books.

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS

FOREWORD

James K. Agee

PREFACE

1. Fire and California Vegetation

Neil G. Sugihara and Michael G. Barbour

PART I

Introduction to Fire Ecology

2. California Climate and Fire Weather

Richard A. Minnich

3. Fire as a Physical Process

Jan W. van Wagtendonk

4. Fire as an Ecological Process

Neil G. Sugihara, Jan W. van Wagtendonk, and JoAnn Fites-Kaufman

5. Fire and Physical Environment Interactions: Soil, Water, and Air

Peter M. Wohlgemuth, Ken Hubbert, and Michael J. Arbaugh

6. Fire and Plant Interactions

JoAnn Fites-Kaufman, Anne F. Bradley, and Amy G. Merrill

7. Fire and Animal Interactions

Kevin E. Shaffer and William F. Laudenslayer, Jr.

PART II

The History and Ecology of Fire in Californiaand#8217;s Bioregions

8. North Coast Bioregion

John D. Stuart and Scott L. Stephens

9. Klamath Mountains Bioregion

Carl N. Skinner, Alan H. Taylor, and James K. Agee

10. Southern Cascades Bioregion

Carl N. Skinner and Alan H. Taylor

11. Northeastern Plateaus Bioregion

Gregg M. Riegel, Richard F. Miller, Carl N. Skinner, and Sydney E. Smith

12. Sierra Nevada Bioregion

Jan W. van Wagtendonk and Joann Fites-Kaufman

13. Central Valley Bioregion

Robin Wills

14. Central Coast Bioregion

Frank W. Davis and Mark I. Borchert

15. South Coast Bioregion

Jon E. Keeley

16. Southeastern Deserts Bioregion

Matthew L. Brooks and Richard A. Minnich

PART II I

Fire Management Issues in Californiaand#8217;s Ecosystems

17. The Use of Fire by Native Americans in California

M. Kat Anderson

18. Fire Management and Policy Since European Settlement

Scott L. Stephens and Neil G. Sugihara

CONTENTS

19. Fire and Fuel Management

Sue Husari, H. Thomas Nichols, Neil G. Sugihara, and Scott L. Stephens

20. Fire, Watershed Resources, and Aquatic Ecosystems

Andrea E. Thode, Jeffrey L. Kershner, Ken Roby, Lynn M. Decker, and Jan L. Beyers

21. Fire and Air Resources

Suraj Ahuja

22. Fire and Invasive Plant Species

Robert C. Klinger, Matthew L. Brooks, and John M. Randall

23. Fire and At-Risk Species

Kevin E. Shaffer

24. The Future of Fire in Californiaand#8217;s Ecosystems

Neil G. Sugihara, Jan W. van Wagtendonk, JoAnn Fites-Kaufman, Kevin E. Shaffer, and Andrea E. Thode

APPENDIX 1: PLANT COMMON AND SCIENTIFIC NAMES

APPENDIX 2: ANIMAL COMMON AND SCIENTIFIC NAMES

APPENDIX 3: BIOREGIONS, ECOLOGICAL ZONES, AND PLANT ALLIANCES OF CALIFORNIA THAT OCCUR IN THIS TEXT

GLOSSARY

INDEX