The Environment : Nature

Among all great ape species, the bonobo is still the least studied in both captivity and the wild. Nevertheless we have observed a considerable increase in knowledge across various fields of bonobo research in recent years. In part due to the ongoing peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo, research and conservation activities on the bonobo have resumed and multiplied since 2001. Part One of The Bonobos: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation focuses on scientific research. Behavioral studies in captivity propose to answer why bonobos have some unique characteristics such as high social status of females and flexible social relationships. The outcomes present important aspects to be investigated in running field studies. In the wild, analysis of population genetics across the bonobo's distribution range illuminates the species' evolutionary path and contributes to a global management plan. Site specific analysis reveals how genetics are used to re-identify individuals after an extended interruption of long-term research. Ecological studies at three independent sites, two in Salonga National Park, as well as one in the Luo Scientific Reserve, provide valuable information for the comprehension of ecological adaptation of bonobos. With the application of recent methods of mammalian feeding ecology as well as comparative approaches in other great ape species, these studies allow us to draw conclusions on ape ecological adaptation and evolution. Part Two of The Bonobos: Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation focuses on conservation. In overview, local and global aspects of the factors threatening the wild bonobo population are reviewed. Here the outcomes of large-scaleefforts within the functioning ecosystem conservation paradigm focus on three landscapes within the range of the bonobo: the Salonga-Lukenie-Sankuru Landscape, the Maringa-Lopori-Wamba Landscape, and the Lac T??l??-Lac Tumba Swamp Forest Landscape, are presented. Papers in this part include the more...

Price: $149.00

The bowerbirds are confined to Australia and New Guinea and, due to the difficulty in accessing certain areas of their distribution, the study of their habits has been challenging. The 20 existing species are almost equally divided between the two regions, with eight species endemic to Australia, 10 to New Guinea and two species occurring in both. Bowerbirds condenses published knowledge into a format that will suit natural history enthusiasts at any level. While the emphasis is on Australian members of the family, with detailed accounts on each of the 10 species, the New Guinea representatives are discussed in general chapters and are included in a supplemental section that covers key areas such as breeding, identification and distribution. This book also includes more than 50 illustrations, including colour pictures of each Australian species, their bowers, displays and distributional maps. more...

Price: $25.95

This book comes after several decades of outstanding and successful research that has helped ameliorate some of the most important and controversial fisheries issues in the world ? those associated with the unwanted wastage of fish from by-catch and discarding. The 8 chapters encompass contributions from 27 of the world's leading experts in by-catch reduction. They take the reader through most aspects of the field at a variety of scales and viewpoints. They examine the methodologies used to develop by-catch reduction techniques and provide new avenues for assisting and broadening such work. Case studies are provided that encompass most of the world's fishing techniques and regions. Solutions developed for the most problematic fishing methods in terms of by-catch, selectivity and habitat damage are examined in significant detail in addition to ways to reduce the by-catch of charismatic species like marine mammals and sea-birds. By-catch reduction in less infamous fishing methods is also examined with chapters on recreational fishing and trapping. The book shows how the lessons learned in reducing by-catch can be applied to ameliorate emerging, broader issues concerning the impacts of fishing on entire ecosystems. Finally, the book examines the most vital phase of by-catch reduction work - its uptake and extension into fishing practices. This book will prove an invaluable tool for any fisheries professional or lay person interested in by-catch reduction or, indeed, anyone trying to resolve a particular by-catch problem in their fishery. more...

Price: $149.00

A pioneer in international conservation and wildlife ecology, Raymond Dasmann published his first book, the influential text Environmental Conservation, when the term "environment" was little known and "conservation" to most people simply meant keeping or storing. more...

Price: $12.95

Emissions of pollutants from motor vehicles have been the focus of longstanding concerns for both governments and the public at large because of their impact on air quality and human health. More recently, emissions of greenhouse gases have been of growing concern because of their impacts on global warming. more...

Price: $75.00