Abstract: The overexploitation of wildlife is a key concern for conservationists worldwide. Indeed, wildlife conservation and sustainable use have recently become centrepieces in conservation and development research. Assessment, interpretation, and ultimate action in a scientific study of exploited species must consider numerous factors: from the biology, habitat requirements, and population dynamics of the species in question, to the relationships that people have with their environment and the species within it. Any long-term management plan must ensure that people and wildlife can coexist — otherwise it is doomed to failure. This book provides a practical and integrated approach to carrying out research on the conservation of exploited species. It is relevant to both tropical and temperate biomes, and is applicable to all exploited species. It describes both the practical (field) and theoretical (modelling) techniques for obtaining and interpreting information, integrating biological, social, economic, and institutional analyses. It also demonstrates how to translate information into effective action through appropriate interventions, from legislation to changing people's attitudes.

Keywords: overexploitation, exploited species, wildlife, field techniques, modelling, management