Conservation of Caribbean Island Herpetofaunas Volume 2: Regional Accounts of the West Indies

Conservation of Caribbean Island Herpetofaunas Volume 2: Regional Accounts of the West Indies

Author: Adrian Hailey

Publisher: BRILL

Published: 2011-04-07

Total Pages: 448

ISBN-13: 9004194096

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Most of the islands of the Caribbean have long histories of herpetological exploration and discovery, and even longer histories of human-mediated environmental degradation. Collectively, they constitute a major biodiversity hotspot – a region rich in endemic species that are threatened with extinction. This two-volume series documents the existing status of herpetofaunas (including sea turtles) of the Caribbean, and highlights conservation needs and efforts. Previous contributions to West Indian herpetology have focused on taxonomy, ecology and evolution, particularly of lizards. This series provides a unique and timely review of the status and conservation of all groups of amphibians and reptiles in the region. This volume provides regional accounts of the islands of the West Indies biogeographic region: Anguilla; Antigua and Barbuda; The Bahamas; Barbados; The British Virgin Islands; The Cayman Islands; The Commonwealth of Dominica; The Dominican Republic; The Dutch Windward Islands of St. Eustatius, Saba and St. Maarten; The French West Indies; Grenada; The Grenadines; Jamaica; Martinique; Puerto Rico; St. Vincent; The Turks and Caicos Islands; The United States Virgin Islands. Each account discusses the conservation problems of the herpetofauna and their solutions, in a region made up of islands of diverse ecology and political systems. The book will be useful to biologists and conservationists working in or visiting the Caribbean, and internationally as a summary of the current situation in the region.


Cyclura

Cyclura

Author: Jeffrey Lemm

Publisher: Academic Press

Published: 2011-08-09

Total Pages: 241

ISBN-13: 1437735177

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Rock iguanas of the West Indies are considered to be the most endangered group of lizards in the world. They are a flagship species in the Caribbean and on most islands are the largest native land animals. Unfortunately, human encroachment and introduced animals have brought this species to the brink of extinction. Cyclura: Natural History, Husbandry, and Conservation of the West Indian Iguanas is the first book to combine the natural history and captive husbandry of these remarkable reptiles, while at the same time outlining the problems researchers and conservationists are battling to save these beautiful, iconic animals of the Caribbean islands. Authors Jeffrey Lemm and Allison Alberts have been studying West Indian iguanas for nearly 20 years in the wild and in captivity; their experiences with wild iguanas and their exquisite photos of these charismatic lizards in the wild make this book a must-have for reptile researchers, academics and enthusiasts, as well as anyone interested in nature and conservation. - Includes chapters with contributions by leading experts on rock iguana taxonomy, nutrition, and diseases - Features color photos of all taxa, including habitat and captive shots - Provides easily understandable and usable information gleaned from experience and hands-on reptile research


West Indian Iguanas

West Indian Iguanas

Author: Allison Alberts

Publisher: World Conservation Union

Published: 2000

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9782831704562

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The West Indian Iguanas form a unique group of species inhabiting tropical dry forests throughout the Bahanas and the Greater and Lesser Antilles. They are among the most endangered of the world's lizards, primarily because much of their fragile island habitat has been eliminated by human development or severely degraded by exotic species. The Jamaican iguana, considered by some to be the rarest lizard in the world, may number no more than 100 adults. Because iguanas are likely to be important seed dispersers for many endemic plants, their loss has serious consequences for the ecosystems in which they live. This plan summarizes the status of wild populations, identifies the primary threats, and recommends specific actions. A list of national agencies, research institutions in the countries of origin of taxa covered in the plan is included.


Ecology, Conservation and Management of Wild Pigs and Peccaries

Ecology, Conservation and Management of Wild Pigs and Peccaries

Author: Mario Melletti

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2017-11-23

Total Pages: 1417

ISBN-13: 1316947173

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Wild pigs inhabit vast areas in Europe, Southern Asia and Africa, and have been introduced in North and South America, while feral pigs are widespread in Australia and New Zealand. Many wild pig species are threatened with extinction, but Eurasian wild boar populations, however, are increasing in many regions. Covering all wild pig and peccary species, the Suidae and Tayassuidae families, this comprehensive review presents new information about the evolution, taxonomy and domestication of wild pigs and peccaries alongside novel case studies on conservation activities and management. One hundred leading experts from twenty five countries synthesise understanding of this group of species; discussing current research, and gaps in the knowledge of researchers, conservation biologists, zoologists, wildlife managers and students. This beautifully illustrated reference includes the long history of interactions between wild pigs and humans, the benefits some species have brought us and their role and impact on natural ecosystems.


Iguanas of the World

Iguanas of the World

Author: Gordon M. Burghardt

Publisher: William Andrew Inc.

Published: 1982

Total Pages: 472

ISBN-13: 9780815509172

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Iguanas are large, primeval-appearing animals that have always attracted considerable attention and scientific study. The 30 species of iguanas are today collectively referred to as iguanines, or the subfamily Iguaninae, of the lizard family Iguanidae. This book is the result of a symposium of worldwide scientists on the world's iguanas that was held at a joint meeting of the Society of the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles and The Herpetologist's League. Over 30 recognized experts submitted their studies of these interesting reptiles, and have published what was once unknown and unpublished information. This book was a leader in its time and still serves as a wonderful reference for scientist and student alike.


Edible Insects

Edible Insects

Author: Arnold van Huis

Publisher: Bright Sparks

Published: 2013

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9789251075951

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Edible insects have always been a part of human diets, but in some societies there remains a degree of disdain and disgust for their consumption. Although the majority of consumed insects are gathered in forest habitats, mass-rearing systems are being developed in many countries. Insects offer a significant opportunity to merge traditional knowledge and modern science to improve human food security worldwide. This publication describes the contribution of insects to food security and examines future prospects for raising insects at a commercial scale to improve food and feed production, diversify diets, and support livelihoods in both developing and developed countries. It shows the many traditional and potential new uses of insects for direct human consumption and the opportunities for and constraints to farming them for food and feed. It examines the body of research on issues such as insect nutrition and food safety, the use of insects as animal feed, and the processing and preservation of insects and their products. It highlights the need to develop a regulatory framework to govern the use of insects for food security. And it presents case studies and examples from around the world. Edible insects are a promising alternative to the conventional production of meat, either for direct human consumption or for indirect use as feedstock. To fully realise this potential, much work needs to be done by a wide range of stakeholders. This publication will boost awareness of the many valuable roles that insects play in sustaining nature and human life, and it will stimulate debate on the expansion of the use of insects as food and feed.


The Age of Surveillance Capitalism

The Age of Surveillance Capitalism

Author: Shoshana Zuboff

Publisher: PublicAffairs

Published: 2019-01-15

Total Pages: 658

ISBN-13: 1610395700

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The challenges to humanity posed by the digital future, the first detailed examination of the unprecedented form of power called "surveillance capitalism," and the quest by powerful corporations to predict and control our behavior. In this masterwork of original thinking and research, Shoshana Zuboff provides startling insights into the phenomenon that she has named surveillance capitalism. The stakes could not be higher: a global architecture of behavior modification threatens human nature in the twenty-first century just as industrial capitalism disfigured the natural world in the twentieth. Zuboff vividly brings to life the consequences as surveillance capitalism advances from Silicon Valley into every economic sector. Vast wealth and power are accumulated in ominous new "behavioral futures markets," where predictions about our behavior are bought and sold, and the production of goods and services is subordinated to a new "means of behavioral modification." The threat has shifted from a totalitarian Big Brother state to a ubiquitous digital architecture: a "Big Other" operating in the interests of surveillance capital. Here is the crucible of an unprecedented form of power marked by extreme concentrations of knowledge and free from democratic oversight. Zuboff's comprehensive and moving analysis lays bare the threats to twenty-first century society: a controlled "hive" of total connection that seduces with promises of total certainty for maximum profit -- at the expense of democracy, freedom, and our human future. With little resistance from law or society, surveillance capitalism is on the verge of dominating the social order and shaping the digital future -- if we let it.


Iguanas

Iguanas

Author: Dr. Allison C. Alberts

Publisher: Univ of California Press

Published: 2004-03-03

Total Pages: 374

ISBN-13: 0520930118

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In what is certain to be the key reference on iguanas for years to come, some of the world's leading experts offer a clear and accessible account of the latest research on the evolution, behavioral ecology, and conservation of these highly visible and increasingly endangered creatures, much loved by professional herpetologists and hobbyists alike. The book begins with an introduction by noted iguana biologist Dr. Gordon Burghardt that examines the state of iguana research—past, present, and future—with an emphasis on social behavior. Three major sections follow, each opening with a synthesis by the volume editors, who survey the current status and likely future direction of investigations in the pertinent area. The first section focuses on different aspects of the taxonomic and morphological diversity of iguanas and includes a complete checklist of species. In the second section, contributors address the behavior and ecology of iguanas and provide compelling evidence that both may be far more complex than previously appreciated. The third and final section, highlighting the threats facing iguana populations today, describes the broad array of innovative conservation strategies that will be needed to help ensure their survival. Illustrated throughout with photographs, distribution maps, tables, and figures, this volume will be the definitive resource for anyone—professional or curious amateur—interested in iguanas.