Edited by
Robert Garrott, Fish and Wildlife Management Program, Ecology Department, Montana State University Bozeman, USA
Patrick White, National Park Service
Fred Watson, California State University, Monterey Bay, USA
Description
This book is an authoritative work on the ecology of some of America’s most iconic large mammals in a natural environment - and of the
interplay between climate, landscape, and animals in the interior of the world’s first and most famous national park.
Central Yellowstone
includes the range of one of the largest migratory populations of bison in North America as well as a unique elk herd that remains in
the park year round. These populations live in a varied landscape with seasonal and often extreme patterns of climate and food abundance.
The reintroduction of wolves into the park a decade ago resulted in scientific and public controversy about the effect of large predators
on their prey, a debate closely examined in the book.
Introductory chapters describe the geography, geology and vegetation of the
ecosystem. The elk and bison are then introduced and their population ecology described both pre- and post– wolf introduction, enabling
valuable insights into the demographic and behavioral consequences for their ungulate prey. Subsequent chapters describe the wildlife-human
interactions and show how scientific research can inform the debate and policy issues surrounding winter recreation in Yellowstone.
The book closes with a discussion of how this ecological knowledge can be used to educate the public, both about Yellowstone itself and
about science, ecology and the environment in general.
Yellowstone National Park exemplifies some of the currently most hotly debated
and high-profile ecological, wildlife management, and environmental policy issues and this book will have broad appeal not only to academic
ecologists, but also to natural resource students, managers, biologists, policy makers, administrators and the general public.
Included in series
Terrestrial Ecology
Audience:
Research and advanced students in ecology, wildlife and habitat management, and conservation biology. Wildlife and Habitat managers in
Yellowstone and elswhere. Wildlife policy agencies. Technically interested laypersons, press and media.
