Restoration of Endangered Species

As the human impact on the earth leads to ever increasing environmental degradation, the restoration of dwindling populations of numerous plant and animal species is becoming ever more important. In this unique volume, the political, biological and experimental procedures affecting the restoration of populations of both plants and animals are examined using case studies to illustrate basic points. Conceptual issues concerning the organization and management of restoration efforts and plans for the restoration of a wide variety of species including the Pitcher's thistle and woodland caribou are outlined. The success and progress of implemented plans for other species such as the Lakeside daisy and black-footed ferret are then evaluated, and the book ends with a broad overview, suggesting future opportunities and problems. The book will interest especially students and practitioners of restoration ecology.

A unique examination of how we can restore ecosystems damaged by human impact, with a wide range of case studies.

Part I. Conceptual Issues in Restoration Ecology: 1. Organizational and managerial guidelines for endangered species restoration programs and recovery teams Tim W. Clark and John R. Cragun; 2. Genetic considerations for plant population restoration and conservation Charles B. Fenster and Michelle R. Dudash; 3. Managing genetic diversity in captive populations of animals Robert C. Lacy; 4. The relationship of rarity to plant reproductive biology Stephen G. Weller; 5. Experimental evidence for insect impact on populations of short-lived, perennial plants, and its application in restoration ecology Svata M. Louda; Part II. Restoration Planning: 6. Impacts of biological invasions on the management and recovery of rare plants in Haleakala National Park, Maui, Hawaii Lloyd L. Loope and Arthur C. Medeiros; 7. Disturbance-dependent persistence of rare plants: anthropogenic impacts and restoration implications Noel B. Pavlovic; 8. A metapopulation approach to Pitcher's thistle recovery in southern Lake Michigan dunes A. Kathryn McEachern et al.; 9. Restoration of woodland caribou to the Lake Superior region Peter J. P. Gogan and Jean Fitts Cochrane; Part III. Implemented Restorations: 10. The swift fox reintroduction program in Canada from 1983 to 1992 Ludwig N. Carbyn et al.; 11. Restoration of the endangered black-footed ferret: a twenty-year overview Tim W. Clark; 12. Development and implementation of a recovery program for the federally threatened Lakeside daisy Marcella M. DeMauro; 13. Demographic monitoring and the recovery of endangered plant populations Bruce M. Pavlik; Part IV. Synthesis and Future Directions: Biology, Politics and Reality: 14. Restoration ecology: living with the Prime Directive Joel S. Brown; Taxonomic index; Subject index.