Wildlife Ethics

A systematic account of the ethical issues related to wildlife management and conservation

Wildlife Ethics is the first systematic, book-length discussion of the ethics of wildlife conservation and management, and examines the key ethical questions and controversies. Tackling both theory and practice, the text is divided into two parts. The first describes key concepts, ethical theories, and management models relating to wildlife; the second puts these concepts, theories, and models to work, illustrating their significance through detailed case studies on controversies in wildlife management and conservation.

The book explores pressing topics including human responsibilities due to climate change, tradeoffs when managing zoonotic disease risks, the ethics of the wildlife trade, culling non-native species, indigenous wildlife use, and zoo-based conservation programs. Readers are encouraged to explore different ways of valuing wild animals and their practical implications.

This essential text:

Explains and explores relationships between valuing biodiversity, human utility, ecosystems, species, and animal welfare
Describes established approaches to wildlife management, such as sustainable use, and emerging concepts, such as compassionate conservation
Discusses key ethical theories, including utilitarianism, ecocentrism, and animal rights
Offers a practical model of how to analyze ethical issues in wildlife management and conservation

Wildlife Ethics: The Ethics of Wildlife Management and Conservation is an accessible introduction to complex ethical issues, making the book an important resource for students in fields such as conservation biology, ecology, environmental science and policy, game management, public health and veterinary medicine. It will also be an invaluable tool for wildlife managers, conservationists, One Health practitioners, practicing veterinarians and animal rehabilitation staff, contemporary wildlife professionals and other stakeholders.