Review Of "Noninvasive Survey Methods For Carnivores" Edited By P. MacKay, J. Ray, And R. A. Long

Document Type

Book Review

Publication Date

1-1-2009

Published In

Choice

Abstract

One of the most striking advances in field biology over the past decade has been the development of methods for tracking and identifying animals without killing or even trapping them. Automatic cameras capture jaguars crossing into the US from Mexico; grizzly bear populations are determined from DNA analysis of hair caught on barbed wire; individual rodents and small carnivores are identified from their footprints on track plates. This multiauthored volume is full of practical details on the use of these and other techniques, from traditional tracking methods to advanced molecular tools such as genetic and endocrine analysis. There are also chapters discussing the statistical analysis and interpretation of collected data. Each chapter offers examples of actual case studies to illustrate the techniques. For such a technical publication, the language is refreshingly free of jargon and technical terms. The obvious readership is professional and graduate wildlife biologists, but because of the emphasis on practical applications, undergraduates could develop field biology projects using these techniques, many of which require no permits or handling of wild animals. The work includes black-and-white photographs, maps and sample data sheets, references, and a short index. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduate through professional libraries.

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