Carnivoran Ecology: The Evolution and Function of Communities

Charismatic mammals, such as dogs, cats, hyenas, weasels, mongooses, seals, sea lions, and bears, have always held special importance to humans and have been the subject of much research. New technologies have revolutionized our understanding of how carnivorans interact with their environments, reshaping our view of carnivoran ecology. Carnivoran Ecology is a comprehensive textbook that reviews our current state of knowledge of carnivoran ecology, covering all levels of biological organization and function, from genes to ecosystems. It emphasizes the importance of community interactions in carnivoran evolution and discusses how carnivoran species interact with their prey, each other, and humans. The book is aimed at senior undergraduate and graduate students, professional academics, researchers, and practitioners working in carnivore ecology and conservation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

These captivating mammals, which encompass a diverse range of species such as dogs, cats, hyenas, weasels, mongooses, seals, sea lions, and bears, have held a profound significance to humans throughout history and continue to do so today. In recent decades, the advent of new technologies has revolutionized our understanding of how carnivorans interact with their environments, thereby reshaping our perspective on carnivoran ecology. This unique synthesis draws upon a diverse and expanding carnivoran literature, encompassing all carnivoran families and spanning the world's oceans and continents, to produce a clearly written and richly illustrated book that reviews our current state of knowledge in carnivoran ecology. It addresses all levels of biological organization and function, ranging from genes to enzymes, organisms, populations, and ecosystems. Special attention is given to the intricate interactions between carnivoran species, including their prey, each other, and humans. The book emphasizes the importance of community interactions in carnivoran evolution, showcasing how evolutionary constraints (morphological, physiological, and behavioral) shape communities today. The approach adopted in this book is strongly comparative, contrasting herbivores with carnivores, predators with scavengers, and cats with dogs. Carnivorans play crucial roles in numerous high-profile conservation cases, whether they are considered species of concern or agents of endangerment. Their significance is evident in both contexts. Carnivoran Ecology is an accessible advanced textbook designed primarily for senior undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in courses on carnivore ecology, as well as a broad audience of professional academics, researchers, and practitioners engaged in both governmental and non-governmental organizations.

Weight: 612g
Dimension: 188 x 246 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192863256