Preserving Yellowstone's Natural Conditions: Science and the Perception of Nature

Preserving Yellowstones Natural Conditions explores the historical origins and development of wildlife management in Yellowstone National Park, highlighting overlooked stories and the role of ecological science in shaping park policies. The book emphasizes the importance of preserving the park's natural conditions and discusses recent developments in wildlife science and management.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 434 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2022
Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

Preserving Yellowstone's Natural Conditions delves into the captivating history of wildlife management in Yellowstone National Park, exploring the evolving perspectives on nature within science and culture. Author James A. Pritchard takes readers on a journey through time, tracing the concept of "natural conditions" from its early ecological origins in the 1930s. He unveils several lesser-known stories about Yellowstone's wildlife, such as the thrilling scientific hunt for bears with bow and arrow and the remarkable episode of predator pelicans, which played a pivotal role in shifting the focus towards the protection of all wildlife in Yellowstone and the National Park Service as a whole. The book also addresses a lengthy debate surrounding the elk herd on the park's northern range, delving into the origins of the notion of natural regulation and the reasons behind the cessation of direct elk reductions. This narrative highlights the profound impact of ecological science on Yellowstone and the National Park Service, evolving over decades to shape the management and conservation efforts in the park.

In the updated afterword to this book, Pritchard provides a summary of recent advancements in wildlife science and management, including concepts like the "ecology of fear" and trophic cascades. He also discusses historical continuities in Yellowstone's role as a wildlife refuge and the invaluable values of the park for wildlife conservation. Preserving Yellowstone's Natural Conditions is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history, ecology, and management of this iconic national park.

Weight: 670g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781496233059
Edition number: 2nd ed.