Описание: Introduction.
The reasons behind and significance of the book. Problematic Wildlife and modern world.
(F.M. Angelici, L. Rossi, Italian Foundation for Vertebrate Zoology, Italy)
This starting chapter, fully introduces the topic of the book. The reasons for publishing this second volume on 'Problematic Wildlife' are explained. The fundamental reason is that although it will be difficult to deal with all the existing themes that can be part of the topic of problematic wildlife, we will try to analyze cases not previously covered in the first book. Some specific topics, for ex. the big cats man-eaters, have only been treated in great synthesis in the first volume, where, on the contrary, the theme of the attacks of wolves to humans has been deepened. Then, another example, the one related to the urban fauna, positive and compatible situations with human activities, or, on the contrary, very problematic cases, which need solutions. Or the big problem of wildlife and problems related to road traffic. And so on, some chapters deal with snakes, always causing problems to be addressed, or the problem of coexistence between hunting and nature conservation.
Section 1: Large carnivores, humans and environment.
Man eaters: for a human-wildlife coexistence. A review.
(S.M. Shepherd; University of Pennsylvania Healthcare System, USA)
A large carnivore among people and livestock: the common leopard.
(U. Khan, F. Ferretti, S. Ali Shah, S. Lovari; University of Siena, Italy)
Mitigation of conflicts between humans and large carnivores is a major challenge in wildlife conservation. Habitat loss and depletion of wild prey, as well as easy availability of livestock, are expected to increase livestock depredation and, in turn, emphasise conflicts.
We assessed the interactions between leopards Panthera pardus and humans, in three study areas lying on a densely inhabited Himalayan part of Pakistan (c. 328 km2): a protected, largely forested area (Ayubia National Park and its surroundings, ANP) and two areas with a greater level of anthropogenic activities and lower extent of forest cover (Murree, MF; Transitional Area, TA).
We suggest that only the implementation of synergistic actions, i.e. habitat protection, prey restoration and better practices of livestock management, would lead to mitigate human-leopard conflict and to increase the long-term survival of this large predator.
Evolution of wolf habitat occupancy and feeding habits in Italy: implications for species conservation and conflict resolution with humans.
(A. Meriggi, E. Torretta, O. Dondina; University of Pavia, Italy)
Despite the generally positive trend of European populations, the wolf is still today a challenging species to conserve, particularly in the most anthropogenic southern European countries, because of its conflict with humans. In this chapter we summarize the dynamics of wolf distribution in Italy, one of the most densely populated European countries, over the last 50 years. Finally, we consider how to mitigate the wolf-human conflict and suggest effective management of wolf populations.
Section 2: Urban environment and wildlife.
"Good" and "bad" urban wildlife.
(G. Perry, C. Boal, R. Verble, M. Wallace; Texas Tech, USA)
Urban environments offer habitat for many species of animals. Although some of those are ubiquitous and/or undesirable, others are native and in some cases, of conservation value. In many cases, urban wildlife populations are a source of enjoyment for human residents, who sometimes invest considerable amounts in attracting them to yards and public space
