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:
The Authors Clare Palmer is the George T. and Gladys H. Abell Professor of Liberal Arts & Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy at Texas A&M University in the USA. Bob Fischer is Associate Professor of Philosophy in the Department of Philosophy at Texas State University in the USA. Christian Gamborg is Associate Professor in the Department of Food and Resource Economics at University of Copenhagen in Denmark. Jordan Hampton is a Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne, an Adjunct Lecturer at Murdoch University, and a Consultant Veterinarian for Ecotone Wildlife, all in Australia. Peter Sandøe is Professor of Bioethics at the Department of Food and Resource Economics and Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen in Denmark.
Foreword vii
Acknowledgments ix Part 1 the Theory of Wildlife Ethics 1 1 Introduction 3 2 Valuing Wildlife 16 3 The Value of Wildness and Ecosystems 33 4 The Value of Species and Biodiversity 49 5 Valuing Wild Animals as Individuals 63 6 The Role of Ethical Theories 77 7 Wildlife Management and Conservation Models 94 8 Recent Movements in Wildlife Management 112 9 Moral Disagreement about Wildlife 129 Part 2 the Practice of Wildlife Ethics – Case Studies 145 10 Conservation via Commodification: A Legal Trade in Rhino Horn? 147 11 Hyperabundant Native Species: Deer in the Suburbs 160 12 "Invasive" Animals: Predator Free New Zealand 173 13 Indigenous Wildlife Use: Whaling and the Makah People 190 14 Ex situ Conservation: The Giant Panda 203 15 Wildlife Research: Toe- Clipping 216 16 Zoonotic Disease: Bad Bats? 230 17 The Cost of Green Energy: Wildlife and Wind Power 245 18 Climate Change Interventions: Feeding Polar Bears? 258 19 Conclusion: Wildlife Ethics – The Future 270
Index 279
"an informative introduction to complex ethical issues, making it significant resource for students and practitioners in fields such diverse fields 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."
- Library Bookwatch, Midwest Book Reviews (Dec 2023)