Diagnosing Wild Species Harvest

Diagnosing Wild Species Harvest contributes to bridging gaps of knowledge fragmented and split among different scientific disciplines addressing this multifaceted phenomenon that is simultaneously global and local. The authors emphasize the interwoven nature of issues specific to the ecological, economic and socio-cultural realms of wild species harvest. The book presents the Diagnosing Wild Species Harvest Procedure as a universal approach that integrates seven thematic perspectives to harvest systems: resource dynamics, costs and benefits, management, governance, knowledge, spatiality and legacies - that when analysed together help to build a holistic understanding of this globally important phenomenon. Scholars, professionals and students in various fields related to natural resources will find the book a valuable resource, and it is also of interest for anyone concerned about the state of today's tropical forests. Wild species form important resources for people worldwide, and their harvest is a major driver of ecosystem change. Tropical forests regions, including Amazonia, are among those parts of the world where wild species are particularly important for people's livelihoods and larger economies. This book draws on tangible experiences from Amazonia, presented in lively narratives intermingling scientific information into stories from the forest floor that let the reader meet men, women, and children engaged in harvest and management of wild species. The lives of people are then linked to relevant theory of wild species harvest and further reflected to wider discussions on conservation, development and the global quest of sustainability. * Includes research and report-style narratives describing a wide variety of concrete cases.* Addresses wild species harvest from a holistic perspective including ecological, economic and socio-cultural issues, not limiting the scope to a single type of resources.* Provides theoretical treatment of wild species harvest worldwide, with special emphasis in the most recent scientific understanding on the biodiversity of the Amazonian lowland region.* Presents an objective viewpoint, noting problems the harvest may cause as well as its potential to contribute both to biodiversity conservation and to local livelihoods and national economies.* Forms a coherent whole with an easy-to-follow structure and abundant illustrations helping the reader absorb the book's central messages.