About the book
Preserving Yellowstone’s Natural Conditions describes in fascinating detail the historical origins and development of wildlife management in Yellowstone National Park, alongside shifting understandings of nature in science and culture. James A. Pritchard traces the idea of “natural conditions” through time, from the introduction of this concept by early ecologists in the 1930s. He tells several overlooked stories of Yellowstone wildlife, including a sensational scientific hunt for bears with bow and arrow, and the episode of the predator pelicans, which facilitated a fundamental shift toward protection of all wildlife in Yellowstone, and for the National Park Service as a whole. A prolonged debate regarding the elk herd on Yellowstone’s northern range is addressed, along with the origins of the notion of natural regulation, and the reasons for ending direct reductions of elk. This story emphasizes how ecological science came to Yellowstone and to the National Park Service, subsequently developing over a period of decades.
In the new afterword to this book Pritchard summarizes recent developments in wildlife science and management—such as the “ecology of fear” and trophic cascades—and discusses historical continuities in the role of the park as a wildlife refuge and the inestimable values of the park for wildlife conservation.
Editions of Preserving Yellowstone's Natural Conditions
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781496233059
Read an Excerpt
Preserving Yellowstone’s Natural Conditions describes in fascinating detail the historical origins and development of wildlife management in Yellowstone National Park, alongside shifting understandings of nature in science and culture. James A. Pritchard traces the idea of “natural conditions” through time, from the introduction of this concept by early ecologists in the 1930s. He tells several overlooked stories of Yellowstone wildlife, including a sensational scientific hunt for bears with bow and arrow, and the episode of the predator pelicans, which facilitated a fundamental shift toward protection of all wildlife in Yellowstone, and for the National Park Service as a whole. A prolonged debate regarding the elk herd on Yellowstone’s northern range is addressed, along with the origins of the notion of natural regulation, and the reasons for ending direct reductions of elk. This story emphasizes how ecological science came to Yellowstone and to the National Park Service, subsequently developing over a period of decades.
In the new afterword to this book Pritchard summarizes recent developments in wildlife science and management—such as the “ecology of fear” and trophic cascades—and discusses historical continuities in the role of the park as a wildlife refuge and the inestimable values of the park for wildlife conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Preserving Yellowstone's Natural Conditions about?
Preserving Yellowstone’s Natural Conditions describes in fascinating detail the historical origins and development of wildlife management in Yellowstone National Park, alongside shifting understandings of nature in science and culture. James A. Pritchard traces the idea of “natural conditions” through time, from the introduction of this concept by early ecologists in the 1930s. He tells several overlooked stories of Yellowstone wildlife, including a sensational scientific hunt for bears with bow and arrow, and the episode of the predator pelicans, which facilitated a fundamental shift toward protection of all wildlife in Yellowstone, and for the National Park Service as a whole. A prolonged debate regarding the elk herd on Yellowstone’s northern range is addressed, along with the origins of the notion of natural regulation, and the reasons for ending direct reductions of elk. This story emphasizes how ecological science came to Yellowstone and to the National Park Service, subsequently developing over a period of decades.
In the new afterword to this book Pritchard summarizes recent developments in wildlife science and management—such as the “ecology of fear” and trophic cascades—and discusses historical continuities in the role of the park as a wildlife refuge and the inestimable values of the park for wildlife conservation.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Preserving Yellowstone's Natural Conditions?
History and Archaeology > History > History of the Americas
Where can I read a sample of Preserving Yellowstone's Natural Conditions?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781496233059
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Preserving Yellowstone's Natural Conditions?
James A. Pritchard
Who is the Publisher of the book Preserving Yellowstone's Natural Conditions?
Bison Books
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Preserving Yellowstone's Natural Conditions is available as paperback(ISBN 9781496233059)
Where can I buy Preserving Yellowstone's Natural Conditions online or support local independent bookshops?
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Where can I buy Preserving Yellowstone's Natural Conditions?