Book Review Open Access

When examining the most influential works in scientific literature, The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin frequently stands out. As a foundational text in biology, it continues to be referenced in courses worldwide for its groundbreaking insights more than 150 years later. Similarly, the field of wildlife biology has been shaped by key works that influence how we approach conservation and management, with Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac being one such classic that is still referenced 75 years after its initial publication. Today it can be difficult to identify what may eventually be as influential as these works, in part because of the sheer volume of research on conservation, management, and the interconnected challenges of wildlife health. With wildlife disease cases becoming increasingly interdisciplinary, keeping up with new publications each month can feel overwhelming, even for seasoned professionals. In this context, Essential Readings in Wildlife Management and Conservation (hereafter Essentials) provides a much-needed distillation of the most impactful works in the field, offering critical context for understanding how environmental forces—such as climate change, habitat loss, and disease outbreaks—shape wildlife management. Much like Darwin’s and Leopold’s works did for biology and ecology, Essentials continues to be a canonic event for many scientists, equipping both emerging and established professionals with the foundational knowledge needed to address complex conservation challenges, including those driven by the intersection of wildlife health and disease.

Essentials is a valuable resource primarily because of its accessibility and utility for wildlife biologists across different career stages. The book is divided into four sections—Our Philosophical Roots; Animals, Ecology & Populations; Habitat; and Human Dimensions—each containing articles that are landmarks in the wildlife profession. Krausman and Leopold provide concise but descriptive overviews of each article, helping readers grasp key takeaways and understand how each piece fits into the broader landscape of the literature. This structure not only helps students to build foundational knowledge in wildlife populations and habitat management, but also equips them to tackle contemporary challenges such as the role of habitat change and human activity in the spread of wildlife diseases. For more established scientists, the book offers a valuable resource to revisit key concepts during rapid decision-making processes, such as forming conservation policies that also mitigate the risks of disease outbreaks. By connecting core themes, including population dynamics, habitat management, and human dimensions, Essentials offers a holistic perspective that is critical in developing modern conservation and management strategies.

For students in particular, Essentials is a valuable introduction to the world of wildlife science, offering both background knowledge and practical insights into reading scientific literature. The “Animals, Ecology & Populations” section is particularly well suited for an animal ecology course, while the “Habitats” section complements wildlife management, habitat classes, and courses on wildlife diseases, where understanding the connections between habitat change and population stability are important. Graduate students will find this book useful not only for coursework but also for research discussions, where the foundational readings can encourage interesting dialogue. For doctoral students, this collection offers essential readings for comprehensive exams, providing the core knowledge needed to engage with the field’s biggest challenges. The relevance to contemporary wildlife management, such as climate change, habitat fragmentation, and biodiversity loss, is particularly important for today’s students.

One of the standout aspects of Essentials is its focus on integrating social science with ecology, a critical shift in wildlife management that was first highlighted by Decker et al. (1996). It is exciting to see how this interdisciplinary approach, once emerging, has now solidified into a robust and influential field of study, meriting a dedicated section in the book. While the integration of human dimensions and wildlife science continues to evolve, it has already made remarkable strides in shaping how we approach modern conservation challenges, including those focused on wildlife disease. The collaboration between social scientists and wildlife biologists is particularly significant, as it enables a more holistic understanding of conservation issues, from public perceptions and stakeholder engagement to policy development and community-based conservation efforts. This book not only reflects the critical milestones that have led to this point but also highlights the growing realization that effective conservation requires both ecological knowledge and an understanding of human behavior.

Although the book is largely comprehensive, there is room for future editions to explore emerging technologies that are increasingly shaping the field of wildlife management. Advances in genetic tools and population genetics, for instance, offer powerful ways to understand species dynamics, enhance conservation strategies, and inform management decisions. Incorporating new discussions on how these technologies are being applied in wildlife science, including tracking gene flow in fragmented habitats or using genetic rescue to improve population viability, would provide readers with a more up-to-date understanding of these developments. Additionally, future editions could expand on the genetic considerations involved in captive breeding programs for wildlife management. Issues such as maintaining genetic diversity, minimizing inbreeding depression, managing disease risks in captive populations, and balancing genetic adaptation to captivity versus the wild are crucial for the long-term success of species reintroduction efforts. Finally, considering more explicit examples of disease ecology and its growing influence on wildlife management could broaden the book’s influence and relevance. As diseases increasingly impact wildlife populations, examples that include aspects of transmission pathways, zoonotic disease risks, and population recovery strategies could better inform readers on how to manage these complex dynamics. Addressing these topics would enhance the book’s relevance to modern management strategies, especially as captive breeding and disease mitigation become increasingly important tools for conserving endangered species.

In summary, Essential Readings in Wildlife Management and Conservation is a staple for wildlife students and professionals alike because of its comprehensive yet accessible nature. With its excellent compilation of core literature, complemented by insightful related readings and article introductions, the editors have crafted a text that serves as a valuable reference for the foundational knowledge of wildlife conservation and management. Although the book is ideal for students building their expertise, it also offers a useful resource for established scientists, providing quick access to key readings that support ongoing research and decision making in the field. Whether you are a student, educator, or seasoned professional, this collection is a rich resource that not only reflects the storied history of wildlife management but also equips its readers to meet the challenges of wildlife management in the future.