Document: MAR-3-330-184

Human beings and animals in the field: Theoretical and practical problems in species reintroduction and restoration.

BEKOFF, M.*

University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80302 USA ¹

Abstract:
It is almost trivial to state that humans and other animals are constantly interacting and competing with one another. It is also clear that humans have the upper hand whenever they so desire. Science tends to fragment wholes by making holes. Now, given holistic ecological concepts and the desire for conservation, we are attempting to re-assemble these pieces to re-make the whole as in the case of carnivore reintroduction. What really underlies the motivation to reintroduce carnivores? Are these values consistent with the science which is being used to implement these plans? Are these objectives consistent with the culture that produced our present science? It may turn out in some cases that it is impossible to regain what was lost. In the end, we may be faking nature. If our goals are to maintain and restore complex ecosystem integrity, we may be taking on projects whose goals are unattainable. I will consider these and other basic questions that center on efforts to restore species to areas where they once lived primarily by translocating individuals of that species.

Keywords: reintroduction,carnivores

This abstract is being presented at: 2:05 PM in session:
Symposium # 24: Re-thinking the "and" in Humans and Nature: Ecology at the Boundary of Human Systems.