Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour of Wild Cattle: Implications for Conservation

'All of us are familiar with domestic cattle, buffalo, bison, and yaks, but the other species of wild cattle are mostly known only to people who live near them in Asia. This book brings all of them to life by telling us everything known about each of these species from Anoas to Tamaraws. The species accounts are comprehensive and exhaustive, making this a one-stop source for each of the recognized species of wild cattle and relatives. The remainder of the volume is a treasure trove of information about every aspect of the biology of this important group, providing a critical information base for future conservation actions. With most of the wild forms now listed as threatened or endangered to some extent, the information provided here will become ever more critical in helping to ensure their continued existence.' Don E. Wilson, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution 'Wild cattle are rarely ranked as conservation priority, their 'familiar' appearance perhaps lacking the thrill of the wilderness. We've failed to appreciate the important ecological functions of these magnificent animals in their natural environment and have allowed their domesticated surrogates to spread all over the world. Instead, wild cattle are fierce animals, magnificent elements of some of the most threatened natural habitats on earth. This landmark book presents, compellingly, that all twelve extant species of wild cattle deserve immediate conservation attention and renewed efforts to build up their wild populations. Melletti and Burton have done a fantastic job at bringing together the best experts on these species and summarizing the key facts of the species' biology and conservation status. The irreversible loss of the now extinct auroch warns us against any further extinction and this book provides all information needed to protect wild cattle from further human impacts.' Luigi Boitani, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Italy 'I welcome this publication as a much-needed resource which, for the first time, will provide fundamental information for all thirteen species of wild cattle and help to guide targeted conservation action. I feel greatly encouraged that this book represents the determination, skills and dedication of international experts who have contributed their invaluable knowledge and research to enable it to be written. As with so many of the world's species faced with threats to their long-term existence, the future of the surviving twelve wild cattle species will depend on reconciling the needs of people and nature in order to find pragmatic solutions that balance human population growth and expansion with the needs of wildlife and ecosystems. I congratulate the editors and authors for producing a magnificent and definitive piece of work which will surely be the 'Bible' for wild cattle for many years to come.' Simon Stuart, Chair of the IUCN Species Survival Commission