This book, first published in 1989, examines the controversial position
of commercial utilisation in relation to wildlife conservation.
Production of large mammals has earned respectability as an agricultural
strategy and its evaluation has been listed as a priority requirement in
the World Conservation Strategy. However, many authorities question
whether wildlife production is a viable economic and environmental
strategy, and suggest that it runs counter to its claimed purpose. This
book evaluates this controversy by chronicling the changing role of
wildlife and by reflecting on the implications of these trends. The book
should be of interest to people both applauding and deploring the use of
wildlife in this economic role.