Cull of the Wild: Killing in the Name of Conservation: Hugh Warwick: Bloomsbury Wildlife

Cull of the Wild

Killing in the Name of Conservation

Cull of the Wild

Killing in the Name of Conservation

Description

LONGLISTED FOR THE WAINWRIGHT PRIZE FOR WRITING ON CONSERVATION

'Honest and intelligent.' Chris Packham
'Expertly researched, engaging and even-handed.' BBC Wildlife

Investigating the ethical and practical challenges of one of the greatest threats to biodiversity: invasive species.

Globally, the threat to biodiversity of invasive species lies on a par with habitat loss, climate change and pollution. Tackling this isn't easy – and nobody knows that better than Hugh Warwick. As a conservationist, he loathes the idea of killing, harming or even eating animals. As an ecologist, he is acutely aware of the need, at times, to kill invasive species whose presence harms the wider environment.

How do we protect endangered native species? Which species do we prioritise? And how do we reckon with the ethics of killing anything in the name of conservation? Taking a balanced approach to this emotive subject, Hugh talks to experts on all sides of the debate as he explores the complex history of species control and the impact of the global movement of species.

In his signature humorous style, he explains the scientific theory and outlines the issues conservationists face in controlling non-native animals and protecting native species, including grey and red squirrels on Anglesey, ravens and tortoises in the Mojave Desert, and cane toads in Australia as well as unique case studies like Pablo Escobar's cocaine hippos and the Burmese python pet trade.

Product details

Published	02 Sep 2025
Format	Paperback
Edition	1st
Extent	304
ISBN	9781399403702
Imprint	Bloomsbury Wildlife
Dimensions	198 x 129 mm
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

Author

Hugh Warwick

Hugh Warwick is an ecologist and environmental wri…

Fascinating, intelligent and indispensable: Hugh Warwick tackles a crucial and difficult subject that has been avoided for far too long, and does so with style, insight and verve.

George Monbiot
Is killing for conservation right or wrong? There might be no easy answer, but Hugh Warwick employs honest and intelligent questioning in a fruitful, fascinating exploration of one of the skeletons in conservation's cupboard.

Chris Packham
It's hard to think of a more companionable guide to some of conservation's thorniest thickets than Hugh Warwick. Cull of the Wild is a journey navigated with courage, curiosity and compassion. Every nature lover should read it.

Amy-Jane Beer
With his customary good humour and grace, Hugh Warwick has tackled the knotted issues entailed in the control and culling of so-called pest species. While he might conclude that the matters themselves are invariably complex, his own approach is always clear and grounded in deep reflection.

Mark Cocker
The perfect introduction to the darker side of conservation, which Hugh Warwick explains with reverence and humour. A must read!

Kate Bradbury
A fascinating, readable book.

Nature