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Cull of the Wild delves into the challenges conservationists face – practical and ethical – as they try to counter one of the greatest threats to biodiversity: invasive species.
Culling animals for the sake of conservation is a thorny, sometimes crucial and often controversial issue. For naturalist Hugh Warwick, it is far from a comfortable subject. He loathes the idea of killing (or even eating) animals. Yet, as an ecologist, he is acutely aware of the need, in some instances, to kill and remove invasive species whose presence harms the wider environment.
In Cull of the Wild, Hugh tells the stories of how various 'invasive' species came to be where they shouldn't and reveals the impacts of their presence. He talks to experts and meets the people whose job it is to set the traps and pull the trigger. From rats eliminated from important British seabird islands where they were eating their eggs, to control programmes targeting species such as the American mink, grey squirrel, and in Australia, the cane toad, these systems are complex and challenging but often essential to help other species survive.
As we all know, sometimes programmes involving the 'legal killing' of animals are hugely emotive, such as when tourists pay to 'cull' species such as elephants or other 'big game'. Join Hugh as he hears from all sides in the debate in this moving and thought-provoking book.
Published | Jul 22 2025 |
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Format | Paperback |
Edition | 1st |
Extent | 304 |
ISBN | 9781399403702 |
Imprint | Bloomsbury Wildlife |
Dimensions | 8 x 5 inches |
Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
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
This book is available on Bloomsbury Collections where your library has access.
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