Attitudes towards charismatic animals such as tigers, lions, bears and wolves vary greatly and change over time, resulting in bitter political debates. This comprehensive book identifies and analyses the factors that influence policies across the globe, highlighting how this impacts conservation as a whole. Issues such as overexploitation, hunting, ecotourism and the struggle to prevent illegal wildlife trafficking are examined and science's role in policymaking is assessed. The conflicting forces behind legislation, including institutions, interest groups and the media are analysed, with particular focus on the significance of the Endangered Species Act, covering over forty-five species that have become matters of political debate in sixty-seven different countries. Case studies and conceptual frameworks provide a clear understanding of the key topics, shedding light on this important yet often overlooked area of environmental politics.

'Eminently readable and thoroughly referenced, Wildlife Politics fills a great void in the literature. It will make an excellent primary text in classes on conservation politics and an excellent supplementary text in survey courses on conservation, which usually give short shrift to politics and thus leave students unprepared.'

David Johns Source: Biological Conservation

'The utility of this book to students and scholars lies in its diversity of subject matter and the depth in which subjects are explored.'

J. Organ Source: Choice

'This is an incredibly well-researched overview and survey of the factors, issues, and considerations that are relevant to conservation of biological diversity in the Unites States and around the world. This book would be an excellent reference and starting point for students, policy practitioners, and wildlife managers who want to gain a greater appreciation for the complexities of wildlife politics.'

Brett Hartl Source: The Quarterly Review of Biology

'Wildlife Politics is an impressive summary of many of the social and political issues that shape conservation … this will be a valuable resource for those interested in wildlife politics, wherever they are in the world.'

Rebecca Nesbit Source: The Biologist