People and Wildlife: Understanding and resolving the black-tailed prairie dog conservation challenge

摘要: INTRODUCTION In 1999 the US Fish and Wildlife Service recommended designating black-tailed prairie dog ( Cynomys ludovicianus ) as warranted for listing threatened under Endangered Species Act, but precluded from such by other, higher priority species (US 1999). This ‘warranted, precluded’ finding flamed a management controversy that had been brewing years instigated flurry of activity agricultural interests, government agencies, conservation non-governmental organizations (NGOs), scientists others. Stakeholders became polarized between those who want to conserve dogs limit them. Although ecologists have noted decades huge decline dogs, recently 10–15 ago status their was largely neglected therefore not controversial. How did this issue move forefront controversies in country? chapter we use policy sciences approach (Lasswell McDougal 1992) describe analyse surrounding examining context issue, key stakeholders, processes being used understand address problem. We end with recommendations improve prospects recovery conservation. THE CONTEXT OF PRAIRIE DOG CONSERVATION: ORIENTING TO ‘PROBLEM’ Fully understanding challenge requires comprehensive assessment context.