This book considers a number of problems posed by ungulates and their management in Europe. Through a synthesis of the underlying biology and a comparison of the management techniques adopted in different countries, the book explores which management approaches seem effective - and in which circumstances. Experts in a number of different areas of applied wildlife biology review various management problems and alternative solutions, including the impact of large ungulates on agriculture, forestry and conservation habitats, the impact of disease and predation on ungulate populations and the involvement of ungulates in road traffic accidents and possible measures for mitigation. This book is directed at practising wildlife managers, those involved in research to improve methods of wildlife management, and policy-makers in local, regional and national administrations.

Mountain goats have been among the least studied of North American ungulates, leaving wildlife managers with little information on which to base harvest strategies or conservation plans. This book offers the first comprehensive assessment of the ecology and behavior of mountain goats, setting forth the results of a remarkable 16-year longitudinal study of more than 300 marked individuals in a population in Alberta, Canada. The authors’ thorough, long-term study allowed them to draw important conclusions about mountain goat ecology—including individual reproductive strategies, population dynamics, and sensitivity to human disturbance—and to use those conclusions in offering guidance for developing effective conservation strategies. Chapters examine: -habitat use, vegetation quality, and seasonal movements -sexual segregation and social organization -individual variability in yearly and lifetime reproductive success of females -age- and sex-specific survival and dispersal -reproductive strategies and population dynamics -management and conservation of mountain goats The book also draws on the rich literature on long-term monitoring of marked ungulates to explore similarities and differences between mountain goats and other species, particularly bighorn sheep and ibex. By monitoring a marked population over a long period of time, researchers were able to document changes in sex-age structure and identify factors driving population dynamics. Because it explores the links between individual life-history strategy and population dynamics in a natural setting, Mountain Goats will be an invaluable resource for wildlife managers, researchers in ecology and animal behavior, conservationists, population biologists, and anyone concerned with the ecology and management of natural populations, especially in alpine environments.

The Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus) has been protected by law since 1955 in Japan, because it was becoming rarer and approaching extinction. Thereafter, the serow population has increased gradually. The Japanese serow is thought to be a primitive relict species on the islands of Japan, and the geographical range of the serow has retracted upwards into the moun tain forests to avoid contact with humans. Little was therefore known about these animals. However, increasing losses of forest habitat due to exploit ation of the mountain forests or expanding cultivation by local foresters have driven the Japanese serow back into the lowlands of Japan. Since then, complaints of damage to trees and other vegetation have accumulated against the serow. In some prefectures the shooting of Japanese serow was allowed in order to prevent damage to forests. The animals killed were taken for research by the Departments of the Environment and by universities. was set up at the summit of Mt. Gozaisho, The Japan Serow Center Komono-cho, Mie Prefecture, in 1962 and has made a great effort to breed the serow and its related species in captivity. In addition, the International Studbook of Capricorn is crispus in captivity was established in Japan, and the state of breeding of the Japanese serows is now reported annually. However, without detailed scientific research, it is impossible to conduct sensible protection, conservation or management of the serow in captivity or in the wild.