Manifesto for new dimensions in large carnivore conservation

Manifesto for new dimensions in large carnivore conservation

Human prosperity relies on functioning ecosystem processes. Large carnivores play an integral role in their human and natural surrounding; integrative conservation strategies are warranted to ensure their persistence.

Original Paper:
Ripple WJ, Estes JA, Beschta RL, Wilmers CC, Ritchie EG, Hebblewhite M, Berger J, Elmhagen B, Letnic M, Nelson MP, Schmitz OJ, Smith DW, Wallach AD, Wirsing AJ. (2014) "Status and Ecological Effects of the World's Largest Carnivores." Science. 343(6167)

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1241484

Carnivores, i.e. meat-eating animals, comprise 245 species, 31 of which are considered "large carnivores" because their body weight is above 15kg (≥ 33 lbs.). They are mostly positioned at the top of the food web, meaning they affect many species below them by feeding on them. 19 of those 31 carnivore species are considered threatened by the World Conservation Union (IUCN), and most species keep declining in range or numbers.

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