The Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society recognizes the importance of healthy environments for both human and wildlife activities. In 1982, a symposium was organized for the annual meeting of the Texas Chapter to recognize that habitat loss is the most crucial problem confronting wildlife. At that time, conservation and environmental awareness among citizens were increasing but were not as widespread and of as much concern as they are today. Wildlife habitat destruction continues to increase, even though we face the possibility that only remnants of our native landscape and associated wildlife may survive.
During the decade of the 1980's, many changes occurred in Texas that involve conservation and management philosophies, policies, and issues as well as land-use impacts on wildlife. Fifteen years after the original symposium was published by the Texas Chapter, there is an even greater demand for information, because a myriad of conservation issues affects wildlife and land resources of Texas. Therefore, the Executive Board decided that a new version-a book rather than another symposium-was needed and should be published and marketed by a well-established press. Thus, the Texas Chapter would have a splendid opportunity to provide a unique, valuable contribution to the natural resource literature of Texas.
The new wildlife management philosophy in Texas is that of providing a balance between "game" and "nongame" interest groups. The goal is landscape ecology in the broadest context, i.e., ecosystem biodiversity. The old-style management philosophy emphasized production of selected species of value to sportsmen. However, natural resources are essential to all citizens. One of the clearest lessons from history is that increasing human populations and the resulting environmental damage destroyed the resources upon which past civilizations ix Χ / PREFACE were dependent. But, unlike earlier civilizations, we have the knowledge and educational capability to prevent a similar catastrophe if we take the initiative and make the commitment. However, there are no easy solutions, only choices based on intelligence and wisdom.
Although the new Texas Wildlife Resources and Land Uses advocates this ethical philosophy, it also reflects the 1982 symposium so that we can track our progress (or lack thereof) during the past and into the future. For, as Dr. John Baccus said in his preface to the proceedings, "It would be most unfortunate that our enlightenment at the symposium be forgotten and lost due to a lack of action."
All previous chapters are revised and updated. There are 7 new topics, including an entire section of 9 chapters on wildlife management on Texas public lands, which, although extremely important, comprise only about 2% of the state. New articles discuss the ecological regions of Texas, the need for a Texas land ethic, a landowner's view of wildlife and wildlife users, private lands and wildlife, nuisance wildlife and land use, and conservation organizations in Texas.
The authors present viewpoints of various governmental and private organizations that represent diverse user groups and resource areas. In some cases, they reflect differences of opinion which are important: they reveal problems that should be addressed and could result in dialogue, cooperation, coordination, and action.
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Texas Wildlife Resources and Land Uses will be of value to all persons interested in wildlife conservation and management: landowners, government officials, agency representatives, conservationists, managers, educators, consultants, and the people of Texas. Perhaps groups of people in different disciplines will develop a new team approach to restore biodiversity to Texas ecological regions. If so, the efforts of all those involved in the production of this book will have been worthwhile. Raymond C. Telfair II This book is a product of cooperation and coordination of many people in diverse fields of expertise. The contributors and support staffs of many organizations provided text and illustrative materials. I deeply appreciate their interest in the project. The book could not have been produced without the support and guidance of an excellent publisher. I am sincerely grateful to the University of Texas Press for accepting the project and working with me and the contributors during the long, arduous task of editing. I especially thank the following staff members: Shannon Davies (sponsoring editor), Leslie Tingle (manuscript editor), and Heidi Haeuser (designer). The laborious task of reviewing the original manuscript was accomplished by the astute professional guidance and insight of Drs. Craig A. McMahan (retired, Wildlife Division, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department) and Nova J. Silvy (professor, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, Texas A&M University).
Several colleagues graciously agreed to prepare or assist with illustrations and tables: book cover design (Carl Frentress) and artwork (Rob Fleming); frontispiece, other maps, and graphs (Cynthia Banks,
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