An Evolutionary Basis for Conservation Strategies

Abstract

thropocentric from their inception in the Middle Ages to the present (1, 2). During dynastic and feudal times, parts of kingdoms were set aside as hunting grounds for the aristocracy, thus preserving everything that dwelled therein. This, plus severe natural and cultural control of human populations resulted in environmen-tal protection for centuries. Today, with a burgeoning and expand-ing human population of 5.3 billion, no more than 4500 areas are protected globally (?); that is equivalent to a mere 3.2 % of our planet's landmass. National parks, wildlife refuges, biosphere re-serves, military reserves, Indian reservations, and other forms of legally protected areas have been established for aesthetic, political, or practical purposes in the last 150 years. Many reserves in less-developed nations are paper parks only; many in the more developed are lamentably endangered by touristic herds, and certain wilderness parks are threatened by short-sighted national energy