Applied Zooarchaeology

During the last two decades, zooarchaeologists have increasingly focused aspects of their work on conservation biology. Zooarchaeological data represent an empirical record of past human-animal interactions, which provides conservation with a deep temporal perspective. There are many challenges that face the archaeologist as conservation biologist, however, that have little to do with deep time, faunal remains, and zooarchaeological method and theory. In this book we use a series of case studies with which each of the authors has relevant personal experience to explore the types of interdisciplinary challenges that zooarchaeologists face when crossing into the world of environmental management and animal conservation. Never has there been a greater need for multi-vocal perspectives in conservation biology. This book shows zooarchaeologists how to use zooarchaeological perspectives to help meet those needs, while crossing traditional academic disciplinary boundaries.

During the last two decades, zooarchaeologists have increasingly focused aspects of their work on conservation biology. Zooarchaeological data represent an empirical record of past human-animal interactions, which provides conservation with a deep temporal perspective. There are many challenges that face the archaeologist as conservation biologist, however, that have little to do with deep time, faunal remains, and zooarchaeological method and theory. In this book we use a series of case studies with which each of the authors has relevant personal experience to explore the types of interdisciplinary challenges that zooarchaeologists face when crossing into the world of environmental management and animal conservation. Never has there been a greater need for multi-vocal perspectives in conservation biology. This book shows zooarchaeologists how to use zooarchaeological perspectives to help meet those needs, while crossing traditional academic disciplinary boundaries.

• By (author) Lisa Nagaoka
• By (author) Torben C. Rick
• By (author) Steven J. Wolverton
• Foreword by Steven D. Emslie

"The process of applying archaeological data to conservation biology, resource management, and restoration ecology is far from straightforward. Applied Zooarchaeology carefully considers these problems, provides solutions, and offers recommendations for applied archaeologists so that the implications of archaeological research can impact conservation science and policy. The book is an excellent primer for all fields of study and researchers at any level of their careers regarding the analysis of archaeological data to help guide the management of fauna. . . . the concepts discussed are applicable far beyond zooarchaeology and are especially relevant to paleoethnobotany." Sanchez, Gabriel M., Journal of California and Great Basin Anthropology u Vol. 39, No. 1 (2019) 

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"In summary, Applied Zooarchaeology is a readable book with an important message for students entering the field of archaeology and zooarchaeology: it is challenging to apply archaeofaunal research to conservation biology. It should also be read by conservation biologists and wildlife managers who want a better understanding of zooarchaeology." --Steven R. James, California Archaeology

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"Applied Zooarchaeology: Five Case Studies shows how locally impactful, interdisciplinary historical ecological research can be achieved in a highly digestible way. As such, it is well worth the read." --Jonathan Dombrowsky, University of New Mexico, Ethnobiology Letters 7(1) 

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"This book will be most effective in the classroom when paired with detailed ecological, biological and zooarchaeological data that will allow students to delve deeply into the methodological background and political implications of this work, and it will also serve as an important resource for interdisciplinary research teams." --Catherine F. West, Boston University, The Holocene, Vol. 26(11), 2016 

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"...This book stands as an important contribution to the growing interdisciplinary field of applied zooarchaeology." --Suzanne E. Pilaar Birch, University of Georgia, American Antiquity, Vol. 82, No. 1 

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"A valuable compilation of five case studies that illustrate why and how paleozoological datasets inform conservation programs and policies. Although written for the uninitiated applied zooarchaeologist, the integration of archaeological and ecological theory and application makes this book an essential addition to the libraries of scientists and practitioners in conservation biology." Charles R. Randklev, Texas A & M University 

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"A prescient and useful primer on a nascent subfield of great importance for archaeology. Students will learn important lessons from this concise, highly readable work and its honest appraisals of the practical difficulties and disciplinary barriers that must be overcome if the value of zooarchaeological data is to be realized." Evan Peacock, Mississippi State University 

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"A highly readable primer for applied zooarchaeology. Through a series of case studies, the authors highlight fundamental issues of data quality, sampling, and taphonomy. This book will be of interest to archaeologists who want their research to engage real-world problems. Get a copy-and order extra copies for your students." Virginia L. Butler, Portland State University 

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"This book provides an insightful examination of how interdisciplinary efforts ... can be effective in addressing conservation problems. It joins a growing list of resources in applied zooarchaeology and paleozoology, which form an essential database that all new disciplines must acquire." Steven D. Emslie, University of North Carolina, Wilmington 

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"The individual chapters largely stand alone, and each provides a short, high quality snapshot of methods, data, and interpretations on the local or small regional scale. Collectively, these chapters provide a global perspective on contemporary zooarchaeology . . . Applied Zooarchaeology. . . is an excellent, concise, highly readable volume. Notably, each chapter ends with a list of key terms and discussion questions that foster critical reflection and make this an ideal volume for undergaruate teaching. The voume also forms an excellent primer for researchers and students interested in applied uses for zooarchaeological data, and the bibliography, though far from exhaustive, provides an excellent starting point for further exploration of the broader issues." --Trevor J. Orchard, University of Toronto Mississauga, Journal Canadien d'Archéologie 42 (2018) 

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