Special Issue | 25 July 2014Vanishing fauna

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INTRODUCTION—Science's special section on vanishing fauna addresses the widely accepted issue that human activity is speeding the demise of many animal species through the destruction of wild lands, the consumption of animals as resources or luxuries, and the persecution of species that humans view as threats or competitors—but the socio-economic drivers of this defaunation can be complex. This special section highlights Earth's disappearing animals as well as the complications that arise when humans try to conserve them. [Read the special section introduction.]

News

The empty forest

By E. Stokstad
A beleaguered national park in Borneo hints at what can happen when animals disappear.
Opinion

An animal-rich future

By J. J. Tewksbury and H.S. Rogers
Animals are integral to humanity’s future.
 
Review

Defaunation in the Anthropocene

By R. Dirzo
Increasing global loss of animals has ecosystem consequences.
Review

Reversing defaunation: Restoring species in a changing world

By P. J. Seddon
Hopeful attempts to reverse animal declines and extinctions face tough challenges.
Perspective

Wildlife decline and social conflict

By J. S. Brashares et al.
Policies aimed at reducing wildlife-related conflict must address the underlying causes.
Book Review

Our once and future planet

By P. Woodworth, reviewed by W. E. Stutz

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