United Kingdom, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions

These 12th proceedings provide an overview of the ongoing research and management activities on polar bears on the circumpolar Arctic. Together with the previous proceedings, they provide an historic record of the international effort in protecting polar bears from over-harvest, and document more recent concerns of threats arising as a consequence of increased human activities in both the Arctic and in regions far beyond the realm of polar bears.

The eight species of bear live in more than 65 countries or autonomous regions in four continents, in a variety of habitats from tropical rainforests to arctic ice. Numerous human cultures around the world symbolically or physically try to incorporate the power of bears into their people.

Deer are a unique group of mammals recognised for their grace and beauty. Some are also prime examples of flagship species, whose continued survival sustains the complex interplay of flora and fauna. Today many species are under threat of extinction.

The first comprehensive treatment of North American rodents of conservation concern. This action plan summarises the rodent fauna of North America and provides available information on every rodent taxon that has been considered to be of conservation concern by state, provincial and private conservation agencies and regional experts.

Sharks and their relatives, the rays and chimaeras, are the diverse group of cartilaginous fishes that have evolved over 400 million years. Historically considered of low economic value to large-scale fisheries, today many of these fishes have become the target of directed commercial and recreational fisheries around the world, and they are increasingly taken in the by-catch of fisheries targeting other species.

Despite their low species density, hyaenas are both unique and vital components of most African and some Asian ecosystems. Although there are only 4 species, they tend to clash with the interests of humans to a greater extent than many other mammals and one of the biggest obstacles facing those committed to the conservation of this species is the negative feelings that many people have towards hyaenas.

This reflects the ongoing activities of the Crocodile Specialist Group, providing the first application of the new 1994 IUCN Red List Categories to crocodilian status assessment.