An interim report on the Abruzzo brown bear survey in Italy (to which the FPSWWF Revolving Fund contributed) estimates a density of one bear for each five square kilometres in an area (Monti della Difesa, near Pescasseroli) that is believed to provide the optimum bear habitat. In the 360 square kms under observation there were at least 70 bears, from which it was calculated that, as the bears' range covers at least 520 square kms, the total population may be not less than 100 animals. The report recommends that both refuge and feeding areas be made strict reserves, with an absolute prohibition against cutting plants favoured by bears (66 per cent of their food was found to be herbaceous or fruit); a planting programme of suitable food plants; indemnity payments for damage to domestic stock (which was done in 1965 and 1970 by the Italian WWF, and is now being done by the National Park authorities for the first time in its history), and the reintroduction of herbivores.

Artificial insemination is widely used throughout the world in the breeding of domestic animals. Why should not this technique be adapted and applied to build up populations of rare and endangered species?

Now that conservation is a word in everyday use, we have the second and more difficult task of explaining what it really means, and a filmstrip such as Dr. D.H. Dalby’s Nature Conservation in the British Isles makes a valuable contribution. His photographs are unemotional statements of fact and the lecture notes full and informative, with background information in italics. The filmstrip is divided into three sections with inevitably some overlap between them. The first ‘Some major threats’ has twelve frames ‘ it seems a pity there was not room for more about such farming techniques as removal of hedges and the effects of coastal development; the second ‘How natural are our habitats?’ discusses the evolution of our countryside and provokes the question, What is it we are trying to conserve? The third is concerned with conservation measures. Aimed principally at secondary schools, naturalists’ trusts and amenity bodies, there is, surprisingly, no mention of Colleges of Education or Teachers’ Centres. The education of future generations of adults is fundamental in conservation, but first we must educate our teachers.

Soldiers in training were able to help with the protection of rare wildlife on Bernier Island in Western Australia, by shooting out feral goats. The author, of the 2nd Keo Goorkhas, suggests that similar projects should be possible in other parts of the world.

The importance of wildlife as a source of meat, as well as tourist revenue, is the most telling argument for its protection in Nigeria, where bushmeat is highly valued. Many species have been seriously overhunted, but populations could be built up again. The creation of a wildlife division in the Forestry Department last year was a major step in the right direction and 29 new reserves are planned. Animal numbers are increasing noticeably in the two major existing reserves, Yankari and Borgu.