Key Topics in Conservation Biology 2 (ePub)

Following the much acclaimed success of the first volume of
Key Topics in Conservation Biology, this entirely new second
volume addresses an innovative array of key topics in contemporary
conservation biology. Written by an internationally renowned
team of authors, Key Topics in Conservation Biology 2 adds
to the still topical foundations laid in the first volume
(published in 2007) by exploring a further 25 cutting-edge issues
in modern biodiversity conservation, including controversial
subjects such as setting conservation priorities, balancing the
focus on species and ecosystems, and financial mechanisms to value
biodiversity and pay for its conservation. Other chapters, setting
the framework for conservation, address the sociology and
philosophy of peoples' relation with Nature and its impact on
health, and such challenging practical issues as wildlife trade and
conflict between people and carnivores. As a new development, this
second volume of Key Topics includes chapters on major ecosystems,
such as forests, islands and both fresh and marine waters, along
with case studies of the conservation of major taxa: plants,
butterflies, birds and mammals. A further selection of topics
consider how to safeguard the future through monitoring, reserve
planning, corridors and connectivity, together with approaches to
reintroduction and re-wilding, along with managing wildlife
disease. A final chapter, by the editors, synthesises thinking on
the relationship between biodiversity conservation and human
development.

Each topic is explored by a team of top international experts,
assembled to bring their own cross-cutting knowledge to a
penetrating synthesis of the issues from both theoretical and
practical perspectives.

The interdisciplinary nature of biodiversity conservation is
reflected throughout the book. Each essay examines the fundamental
principles of the topic, the methodologies involved and, crucially,
the human dimension. In this way, Key Topics in Conservation
Biology 2, like its sister volume, Key Topics in Conservation
Biology, embraces issues from cutting-edge ecological science
to policy, environmental economics, governance, ethics, and the
practical issues of implementation.

Key Topics in Conservation Biology 2 will, like its
sister volume, be a valuable resource in universities and colleges,
government departments, and conservation agencies. It is aimed
particularly at senior undergraduate and graduate students in
conservation biology and wildlife management and wider ecological
and environmental subjects, and those taking Masters degrees in any
field relevant to conservation and the environment. Conservation
practitioners, policy-makers, and the wider general public eager to
understand more about important environmental issues will also find
this book invaluable.