A Primer of Conservation Biology.

Abstract

1. DEFINING CONSERVATION BIOLOGY The Nature and Origins of Conservation Biology Conservation Biology's Ethical Principles Achievements and Challenges 2. WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY? Species Diversity Genetic Diversity Ecosystem Diversity Biodiversity Worldwide 3. THE VALUE OF BIODIVERSITY Ecological Economics Direct Economic Values The Long-Term View: Option Value Existence Value Environmental Ethics 4. THREATS TO BIODIVERSITY Human Population Growth and its Impact Habitat Destruction Desertification Habitat Fragmentation Edge Effects Environmental Degradation and Pollution Global Climate Change Overexploitation Invasive Species Disease 5. EXTINCTION IS FOREVER The Meaning of 'Extinct' Rates of Extinction Vulnerability to Extinction The Problems of Small Populations Extinction Vortices 6. CONSERVING POPULATIONS AND SPECIES Applied Population Biology Conservation Categories Establishing New Populations Ex Situ Conservation Strategies Legal Protection of Species 7. PROTECTED AREAS Establishment and Classification of Protected Areas The Effectiveness of Protected Areas Designing and Networking Protected Areas Landscape Ecology and Park Design Managing Protected Areas 8. CONSERVATION OUTSIDE PROTECTED AREAS Unprotected Public and Private Lands Human-Dominated Landscapes Working with Local People Ecosystem Management Restoring Damaged Ecosystems Targets of Major Restoration Efforts The Future of Restoration Ecology 9. THE CHALLENGES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Sustainable Development in Modern Societies Conservation Education International Approaches to Sustainable Development International Funding The Role of Conservation Biologists Appendix A: Some Ongoing Problems and Possible Responses Appendix B: Selected Environmental Organizations and Sources of Information