Conservation Biology

Conservation biology integrates both social and science disciplines to achieve the management and conservation of biological diversity, at all levels of biological organization.

This interdisciplinary subject spans the areas of economics, politics, law, education, taxonomy, genetics, ecology and biogeography. Conservation Biology has been written by a team of 20 experts from both academia, and environmental and conservation organizations, giving emphasis to practice within an academic framework.

Key topics explore:

-perceptions of nature, wildlife and biological diversity, including the impact of cultural and social issues on conservation practices

-existing political, economic and legislative limitations and constraints

-conservation in practice at various levels and scales from genetics to ecosystems, from immediate problems to modelling for the future

Conservation Biology is written for undergraduates taking courses in conservation, conservation biology, ecology, environmental biology, resource studies and countryside management, as part of degrees in biology, ecology, environmental science and geography. Postgraduate students and teachers in conservation and resource management will also find this a valuable text.

Ian Spellerberg is Director of the Centre for Resource Management, Lincoln University, New Zealand. He was previously Director of the Centre for Environmental Sciences, University of Southampton, UK.