Conservation by Proxy: Indicator, Umbrella, Keystone, Flagship, and Other Surrogate Species

Tim Caro

ISBN 10: 1597261939 / ISBN 13: 9781597261937

Published by Island Press, 2010

About this Item

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Seller Inventory # B9781597261937

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Conservation by Proxy: Indicator, Umbrella, Keystone, Flagship, and Other Surrogate Species
• Publisher: Island Press
• Publication Date: 2010
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1597261939
• ISBN 13: 9781597261937
• Binding: Paperback / softback
• Illustrator: Girling, Sheila
• Edition: 2nd Edition
• Condition: New
• Weight: 582 grams

About this title

Synopsis

The vast scope of conservation problems has forced biologists and managers to rely on "surrogate" species to serve as shortcuts to guide their decision making. These species-known by a host of different terms, including indicator, umbrella, and flagship species-act as proxies to represent larger conservation issues, such as the location of biodiversity hotspots or general ecosystem health.

 

Synthesizing an immense body of literature, conservation biologist and field researcher Tim Caro offers systematic definitions of surrogate species concepts, explores biological theories that underlie them, considers how surrogate species are chosen, critically examines evidence for and against their utility, and makes recommendations for their continued use. The book

clarifies terminology and contrasts how different terms are used in the real world

considers the ecological, taxonomic, and political underpinnings of these shortcuts

identifies criteria that make for good surrogate species

outlines the circumstances where the application of the surrogate species concept shows promise

Conservation by Proxy is a benchmark reference that provides clear definitions and common understanding of the evidence and theory behind surrogate species. It is the first book to review and bring together literature on more than fifteen types of surrogate species, enabling us to assess their role in conservation and offering guidelines on how they can be used most effectively.

About the Author

Tim Caro is a professor in the Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology and a member of the Center for Population Biology, at the University of California, Davis.