Practical Approaches to the Conservation of Biological Diversity.

Practical Approaches to the Conservation of Biological Diversity clearly explains the importance of biodiversity conservation for natural resource professionals and students. It brings together in a single volume information on a range of scientific and management approaches, and provides useful and workable guidelines for conserving biodiversity in a broad array of settings and under a variety of circumstances.

Following an introductory section that examines the concept of biological diversity, its historical context, and its importance to humans, the book presents a general discussion of approaches to biodiversity conservation along with detailed description and analysis of a variety of specific strategies. For each strategy, contributors introduce theoretical background and context, explore specific techniques and assumptions, identify complications and other considerations, and discuss advantages and disadvantages.

Specific approaches considered include:

• bioreserve strategies
• emphasis area strategies
• coarse filter strategies based on habitat diversity and on historical ranges of variability
• fine filter strategies
• coarse filter/fine filter combinations

Each chapter examines the theory underlying the strategy being discussed, followed by a case studies of real-world application of that strategy. Among the case studies are the Legacy project in northern California, the Gap Analysis Program, Prairie CARE in the Canadian prairie provinces, and others.

The book examines typical real-world constraints, criticisms, and related management problems that often arise, and provides alternative solutions and options for managers to consider in those situations. It ends with a summary overview of the information presented and a discussion of future directions and innovations in biodiversity conservation.