Conservation biology is fast emerging as a major new discipline, which incorporates biological principles in the design of effective strategies for the sustainable management of populations, species and entire ecosystems. This beautifully illustrated textbook introduces students to conservation biology, the science of preserving biodiversity. It begins by taking the reader on a tour of the many and varied ecosystems of our planet, providing a setting in which to explore the factors that have led to the alarming loss of biodiversity that we now see. In particular the fundamental problems of habitat loss and fragmentation, habitat disturbance and the non-sustainable exploitation of species in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are explored. The methods that have been developed to address these problems, from the most traditional forms of conservation, to new approaches at genetic to landscape scales are then discussed, showing how the science can be put into practice.

‘ … as well produced and clear as its competitors and that the range of geographical examples is excellent. I shall certainly recommend it as a text for my undergraduate audience … this is a welcome addition to the library of books on conservation biology.’

Source: Journal of Parasitology

‘… a very readable text taking an unusual route through the notion off conservation ecology … given the range of material and the focus on applied science, this text is one of the best recent introductions to the subject.’

Source: TEG News

'The book is attractively designed and easy to read, avoiding the imitation of web-page clutter that characterizes some recent textbooks. The figures have been redrawn to achieve a consistent and readable visual style. I recommend this text to instructors who are looking for a concise, readable introduction to the core concepts of conservation biology with an international perspective.'

Source: Ecology

‘… a very good introduction and well worth recommending to students.’

Source: Glasgow Naturalist