Principles of Conservation Biology

Principles of Conservation Biology, Second Edition, is a major revision of the most comprehensive textbook on conservation biology. First published in 1994, and richly praised by reviewers, teachers, and students, Principles was adopted for courses at more than 145 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Written by leading experts in the field, it is intended for use in conservation biology courses at the advanced undergraduate (junior and senior) and graduate levels, as well as by researchers and practitioners, and assumes a basic background in biology and ecology.
Principles' nineteen chapters address several themes, including introductory topics that serve as the foundation for the field, population-level issues, community and ecosystem-level concerns, and a large section on human dimensions, the practical application of conservation biology in a real and complex world. Two chapters specifically grapple with complex management and sustainable development issues using a series of case studies written by individuals intimately involved with problem solving.

The Second Edition features a new chapter on becoming more effective in implementation of science in conservation policy, a much expanded and in-depth treatment of ecosystem management, a large number of new and updated guest essays and case studies, and rigorous revisions throughout. The book is richly illustrated, and chapters are complemented with annotated reading lists and questions designed to stimulate thought and class discussions. Principles of Conservation Biology concludes with an extensive glossary of useful terms and a large bibliography that has proved a valuable reference for students and researchers.

Part I Introductory ConceptsCh1. What Is Conservation Biology?Ch2. Conservation Values and EthicsCh3. The Species in ConservationCh4. Global Biodiversity I: Patterns and ProcessesCh5. Global Biodiversity II: Losses and ThreatsPart II Population-Level ConsiderationsCh6. Genetics: Conservation of Diversity within SpeciesCh7. Demographic Processes: Population Dynamics on Heterogeneous LandscapesPart III System-Level ConsiderationsCh8. Community- and Ecosystem-Level Conservation: Species Interactions, Disturbances Regimes, and Invading SpeciesCh9. Habitat FragmentationCh10. Conservation Reserves in Heterogeneous LandscapesPart IV Practical Applications and Human ConsiderationsCh11. Management to Meet Conservation Goals: General PrinciplesCh12. Management to Meet Conservation Goals: ApplicationsCh13. Conservation Management Case StudiesCh14. Ecological RestorationCh15. Ecology, Politics, and Economics: Finding the Common Ground for Decision Making in ConservationCh16. The Role of Institutions and Policymaking in ConservationCh17. Conservation Biologists in the Policy Process: Learning to be Practical and EffectiveCh18. Sustainable Development Case StudiesCh19. Meeting Conservation Challenges in an Uncertain Future