Conservation and Biodiversity (Scientific American Library) [Hardcover]

Andrew P. Dobson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0716750570 | ISBN-13: 978-0716750574 | Publication Date: January 1996 | Edition: First Edition

This work provides an overview of the scientific issues involved in preserving the variety of ecosystems on the planet. Beginning with a discussion of the scientific and economic principles relevant to the conservation of biodiversity, the text explores the causes of extinction and consequences of habitat loss. It also includes endangered species management, the conservation of biological communities and the practical possibilities for sustainable use of the environment.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Conservation And Biodiversity introduces readers to problems, both scientific and economic, of quantifying the magnitude and value of biodiversity. What really is the extent of biodiversity loss and how does one go about figuring it out? Why is biodiversity valuable for the earth and ourselves, what can be done to conserve it? Dobson gives clear answers in this beautifully illustrated book. Conservation And Biodiversity offers a lucid explanation of how current extinction rates are figured and how species endangerment is determined. He also offers fascinating insights into managing endangered species and the economics of different conservation strategies. Filled with vivid case studies, Dobson cites the changes in animal populations before and after management attempts. Highly recommended! -- Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Andrew P. Dobson is Assistant Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University. A graduate of Imperial College and Oxford University, he is the author of many research papers on conservation and ecology.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: W H Freeman & Co; First Edition edition (January 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0716750570
• ISBN-13: 978-0716750574
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,266,082 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Good primer on Conservation Biology, July 28, 2008

By 

Angus Parker (San Francisco) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Conservation and Biodiversity (Scientific American Library Paperback) (Paperback)

An engaging read for the lay audience - basically for people who want a well written, primer of biodiversity conservation with plenty of examples.

3.0 out of 5 stars Biodiversity is not only species diversity, July 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Conservation and Biodiversity (Scientific American Library Paperback) (Paperback)

This book contains useful information and can be seen as a complete guide for scientists and decision makers who are interested to protect species diversity. Unfortunately the author does not consider other levels of biodiversity in his book and whenever he referrs to them he does it from a species perspective only.

I consider that genetic diversity aspects, population dynamics and their evolution perspectives are crutial for species survival and should be considered when decisions are going to be taken and priorities to be defined. The unit of evolution is the Mendelian population. The information of how populations evolve from generation to generation is more crutial than counting species per hectare!

I think that the species aspect is crutial and can be easier communicated, but is still incomplete when it is considered separately. All levels of biodiversity contribute to the general picture that a conservationist should have in mind before taking a decision about priorities, plans and activities.

It is true that most conservation initiatives taken so far globally, especially the ones taken by governments and international treaties, are influenced by the species level information only. This is one of the reasons why we win the battle and loose the war against the loss of biodiversity. I consider this book as one very nice tool, that unfortunately shows the wrong way!