Essentials of Conservation Biology [Hardcover]

Richard B. Primack (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1998 | ISBN-10: 0878937218 | ISBN-13: 978-0878937219 | Edition: 2nd

Essentials of Conservation Biology, Second Edition is an updated and improved version of the successful first edition, and includes current examples, study questions and the latest literature. It combines theory and research findings to explain links between conservation biology and environmental economics, ethics, law and the social sciences. Dr Primack stresses how local people, the general public and governments can all play a part in protecting biological diversity. He further emphasizes the need for sustainable development--providing for human needs without harming biodiversity. Clearly written, beautifully illustrated and with over 1,000 bibliographic references, this broadly based book will be enjoyed by not only biology undergraduates and graduates but also students and researchers in other disciplines.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...brings together a vast amount of information within this discipline by elegantly blending fact, theory, opinion, and approach." -- René van der Wal, Écoscience --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

RICHARD B. PRIMACK, Boston University, USA. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 660 pages
• Publisher: Sinauer Associates Inc; 2nd edition (April 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0878937218
• ISBN-13: 978-0878937219
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,839,769 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 4th edition is very good, readable, ideal for undergrads, October 7, 2008

By 

Kathleen Hunt "samba kat" (Portland, OR, USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Essentials of Conservation Biology, Fourth Edition (Hardcover)

There is no perfect conservaton biology textbook, but this one is probably the best all-around choice for a general introduction to the field. I've just switched to this textbook for my undergraduate Conservation Biology class. I don't know what the 3rd edition was like, but the 2006 4th edition seems very nicely organized and well-written. I've tried 2 other texts for this course and found Hunter & Gibbs to be too oversimplified, while Groom et al. is too advanced for most undergraduates. Groom et al. is a fantastic reference for a professional or grad student, but is just too overwhelming for your average sophomore bio major. Anyway, Primack's 4th edition hits the middle ground exactly right - a lot of good detail, all the key vocabulary, decent coverage of recent developments in the field, clearly written, nice figures, but not too overwhelming. It's organized in 6 major sections: (1) biodiversity (what & where it is), (2) why we should care, (3) why it's vanishing, (4) population biology (how to keep a small pop'n going), (5) practical solutions (reserve design, restoration ecology etc.), and (6) human society. I plan to supplement it with outside readings & a case-study popular book or two, probably Kurlansky's "Cod" for a look at how human history, culture & economics can combine to gradually drive a species under, and Bodsworth's "Last of the Curlews" (the edition with the beautiful illustrations by T.M.Shortt) just for emotional impact and sheer beauty.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Thought-provoking, but muddled, December 27, 2005

By 

GlowingParis "Grad Student" (Southeastern, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Essentials of Conservation Biology (Hardcover)

This was the primary textbook for a graduate conservation biology course I had. I found the book to be an enjoyable read and thought-provoking. However, the book's organization was at time muddled. A decent introduction to the field of conservation biology, but as a textbook, it falls short.

4.0 out of 5 stars Conservation Biology, June 9, 2010

By 

Pannone "omeomi7" (New Jersey) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Essentials of Conservation Biology (Hardcover)

Great book - easy read. The text and topics are straight forward and not at all convoluted. Good book for getting straight to the point of the topics.