Fundamentals of Conservation Biology / Edition 3

by Malcolm L. Hunter Jr., James P. Gibbs

Overview

In the new edition of this highly successful book, Malcolm Hunter and new co-author James Gibbs offer a thorough introduction to the fascinating and important field of conservation biology, focusing on what can be done to maintain biodiversity through management of ecosystems and populations.

• Starting with a succinct look at conservation and biodiversity, this book progresses to contend with some of the subject's most complex topics, such as mass extinctions, ecosystem degradation, and over exploitation.
• Discusses social, political, and economic aspects of conservation biology.
• Thoroughly revised with over six hundred new references and web links to many of the organizations involved in conservation biology, striking photographs and maps.

Artwork from the book is available to instructors online at www.blackwellpublishing.com/hunter and by request on CD-ROM.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781405135450
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	01/02/2008
Edition description:	Revised
Pages:	516
Product dimensions:	7.50(w) x 9.60(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Malcolm Hunter is the Libra Professor of Conservation Biology and Professor of Wildlife Ecology at the University of Maine, Orono. He is also the former President of the Society for Conservation Biology.

James Gibbs is Associate Professor of Environmental and Forest Biology at the State University of New York's College of Environmental Science and Forestry.

James Gibbs, Malcolm Hunter, and Eleanor Sterling are the authors of the forthcoming new edition of Problem Solving in Conservation Biology (Blackwell, 2007).

Table of Contents

Full Contents vii

List of Case Studies xi

Preface xiii

Acknowledgments xvi

PART I Biodiversity and Its Importance 3

1 Conservation and Conservation Biology 4

2 What Is Biodiversity? 22

3 Species Diversity 34

4 Ecosystem Diversity 65

5 Genetic Diversity 86

PART II Threats to Biodiversity 113

6 Mass Extinctions and Global Change 114

7 Extinction Processes 130

8 Ecosystem Degradation and Loss 150

9 Overexploitation 184

10 Invasive Exotics 205

PART III Maintaining Biodiversity 225

11 Protecting Ecosystems 226

12 Managing Ecosystems 252

13 Managing Populations 281

14 Zoos and Gardens 310

PART IV The Human Factors 329

15 Social Factors 330

16 Economics 346

17 Politics and Action 372

Epilogue 392

Glossary 394

Literature Cited and Author Index 405

Species Index 476

Subject Index 486

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"This new edition continues to be an excellent choice for undergraduate courses in conservation biology - notable for its well-honed organization of concepts and its clear prose." 
–Professor Thomas L Fleischner, Prescott College

"This is an excellent text that provides a clear, lucid, and comprehensive summary of approaches used in biological conservation. It should inspire a new generation of conservation biologists."
–Tim Coulson, Imperial College, London

"My goal is to expose the concepts of conservation biology to the broadest possible student audience. For its combination of accessible writing with rigorous, updated content, Fundamentals of Conservation Biology is matchless."
–Professor Travis Knowles, Francis Marion University

"Hunter and Gibbs have produced an excellent text, one that uses an array of concrete examples, ethical principles, and theory to challenge and engage students. Fundamentals of Conservation Biology should remain one of the standards in the field for years to come." 
–Dr Christopher Norment, SUNY College at Brockport

"Hunter and Gibbs comprehensively present conservation biology with both clarity and charm. It includes excellent examples and case studies, current issues and topics, and recent references that will certainly appeal to faculty and students in the conservation sciences."
–Dr Jamie M Kneitel, California State University, Sacramento

Editorial Reviews

"Drawing on their experience in teaching and instructive writing, the authors provide an accessible, well-organized and updated review suitable for undergraduate and graduate students in various biological and environmental sciences. The book will also serve as a reference work for researchers, and the expressive and lively prose, reflecting the dedication of the authors, will hopefully inspire not only future conservation biologists but anyone who is interested in the richness of life surrounding us." (Écoscience, Volume 15, Issue 4, 2008)

"One could imagine a whole course being based on this book as it has so much to offer." (Journal of Biological Education)

From the Publisher

An introductory text on conservation biology, focusing on maintaining biodiversity through management of ecosystems and populations. Incorporates discussions of social, political, and economic aspects throughout chapters on species and ecosystem diversity, mass extinctions and extinction processes, and managing ecosystems. Features case-study boxes, chapter summaries, discussion questions, and b&w illustrations. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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