Publisher's Synopsis
This is the first introductory text on conservation biology to focus clearly on southern Australia and the problems that face its native animals and plants and their habitats as a result of human interference. Beginning with a comprehensive discussion of the broad principles of conservation biology and its importance in Australia, Conservation Biology covers: the development of conservation practive and theory in Australia, using local examples to provide a framework for understanding; the extent and nature of the need for conservation in southern Australia; extinction and its significance; the meanings, levels, and interpretation of the concept of biodiversity; the notion of rarity, and its evaluation in terms of establishing he conservation status of flora and fauna; approaches to species and ecosystem conservation, including reserve design and setting priorities for conservation management, conservation beyond reserves, and ex situ conservation (encompassing captive breeding and reintroduction); the considerable number of threats to species and ecosystems; Australia's conservation responsibilities in a global context.;Conservation Biology features a series of topical case histories that highlight management issues and some of the successes and disappointments that have occurred, and each chapter includes suggestions for further reading.
