A Primer Of Conservation Biology

By Richard B. Primack

Book Overview

A Primer of Conservation Biology, Third Edition incorporates background, theory, and examples in a lively and readable text that will appeal to a wide audience and stimulate interest in conservation biology. The book provides the most up-to-date perspective on many high-profile issues in the field, such as sustainable development, the effectiveness of conservation laws and treaties, the design of conservation areas, classification of conservation threats, and strategies to save species on the verge of extinction. The Primer is divided into five chapters, focusing successively on biological diversity and its value, the threats to biological diversity, conservation at the population and species levels, protecting and managing habitats and ecosystems, and human societies and sustainable development. Case studies are included to demonstrate the controversies in the field, and to stimulate thought and discussion. The book provides many examples of successful conservation approaches and ends with suggestions for a future agenda. Throughout, the choice of examples is well balanced to show the full range of species, habitats, and geographic areas of the world. The links between conservation biology and environmental law, environmental economics, philosophy, social sciences and anthropology, park management, and government policy are clearly presented. The book is very well illustrated, includes an extensive bibliography (covering literature through 2004) and a glossary, and has an annotated list of suggested readings and discussion questions at the end of each chapter. Sources of further information are given in an Appendix. A Primer of Conservation Biology is ideally suited for use in short undergraduate courses, either as a stand-alone text or supplemented by outside readings. It can also be used effectively as a supplemental resource for courses in introductory biology, general ecology, population biology, environmental science, and w

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0878937285
• ISBN13: 9780878937288
• Release Date: June 2004
• Publisher: Sinauer Associates Inc
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.69 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.8" x 7.3"

Customer Reviews

Conservation/Biodiversity

This was a required text for a college class. It is easy to read though, and does emphasize the concepts covered in the Biodiversity class.

Dave's Review

It's a very good book with relevant information for the class i'm taking. it's up to date with the newest information.

Excellent introduction to Conservation Biology

Rihard Primack's Essentials of Conservation Biology was the the first textbook to present the fledgling field of conservation biology in a comprehennsive fashion. His Primer of Conservation Biology presents complex topics in a manner that makes this information accessible to a wider readership. The book covers a broad range of topics that includes an accounting of the origins and history of the field of conservation biology. The basic operating principles are offered with numerous examples of their application to real world problems. The author has chosen these examples from many different parts of the world so that all readers can relate to the practical approaches cited. This book serves as an excellent introductory text for readers that want a thorough introduction to conservation biology and access to the jargon of the field. I have recommended this book to students considering entering the field as well as to non-scientists that wish to become familiar with the basics of this new branch of science.