A catch-all phrase of wildlife magazines and newspapers, the term 'biodiversity' is now so familiar, and the range of topics within its gravitational pull so varied, that it risks meaning everything and nothing. Yet the idea is a powerful focus, pulling together evolutionary biology and ecology, economics and politics, practical conservation and management to form a vital theme for the wise management of planet Earth.
Biodiversity and Conservation offers an introductory guide through the maze of interdisciplinary themes that combine under the concept of 'biodiversity'. Featuring lively and engaging examples from the UK, Africa and several oceanic islands and elsewhere, including Dodos and The Udzungwa Forest Partridge, the book defines and explains core topics of biodiversity, from creation and natural processes, measurements and patterns of extant biodiversity, losses, causes and consequences, to legislative, species/habitat protection and economic approaches to conservation.