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Biological diversity or biodiversity refers to the diversity, or variety, of plants and animals and other living things on earth. There are many levels of diversity-from DNA and genes to species, populations, ecosystems, and communities. This diversity is the beauty of nature and is essential for the survival of human beings. Life on Earth would not exist if its rich biodiversity were severely altered. Species and the ecosystems in which they live are linked together though the flows of energy and materials. A change in the life of one species could ripple throughout an ecosystem, changing the life of many other species, including humans. But due to the greed of mankind, there has been a great threat to the biodiversity. Many human activities, which stem from the population explosion, have threatened biodiversity. Pollution, over hunting, global climate change, habitat fragmentation and degradation and introduction of exotic species are some main causes of loss of biological diversity. Thus it is necessary to think about the problem of biodiversity loss and to come out with some solution for its conservation. This book is a humble effort in this direction. The main objective behind this book is to make people aware about biological diversity and to sensitize them about the urgent need for its conservation. The book is divided into two sections: Section I includes review articles by various academicians and the Section II has research papers by various scientists and academicians. We hope these review and research articles would be able to motivate the students, academicians and general public about various issues of biological diversity and its conservation.

All life on Earth has the right to exist, but as we teeter on the verge of a sixth extinction this book discusses why biodiversity matters and why we should care if species go extinct.We are witnessing the largest and fastest rate of extinction in the history of the planet. While the concept of rights is a human one, all plants and animals strive to survive, and this book argues for their rights to continue doing so without being driven into premature extinction by human actions. Acknowledging and describing the practical reasons for conserving biodiversity, this book argues that these should not overshadow the compelling ethical reasons to care about the future of species other than our own. However, the issues are complex. What do we do when faced with an immediate ethical choice where biodiversity rights, animal rights, human rights, economic development and ecosystem survival all get mixed up together? There are seldom hard and fast answers, but thinking about and understanding a variety of points of view will help us make informed trade-offs. Drawing on his vast practical experience, the author presents insightful perspectives and real-world examples with the hope that this book will instigate a much-needed rethink about why and how we practise conservation.This book is essential reading for all those concerned with sustaining our planet, and all who inhabit it, in the face of climate breakdown, biodiversity loss and ecological collapse.

'UNDP, UNEP, the World Bank.'

Terrestrial Mammal Conservation provides a thorough summary of the available scientific evidence of what is known, or not known, about the effectiveness of all of the conservation actions for wild terrestrial mammals across the world (excluding bats and primates, which are covered in separate synopses). Actions are organized into categories based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature classifications of direct threats and conservation actions. Over the course of fifteen chapters, the authors consider interventions as wide ranging as creating uncultivated margins around fields, prescribed burning, setting hunting quotas and removing non-native mammals. This book is written in an accessible style and is designed to be an invaluable resource for anyone concerned with the practical conservation of terrestrial mammals. The authors consulted an international group of terrestrial mammal experts and conservationists to produce this synopsis. Funding was provided by the MAVA Foundation, Arcadia and National Geographic Big Cats Initiative. Terrestrial Mammal Conservation is the seventeenth publication in the Conservation Evidence Series, linked to the online resource www.ConservationEvidence.com. Conservation Evidence Synopses are designed to promote a more evidence-based approach to biodiversity conservation. Others in the series include Bat Conservation, Primate Conservation, Bird Conservation and Forest Conservation and more are in preparation. Expert assessment of the evidence summarised within synopses is provided online and within the annual publication What Works in Conservation.

Tourism is the most important non-farm activity in the mountainous region. In mountain belts the aesthetic value of the land is by itself one of the critical assets for the otherwise impoverished communities. The growth of population and the increasing demand at the individual level of various non-farm items have expanded the demand of goods beyond the traditional technological practices of mountain community and their cultural sensitivities. These initiatives of the government have only mirrored Western models of tourism development rather than developing appropriate, need-based strategies for harnessing the economic potential. This new book examines ecotourism and biodiversity conservation.

Biodiversity encompasses genes, species, ecosystems and their relative abundance. International awareness of the need to conserve biodiversity has been growing steadily since the first'Earth Summit'in 1992. The development of ecological networks can connect the fragmented habitats of wild animals, stem biodiversity loss, and promote dispersal and genetic exchanges of wild species. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of biodiversity conservation including the theory and practice of ecological networks to conserve biodiversity; sustainable utilization and conservation of indigenous Western Cape medicinal plants; biodiversity change and sustainable development; biodiversity management in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest; and agricultural water management inside the North African oasis.

Written for anyone interested in green development—including policy makers, architects, developers, builders, and homeowners—this practical guide focuses on the central question of how to conserve biodiversity in neighborhoods and to minimize development impacts on surrounding habitats. The Green Leap specifically helps move green development beyond the design stage by thoroughly addressing construction and post-construction issues.Incorporating many real-world examples, Mark Hostetler explains key conservation concepts and techniques, with specific advice for a wide variety of stakeholders that are interested in creating and maintaining green developments. He outlines the key players and principles needed to establish biodiverse communities and illustrates eight key design and management strategies. The Green Leap not only offers essential information for constructing new developments but also helps existing communities retrofit homes, yards, and neighborhoods to better serve both people and nature.

Chapter 1 - Pinophyta Chapter 2 - Pinales and Pinaceae Chapter 3 - Araucariaceae and Podocarpaceae Chapter 4 - Cupressaceae Chapter 5 - Cephalotaxaceae and Taxaceae Chapter 6 - Cycad Chapter 7 - Cycas Chapter 8 - Flowering Plant Chapter 9 - Amborellaceae Chapter 10 - Nymphaeales and Austrobaileyales Chapter 11 - Mesangiospermae and Ceratophyllum Chapter 12 - Chloranthaceae and Eudicots Chapter 13 - Magnoliids Chapter 14 - Hornwort Chapter 15 - Anthoceros Agrestis and Anthoceros Chapter 16 - Dendroceros and Folioceros Chapter 17 - Leiosporoceros, Megaceros and Notothylas Chapter 18 - Moss Chapter 19 - Takakia and Bryopsida Chapter 20 - Sphagnum Chapter 21 - Aulacomnium Palustre Chapter 22 - Buxbaumia and Funaria (Moss)

'This book combines state-of-the-art modeling approaches at various scales with case studies from across the world, discussing how to translate models into results and illustrate how pro-active implementation can mitigate biodiversity loss'--Provided by publisher.

The Earth's capacity to sustain life increasingly depends on the actions of humans and our commitment to preserving the planet's incredible biodiversity. Because its ecosystems are vulnerable to pollution, overuse, and numerous other damaging activities, plants and animals that rely on these regions to subsist are significantly threatened. This insightful volume examines various conservation measures, such as habitat management, that help control the extinction rates of numerous species. Tireless, incredible individuals whose work has been crucial to protecting the planet for future generations are highlighted.

Recent advances in molecular genetics and genomics have been embraced by many in natural resource conservation. Today, several major conservation and management journals are now using'genetics'editors to deal solely with the influx of manuscripts that employ molecular data. The editors have attempted to synthesize some of the major uses of molecular markers in natural resource management in a book targeted not only at scientists but also at individuals actively making conservation and management decisions. To that end, the text features contributors who are major figures in molecular ecology and evolution - many having published books of their own. The aim is to direct and distil the thoughts of these outstanding scientists by compiling compelling case histories in molecular ecology as they apply to natural resource management.

Current loss of biodiversity places a premium on the task of recognizing and formulating proposals on potential areas for biological conservation based on scientific criteria; among these tasks, identification of hotspots has a relevant role on conservation of biodiversity. In this book, the authors discuss the application of different biogeographic methods to identify plant biodiversity hotspots. The areas recognized as such have a relevant role in plant biodiversity and are important in conservation due to their climatic conditions, the historical factors that have been involved in their evolution, and the restricted distribution of some plant taxa that inhabit them. Furthermore, the consequences of deforestation on biodiversity are substantial and widely recognized. This book predicts future land-use change, generates ecological niches of large mammals and assesses wildlife concentrations and their hotspots in different areas of the world. The evolution of the forest fragmentation in the Brazilian Atlantic forest, the present situation of its remnants, and the main strategies, conflicts and potentials for conservation are evaluated as well.

Description based on print version record.

Description based on print version record.

Description based on print version record.

One of the biggest threats to the survival of many plant and animal species is the destruction or fragmentation of their natural habitats. The conservation of landscape connections, where animals, plants, and ecological processes can move freely from one habitat to another, is therefore an essential part of any new conservation or environmental protection plan. In practice, however, maintaining, creating, and protecting connectivity in our increasingly dissected world is a daunting challenge. This fascinating volume provides a synthesis on the current status and literature of connectivity conservation research and implementation. It shows the challenges involved in applying existing knowledge to real-world examples and highlights areas in need of further study. Containing contributions from leading scientists and practitioners, this topical and thought-provoking volume will be essential reading for graduate students, researchers, and practitioners working in conservation biology and natural resource management.

Description based on print version record.

Description based on print version record.

Large Carnivores and the Conservation of Biodiversity brings together more than thirty leading scientists and conservation practitioners to consider a key question in environmental conservation: Is the conservation of large carnivores in ecosystems that evolved with their presence equivalent to the conservation of biological diversity within those systems? Building their discussions from empirical, long-term data sets, contributors including James A. Estes, David S. Maehr, Tim McClanahan, Andrès J. Novaro, John Terborgh, and Rosie Woodroffe explore a variety of issues surrounding the link between predation and biodiversity: What is the evidence for or against the link? Is it stronger in marine systems? What are the implications for conservation strategies? Large Carnivores and the Conservation of Biodiversity is the first detailed, broad-scale examination of the empirical evidence regarding the role of large carnivores in biodiversity conservation in both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. It contributes to a much more precise and global understanding of when, where, and whether protecting and restoring top predators will directly contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. Everyone concerned with ecology, biodiversity, or large carnivores will find this volume a unique and thought-provoking analysis and synthesis.

Natural resources are those gift which are directly from nature. India presents nature in all its splendour. Diversity in physical and climatic condition result in wide range of natural vegetation in different region. In their turn these provide habitat for different species of animals and birds, while rain forests are found in the Andaman, Cactus are found in the Thar desert. Similarly there are alpine forests in the Himalayas while mangroves are grown in the saline soil of Andamans. Since the beginning of our civilisation the varied natural features with its flora and fauna have influenced the life and tradition of world and enriched their natural resources. It is always believed in the interrelationship among nature, environment and people. Therefore, the efforts for conservation of biodiversity and natural resources should be in tune with the processes and its occurrence in space and time from micro level to mega level. The present book is based on numerous materials, reports, and authors own extensive surveys and researchers of the nation. The book will be welcomed by all taxonomists, foresters, environmentalists and other decision makers.

The earth's biodiversity currently faces an extinction crisis that is unprecedented. Conservationists attempt to intervene in the extinction process either locally by protecting or restoring important species and habitats, or at national and international levels by influencing key policies and promoting debate. Reliable information is the foundation upon which these efforts are based, which places research at the heart of biodiversity conservation. The role of research in such conservation is diverse. It includes understanding why biodiversity is important, defining'units'of biodiversity, priority-setting for species and sites, managing endangered and declining populations, understanding large-scale processes, making predictions about the future and interfacing with training, education, public awareness and policy initiatives. Using examples from a wide range of bird conservation work worldwide, researchers consider the principles underlying these issues, and illustrate how these principles have been applied to address actual conservation problems for students, practitioners and researchers in conservation biology.

Biodiversity is the key indicator of a healthy planet and healthy society. Losses of biodiversity have now become widespread and current rates are potentially catastrophic for species and habitat integrity. Biodiversity, Sustainability and Human Communities advocates both the preservation of the best remaining habitats and the enhancement of new biodiverse habitats to ensure that they cope with human impact, climate change and alien species invasion. The authors argue that these aims can be achieved by a mix of strict protection, inclusive involvement of people inside and adjacent to reserves, and by combining livelihoods and social well-being in all future biodiversity management. Case studies from regions around the world, including Europe, the United States, Latin America and Africa are examined and discussed, and the contributors include political scientists, economists and ecologists.

Seeding Solutions brings readers up to date on what has changed -- scientifically, politically, and environmentally -- since the publication in 1994 of the landmark People, Plants, and Patents. Volume 1 offers policymakers a clear description of the facts, the fights, and the fora relevant to the ownership, conservation, and exchange of genetic resources. Readers new to these issues will learn from this book why germplasm is important and how it relates to trade negotiations, intellectual property disputes, and food and health security, both nationally and internationally.

This book addresses the major problems facing policy-makers and managers in sustaining biological diversity in managed forests.

For all persons seriously concerned about the destruction of natural environments in the contemporary world, this book presents a comprehensive rationale for preserving wild species and ecosystems. Bryan G. Norton appeals most centrally to'transformative value,'the power of human contacts with wild species to transform and uplift the human spirit. Until now species preservationists have found a theoretical basis for their policies in the'demand'value of wild species for fulfilling certain narrowly defined human needs or in controversial and badly understood proposals about the'intrinsic'values of species. This work examines such rationales and diverges from them by pointing to new sources of value for wild species: they have worth because they can transform human values.Because of the central role of biological diversity in environmental concerns, the book also provides a fresh perspective on environmental ethics more generally. Why Preserve Natural Variety? is sponsored by the Center for Philosophy and Public Policy at the University of Maryland, as was The Preservation of Species: The Value of Biological Diversity, which was edited by Professor Norton.Originally published in 1986.The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Molecular techniques are proving invaluable in determining the phylogenetic status of potentially endangered species, for investigating mechanisms of speciation, and for measuring the genetic structure of populations. It is increasingly important for ecologists and evolutionary and conservation biologists to understand and use such molecular techniques, but most workers in these areas have not been trained in molecular biology. This book lays out the principles and basic techniques for the molecular tools appropriate for addressing issues in conservation, and it presents case studies showing how these tools have been used successfully in conservation biology. Examples include the genetic analysis of population structure, various uses of DNA in conservation genetics, and estimation of migration parameters from genetic data. Wildlife managers, as well as researchers in these areas, will find this a valuable book.