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Very Short Introductions #738
Biodiversity Conservation: A Very Short Introduction
Very Short Introductions : Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring
Extinction is a natural process. In geological time there have been several periods of mass extinction. One of these periods is unfolding right now but all the evidence suggests that current extinction rates are between a hundred and a thousand times greater than the background rate. To put this in to context, a quarter of all known mammalian species is at risk. The current extinction crisis is unique, because it is caused by the impact of one species, humans, on all others. This acceleration of species loss, and the much more widespread reductions in the populations of many species, is not merely a tragedy in aesthetics, it is also a threat to the quality of human life, indeed to the entire human enterprise.
Biodiversity, the diversity of life, is not only fascinating and beautiful, it is the engine of all the world's natural cycles, and the source of many of the resources on which humanity depends. Concern about biodiversity conservation is, therefore, not merely the preoccupation of a few enthusiastic naturalists - it is the lifeline business of everybody.
In this Very Short Introduction , David Macdonald introduces the concept of biodiversity and the basic biological processes that it involves - evolutionary, ecological, and behavioral. He considers the various threats to biodiversity, their impacts, and some of the solutions to the problems; concluding by considering the future of biodiversity conservation.
ABOUT THE The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
Extinction is a natural process. In geological time there have been several periods of mass extinction. One of these periods is unfolding right now but all the evidence suggests that current extinction rates are between a hundred and a thousand times greater than the background rate. To put this in to context, a quarter of all known mammalian species is at risk. The current extinction crisis is unique, because it is caused by the impact of one species, humans, on all others. This acceleration of species loss, and the much more widespread reductions in the populations of many species, is not merely a tragedy in aesthetics, it is also a threat to the quality of human life, indeed to the entire human enterprise.
Biodiversity, the diversity of life, is not only fascinating and beautiful, it is the engine of all the world's natural cycles, and the source of many of the resources on which humanity depends. Concern about biodiversity conservation is, therefore, not merely the preoccupation of a few enthusiastic naturalists - it is the lifeline business of everybody.
In this Very Short Introduction , David Macdonald introduces the concept of biodiversity and the basic biological processes that it involves - evolutionary, ecological, and behavioral. He considers the various threats to biodiversity, their impacts, and some of the solutions to the problems; concluding by considering the future of biodiversity conservation.
ABOUT THE The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
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First published January 1, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 2, 2024
The author is a renowned carnivore biologist and a pioneer in wildlife conservation, having been practicing it since the 1970s. Having David Macdonald author this VSI on the topic is definitely an added bonus to an already complex and interesting subject and field. Drawing on his decades of experience and extensive publications in the scientific literature, he uses them as case studies and examples of the concepts written about, mostly about mammals and carnivore species of course.
The ten or so chapters divide the subject into its core concerns, namely why we should be worried about the current status of wildlife, what can and is being done about it, the main threats and finally ending with restoration and rewilding, very apt in my opinion. The writing can be quite academic, as the author's background and strength is in research, and at times even convoluted in trying to bring the complexities and philosophical backdrop to the readers' understanding.
The ten or so chapters divide the subject into its core concerns, namely why we should be worried about the current status of wildlife, what can and is being done about it, the main threats and finally ending with restoration and rewilding, very apt in my opinion. The writing can be quite academic, as the author's background and strength is in research, and at times even convoluted in trying to bring the complexities and philosophical backdrop to the readers' understanding.
June 18, 2024
Great introduction, but a bit heavy on academic language. Great for students and those with a background understanding of ecology and conservation!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews