Experimental approaches to conservation biology [[electronic resource] /] / edited by Malcolm S. Gordon and Soraya M. Bartol

• Record Nr.: UNINA9910783389803321
• Pubbl/distr/stampa: Berkeley, Calif. ; ; London, : University of California Press, 2004
• ISBN: 1-282-35730-1; 9786612357305; 0-520-93063-0; 1-4175-4515-1
• Descrizione fisica: 1 online resource (360 p.)
• Altri autori (Persone): GordonMalcolm S; BartolSoraya M. <1970->
• Disciplina: 639.9
• Soggetti: Conservation biology; Biology, Experimental
• Lingua di pubblicazione: Inglese
• Formato: Materiale a stampa
• Livello bibliografico: Monografia
• Note generali: Formerly CIP.
• Nota di bibliografia: Includes bibliographical references and index.
• Nota di contenuto: Front matter -- Contents -- Acknowledgments -- Contributors -- 1. Experimental Biology in Conservation Science -- 2. Overview -- 3. Contributions of Ex Situ Propagation and Molecular Genetics to Conservation of Hawaiian Tree Snails -- 4. Multiple Causes for Declining Amphibian Populations -- 5. Energetics of Leatherback Sea Turtles -- 6. Experimental Strategies for the Recovery of Depleted Populations of West Indian Rock Iguanas -- 7. Endocrinology and the Conservation of New Zealand Birds -- 8. Conservation of Australian Arid-Zone Marsupials -- 9. The Population Decline of Steller Sea Lions -- 10. Overview -- 11. Tipping the Balance in the Restoration of Native Plants -- 12. Using Natural Experiments in the Study of Alien Tree Invasions -- 13. Biological Control in Support of Conservation -- 14. Overview -- 15. The Army and the Desert Tortoise -- 16. Integrating Experimental Research with the Needs of Natural-Resource and Land Managers -- 17. Making Wildlife Research More Meaningful by Prioritizing Science, Linking Disciplines, and Building Capacity -- 18. African National Parks under Challenge -- Systematic Index -- Subject Index
• Sommario/riassunto: We are living in the early stages of a looming worldwide extinction crisis. Abundant evidence shows that the current rate of species extinctions is nearing its highest level since the asteroid collision 65 million years ago, and that humans are largely responsible. This book addresses the urgent need to understand and find solutions to this crisis. Written by an international team of contributors who are among the best-known and most active experimental biologists working in the field of conservation biology today, it provides a unique approach by focusing on individual species rather than whole plant and animal communities. Emphasizing throughout how conservation biology can benefit from an experimental approach, the book looks at a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic species-from giant pandas and tree snails to sea turtles and Steller sea lions-and demonstrates what can be done both to preserve rare species and to combat invasive organisms. Finally, contributors show how we can bridge the gap between policy makers and research scientists in order to develop lasting solutions to these problems.