Rev. ed. of: Conservation ecology. c1993. Includes bibliographical references (p. 317-344) and index.

Basic concepts: Conservation biology; History of conservation; Popu lations, communities & ecosystems; Global biodiversity; Processes of extinction -- Terrestrial ecosystems: Temperate forests, woodlands & shrublands; Grassland & tundra; Temperate & tropical deserts; Mois t tropical forests; Tropical savannas & woodlands; Coastal ecosystem s; Islands -- Special problems of terrestrial ecosystems: Habitat fr agmentation; Predator ecology & management -- Aquatic ecosystems: La kes, ponds, & marshes; Rivers & streams; Oceanic ecosystems; Coastal marine ecosystems -- Special problems of aquatic ecosystems: Marine mammals & birds -- Special problems at the biosphere level; Managem ent of exotic species; Disruption of migrations; Chemical pollution; Global climate change -- Conservation theory & practice: Harvesting natural populations; Conserving genetic diversity; Protecting endan gered species; Designing biodiversity preserves -- Conservation & so ciety; Conservation ethics; Conservation economics & public policy; Sustainable living in the biosphere -- Glossary. The goal of this te xt is to introduce the reader to the nature of biodiversity in its b roadest sense, to the threats to its survival that are intensifying daily, and to ecologically sound approaches to conserving biodiversi ty. -Pref.