An Introduction to Conservation Biology

Third Edition

Anna Sher

Sinauer Associates is an imprint of Oxford University Press

Each chapter begins with general ideas and principles, beautifully illustrated in full color with diverse examples from the current literature.
Chapters end with summaries, an annotated list of suggested readings, discussion questions, and extensive summary statements in the text margins, as study aids.
Throughout, the authors maintain a focus on the active role that scientists, local people, conservation organizations, government, and the general public play in protecting biodiversity, even while providing for human needs.
Many full-color figures illustrating examples and important concepts with call out boxes to assist with student comprehension.

New to this Edition:

Over 240 changes to text and tables, 275 new citations, and new figures in every chapter
Increased representation of women and BIPOC in the textbook
Significant edits and additions regarding the roles and experiences of Indigenous people in the field of conservation biology
Incorporation of several new discoveries and developments from the past two years, including the latest understanding of the causes of the Permian extinction and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) and its principles to guide restoration
Additional discussion on the political aspects of climate change and of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and the addition of a new “Global Change Connection” icon to highlight ways we are changing the Earth
An elaboration of the concept of the types of biodiversity, including a refinement of the definition of species diversity, with additional examples
A reorganization of the chapter on restoration ecology
Upgraded digital resources, including a video guide consisting of a curated list of freely accessible videos and an enhanced E-book with self-assessment questions after every chapter subheading

An Introduction to Conservation Biology

Third Edition

Anna Sher

Sinauer Associates is an imprint of Oxford University Press

Description

An Introduction to Conservation Biology is the only text designed for both aspiring conservation biologists and non-majors who are interested in this topical field, providing up-to-date perspectives on high-profile issues such as sustainable development, global warming, and strategies to save species on the verge of extinction. The book focuses successively on biological diversity and its value; threats to biological diversity; conservation at the population and species levels; protecting, managing and restoring ecosystems; and sustainable development. Each chapter is beautifully illustrated in full color with diverse examples from the current literature. Chapters begin with guiding conservation biology principles and end with study aids such as summaries, an annotated list of suggested readings, and discussion questions. Throughout, the authors maintain a focus on the active role that scientists, local people, conservation organizations, government, and the general public play in protecting biodiversity, even while providing for human needs.

An Introduction to Conservation Biology

Third Edition

Anna Sher

Sinauer Associates is an imprint of Oxford University Press

Chapter 1 Defining Conservation Biology
Chapter 2 What Is Biodiversity?
Chapter 3 The Value of Biodiversity
Chapter 4 Threats to Biodiversity: Habitat Change
Chapter 5 Climate Change and Other Threats to Biodiversity
Chapter 6 Extinction Risk
Chapter 7 Conserving Populations and Species
Chapter 8 Establishing New Populations and Ex Situ Conservation
Chapter 9 Protected Areas
Chapter 10 Conservation Outside Protected Areas
Chapter 11 Restoration Ecology
Chapter 12 The Challenges of Sustainable Development
Chapter 13 An Agenda for the Future

An Introduction to Conservation Biology

Third Edition

Anna Sher

Sinauer Associates is an imprint of Oxford University Press

Author Information

Anna Sher is a full professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Denver, where she has been faculty since 2003. She was a double major in Biology and Art at Earlham College, where she has also taught ecology as a Howard Hughes Fellow, visiting lecturer, and as the co-leader of the Earlham Study Abroad Kenya Program in 1992, 2000, and 2002. She received her PhD from the University of New Mexico, where she also taught botany as a visiting lecturer. As a postdoctoral researcher, Dr. Sher was awarded a Fulbright postdoctoral research fellowship to conduct research on plant interactions in Israel at Ben Gurion University's Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, and she also studied the ecology of an invasive grass at the University of California, Davis.