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Overview and Educational Philosophy
The third edition of "Fundamentals of Conservation
Biology" represents a landmark contribution to the
field of conservation science education. Published by
Blackwell Publishing (now Wiley), this comprehensive
textbook provides a thorough introduction to the
fascinating and important field of conservation
biology, focusing on what can be done to maintain
biodiversity through management of ecosystems and
populations.
In the new edition of this highly successful book,
Malcolm Hunter and new co-author James Gibbs offer
a thorough introduction to the fascinating and
important field of conservation biology, focusing on
what can be done to maintain biodiversity through
management of ecosystems and populations. The
book has established itself as one of the foundational
texts in conservation biology education, serving both
undergraduate and graduate students as well as
professionals working in environmental conservation.
About the Authors
Malcolm L. Hunter Jr.
Malcolm Hunter is the Libra Professor of Conservation
Biology and Professor of Wildlife Ecology at the
University of Maine, Orono. He is also the former
President of the Society for Conservation Biology.
Hunter brings decades of experience in both research
and education to this work, having been a pioneering
figure in establishing conservation biology as a
distinct academic discipline.
James P. Gibbs
James Gibbs is Associate Professor of Environmental
and Forest Biology at the State University of New
York's College of Environmental Science and Forestry.
As the new co-author for the third edition, Gibbs
brings additional expertise in population ecology and
applied conservation science, enhancing the book's
coverage of contemporary conservation challenges.
Publication Details and Structure
Book Specifications
• Publisher: Blackwell Publishing (Wiley-Blackwell)
• Publication Year: 2007
• Edition: Third Edition
• Pages: 497 pages
• ISBN: 978-1-4051-3545-0
• Format: Available in paperback and digital
formats
• Price: £34.99 (original paperback price)
Comprehensive Revision
This new edition has been thoroughly revised with
more than 750 new references, web links to many of
the organizations involved in conservation biology,
and striking full-color figures, photographs, and maps.
The extensive revision reflects the rapidly evolving
nature of conservation biology and incorporates the
latest research findings and practical approaches.
Structural Organization: Four-Part Framework
The book's logical organisation into four parts is
retained. The first of these deals with the importance
of biodiversity and, after introducing conservation
biology as a discipline, examines the different levels of
diversity from ecosystems through to genetic diversity.
Part I: Biodiversity and Its Importance
Part I: Biodiversity And Its Importance -- 1.
Conservation And Conservation Biology -- 2. What Is
Biodiversity? -- 3. Species Diversity -- 4. Ecosystem
Diversity -- 5. Genetic Diversity
This foundational section establishes the conceptual
framework for understanding conservation biology as
both a scientific discipline and a practical endeavor.
The authors begin by clarifying the differences
between conservation, preservation, and
environmentalism, helping students understand
where conservation biology fits within the broader
landscape of environmental sciences.
Chapter 1: Conservation and Conservation Biology
Are we talking about conservation or preservation?
Are the issues ecological or environmental? Students
deciding which university to attend and which major to
select are faced with a bewildering array of choices –
soil and water conservation, environmental studies,
natural resource management, conservation biology,
wildlife ecology, human ecology, and more. This
chapter resolves these ambiguities by examining how
they are rooted in human history and ethics, exploring
the key differences and similarities among
conservationists, preservationists, environmentalists,
and ecologists.
Chapter 2: What Is Biodiversity? This chapter
provides a comprehensive definition of biodiversity,
moving beyond simple species counts to examine the
complexity of biological diversity at multiple scales
and levels of organization.
Chapter 3: Species Diversity Focuses on
understanding patterns of species richness,
endemism, and the factors that influence species
diversity across different habitats and geographic
regions.
Chapter 4: Ecosystem Diversity Examines the variety
of ecosystems on Earth and the ecological processes
that maintain ecosystem function and stability.
Chapter 5: Genetic Diversity Covers the importance
of genetic variation within and among populations,
including concepts of population genetics relevant to
conservation.
Part II: Threats to Biodiversity
Part Ii: Threats To Biodiversity -- 6. Mass Extinctions
And Global Change -- 7. Extinction Processes -- 8.
Ecosystem Degradation And Loss -- 9.
Overexploitation -- 10. Invasive Exotics
The second part focuses on threats to biodiversity and
covers not only habitat loss, pollution,
overexploitation and invasive species but also
includes a valuable chapter on extinction processes
and population viability analysis.
Chapter 6: Mass Extinctions and Global Change
Starting with a succinct look at conservation and
biodiversity, this book progresses to contend with
some of the subject's most complex topics, such as
mass extinctions, ecosystem degradation, and over
exploitation. This chapter places current biodiversity
loss in the context of past extinction events and
examines how global environmental changes are
affecting contemporary ecosystems.
Chapter 7: Extinction Processes Provides detailed
analysis of the mechanisms that drive species to
extinction, including demographic, genetic, and
environmental factors that contribute to population
decline and ultimate extinction.
Chapter 8: Ecosystem Degradation and Loss
Examines how human activities lead to habitat
destruction, fragmentation, and degradation, with
particular attention to the consequences for
biodiversity conservation.
Chapter 9: Overexploitation Covers the
unsustainable use of natural resources, including
overhunting, overfishing, and overexploitation of plant
resources, with case studies demonstrating the
consequences of unsustainable harvesting practices.
Chapter 10: Invasive Exotics Addresses the growing
threat of invasive species to native biodiversity,
examining the pathways of invasion, ecological
impacts, and management strategies.
Part III: Maintaining Biodiversity
Part Iii: Maintaining Biodiversity -- 11. Protecting
Ecosystems -- 12. Managing Ecosystems -- 13.
Managing Populations -- 14. Zoos And Gardens
The third part then builds on this through its coverage
of the maintenance of biodiversity at the ecosystem
level, and at the species level, through the use of both
in situ and ex situ techniques.
Chapter 11: Protecting Ecosystems Examines
strategies for establishing and managing protected
areas, including national parks, wildlife reserves, and
other forms of habitat protection.
Chapter 12: Managing Ecosystems Covers
ecosystem-level management approaches, including
landscape ecology principles, habitat restoration, and
adaptive management strategies.
Chapter 13: Managing Populations Focuses on
species-level conservation strategies, including
population viability analysis, captive breeding
programs, and reintroduction efforts.
Chapter 14: Zoos and Gardens Explores the role of ex
situ conservation facilities in biodiversity
conservation, including their contributions to
research, education, and species preservation.
Part IV: The Human Factors
Part Iv: The Human Factors -- 15. Social Factors -- 16.
Economics -- 17. Politics And Action
The fourth and final part, in focusing on human
factors, provides an overview of the key social and
political issues associated with the use of biodiversity
by people, which complements the earlier scientific
material effectively.
Chapter 15: Social Factors Discusses social,
political, and economic aspects of conservation
biology. This chapter examines how human societies
interact with biodiversity and the social dimensions of
conservation efforts.
Chapter 16: Economics Covers the economic
aspects of conservation, including ecosystem
services, cost-benefit analysis of conservation
programs, and economic incentives for biodiversity
protection.
Chapter 17: Politics and Action Addresses the
political dimensions of conservation biology, including
policy development, legislation, and the role of
advocacy in conservation efforts.
Key Educational Features and Pedagogical Approach
Integrated Approach to Complex Topics
Discussions of the social, political, and economic
aspects of conservation biology issues are both
interwoven throughout the text and addressed
independently in their own chapters. This approach
ensures that students understand conservation
biology not merely as a biological science, but as an
interdisciplinary field that must grapple with human
dimensions.
Rich Visual Program
Thoroughly revised with over six hundred new
references and web links to many of the organizations
involved in conservation biology, striking photographs
and maps. The book features compelling visual
materials that help students understand complex
concepts and connect theoretical principles to real-
world applications.
Case Studies and Examples
The numerous case studies, which are scattered
throughout, are particularly useful in illustrating key
points and have been slightly expanded in the new
edition. These practical examples help students see
how conservation principles apply to specific
situations and species.
Contemporary Relevance
Hunter and Gibbs comprehensively present
conservation biology with both clarity and charm. It
includes excellent examples and case studies, current
issues and topics, and recent references that will
certainly appeal to faculty and students in the
conservation sciences.
Conceptual Foundations and Scientific Principles
Biodiversity Concepts
The book provides a comprehensive treatment of
biodiversity, moving beyond simple definitions to
explore the complex relationships between genetic,
species, and ecosystem diversity. Students learn to
understand biodiversity as a multi-faceted concept
that encompasses structural, functional, and
compositional elements at multiple scales.
Ecological Principles
Key ecological concepts are integrated throughout the
text, including:
• Population dynamics and demography
• Community ecology and species interactions
• Landscape ecology and spatial patterns
• Ecosystem function and services
• Biogeography and macroecological patterns
Conservation Genetics
The book covers important principles of conservation
genetics, including:
• Population genetic theory relevant to small
populations
• Inbreeding depression and genetic drift
• Gene flow and population connectivity
• Molecular techniques in conservation
Applied Conservation Science
Hunter and Gibbs have created a context in which the
principles of conservation biology can be readily
understood and applied to managing real world
populations and ecosystems. The text emphasizes
practical applications of scientific principles to real-
world conservation challenges.
Contemporary Conservation Challenges
Climate Change and Global Environmental Change
The book addresses the growing importance of
climate change as a driver of biodiversity loss and
examines how conservation strategies must adapt to
address this global challenge.
Habitat Fragmentation
Detailed coverage of landscape ecology principles
and the effects of habitat fragmentation on wildlife
populations, including edge effects, corridor design,
and metapopulation dynamics.
Invasive Species Management
Comprehensive treatment of biological invasions,
including prevention strategies, early detection and
rapid response protocols, and management of
established invasive populations.
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Examination of the growing interface between human
development and wildlife habitat, including strategies
for coexistence and conflict mitigation.
Technological and Methodological Advances
Population Viability Analysis
The book covers quantitative approaches to assessing
extinction risk, including the use of computer models
to evaluate population viability under different
scenarios.
Remote Sensing and GIS
Integration of geospatial technologies in conservation
planning and monitoring, including habitat mapping
and landscape analysis.
Molecular Techniques
Coverage of genetic and genomic tools used in
conservation, including DNA fingerprinting,
phylogenetic analysis, and population genetic
assessment.
Monitoring and Assessment
Discussion of methods for monitoring biodiversity and
evaluating the effectiveness of conservation
interventions.
Professional Development and Career Applications
Interdisciplinary Perspective
The book prepares students for careers that require
integration of biological knowledge with social,
economic, and political understanding. Conservation
biology is presented as an inherently interdisciplinary
field.
Practical Skills Development
Students learn about the practical skills needed for
conservation work, including:
• Project planning and implementation
• Stakeholder engagement and communication
• Data collection and analysis
• Policy development and advocacy
Ethical Frameworks
The text addresses the ethical dimensions of
conservation work, helping students develop the
moral reasoning skills necessary for making difficult
conservation decisions.
Professional Networks and Organizations
Web links to many of the organizations involved in
conservation biology help students understand the
professional landscape and career opportunities in
conservation.
Academic Reception and Impact
Scholarly Recognition
Hunter and Gibbs have produced an excellent text,
one that uses an array of concrete examples, ethical
principles, and theory to challenge and engage
students. Fundamentals of Conservation Biology
should remain one of the standards in the field for
years to come.
Educational Excellence
This new edition continues to be an excellent choice
for undergraduate courses in conservation biology,
notable for its well-honed organization of concepts
and its clear prose.
Accessibility and Clarity
My goal is to expose the concepts of conservation
biology to the broadest possible student audience. For
its combination of accessible writing with rigorous,
updated content, Fundamentals of Conservation
Biology is matchless.
Comprehensive Coverage
The main strength of this text continues to be its
breadth of coverage, logical structure and accessible
style.
Digital Resources and Support Materials
Instructor Resources
Artwork from the book is available to instructors
online at www.blackwellpublishing.com/hunter and
by request on CD-ROM. These resources support
classroom instruction and help educators effectively
use the book's rich visual content.
Web Integration
The extensive inclusion of web links connects
students to current conservation organizations,
research projects, and ongoing conservation
initiatives, helping them stay connected to the
dynamic field of conservation biology.
Companion Materials
James Gibbs, Malcolm Hunter, and Eleanor Sterling
are the authors of the forthcoming new edition of
Problem Solving in Conservation Biology (Blackwell,
2007), which provides complementary practical
exercises and case studies.
Evolution from Previous Editions
Enhanced Content and Coverage
The third edition of this established text on
conservation biology introduces some welcome
revisions, albeit of a largely cosmetic nature. Despite
the introduction of James Gibbs as a co-author,
relatively little of the excellent content has changed,
which will please much of its established readership.
Updated References and Examples
The massive addition of new references and examples
ensures that the text remains current with the rapidly
evolving field of conservation biology.
Improved Visual Design
Enhanced photographs, maps, and figures provide
better visual support for complex concepts and make
the text more engaging for students.
Global Perspective and Case Studies
International Examples
The book includes case studies from around the
world, helping students understand that conservation
challenges are global in scope while recognizing that
solutions must often be locally adapted.
Diverse Ecosystems
Coverage spans terrestrial, freshwater, and marine
ecosystems, providing students with a comprehensive
understanding of conservation challenges across
different environments.
Cultural Contexts
Recognition that conservation occurs within diverse
cultural and socioeconomic contexts, requiring
sensitivity to local values and needs.
Research and Evidence-Based Approaches
Scientific Rigor
The text maintains high scientific standards while
remaining accessible to undergraduate students,
demonstrating how rigorous research informs
conservation practice.
Adaptive Management
Emphasis on learning from both successes and
failures in conservation, with recognition that
conservation strategies must evolve as our
understanding improves.
Evidence-Based Decision Making
Integration of research findings with practical
conservation applications, helping students
understand how scientific knowledge translates into
policy and management decisions.
Contemporary Relevance and Future Directions
Emerging Threats
The book addresses emerging conservation
challenges, including climate change, emerging
diseases, pollution, and novel ecosystems.
Technological Innovations
Coverage of how new technologies are revolutionizing
conservation practice, from GPS tracking to
environmental DNA monitoring.
Policy Development
Discussion of how conservation science informs
policy development at local, national, and
international scales.
Future Challenges
Recognition that conservation biology must continue
to evolve to address new and emerging threats to
biodiversity.
Learning Outcomes and Student Development
Scientific Literacy
Students develop the ability to read and interpret
scientific literature relevant to conservation biology.
Critical Thinking
Emphasis on developing analytical skills for evaluating
conservation strategies and understanding trade-offs
in conservation decision-making.
Communication Skills
Recognition that conservation biologists must be
effective communicators, able to translate scientific
knowledge for diverse audiences.
Systems Thinking
Development of the ability to understand complex
ecological and social systems and their interactions.
Practical Applications and Real-World Connections
Field Experience Integration
While primarily a textbook, the content is designed to
complement field experiences and practical training
in conservation biology.
Policy Connections
Strong emphasis on how scientific knowledge informs
policy development and implementation at various
scales.
Stakeholder Engagement
Recognition that successful conservation requires
engagement with diverse stakeholders, including local
communities, government agencies, and NGOs.
Career Preparation
The comprehensive coverage prepares students for
diverse career paths in conservation, from research
and management to education and advocacy.
Assessment and Evaluation Tools
Chapter Organization
The logical progression from basic concepts to
complex applications facilitates both teaching and
learning.
Key Concepts
Clear identification of essential concepts helps
students focus their study efforts and provides
frameworks for assessment.
Review Questions
Although not explicitly detailed in the sources, the
pedagogical structure supports various forms of
assessment and evaluation.
Criticisms and Limitations
Student Perspectives
Unfortunately, I only learned about 10% of what I
needed to learn from this book. I had to read, read
again, and re-read in order to understand what the
author was trying to convey. It was just hard for me to
read this book, as it seemed like a boring compilation
of papers with constant in-text citations. This student
feedback suggests that some readers find the
academic style challenging.
Learning Style Considerations
I think the author/editors should research the different
human learning style as this textbook seems out of
balance: sensory, intuitive, visual, verbal, active,
reflective, sequential, global. This critique suggests
opportunities for more diverse pedagogical
approaches.
Positive Student Feedback
An excellent introduction to conservation, one of the
books a I recommend to students and Hat mir sehr
geholfen. Verständlich untergliedert und mit vielen
Beispielen veranschaulicht demonstrate that many
students find the book valuable and well-organized.
Impact on Conservation Biology Education
Standardization of Curriculum
The book has played a significant role in establishing
conservation biology as a distinct academic discipline
with standardized learning objectives and content
areas.
Professional Development
For more than 30 years, Fundamentals of
Conservation Biology has been a valued mainstay of
the literature, serving both to introduce new students
to this ever-changing topic, and to provide an
essential resource for academics and researchers
working in the discipline.
Global Influence
The text has influenced conservation biology
education internationally, helping to establish
common frameworks and approaches across
different educational systems.
Future Editions and Continuing Evolution
Fourth Edition Development
In the decade since the publication of the third
edition, concerns about humanity's efforts to
conserve the natural world have only grown deeper, as
new threats to biodiversity continue to emerge. This
fourth edition has taken into account a vast new
literature, and boasts nearly a thousand new
references as a result.
Ongoing Relevance
The continued publication of new editions
demonstrates the text's enduring value and the need
for regular updates in this rapidly evolving field.
Conclusion: A Foundational Text for Conservation
Biology
"Fundamentals of Conservation Biology, 3rd Edition"
by Malcolm L. Hunter Jr. and James P. Gibbs
represents a comprehensive and authoritative
introduction to one of the most important scientific
disciplines of our time. This book is about hope in the
face of forces that would degrade our world. This book
is about the rich tapestry of life that shares our world
now and about how we can maintain it, sometimes in
places that we protect and set aside, more often in
places where we share the lands and waters with a
wide range of other species.
The book's four-part structure effectively guides
students from basic concepts of biodiversity through
threats and solutions to the complex human
dimensions of conservation work. By integrating
scientific rigor with practical applications and
addressing both biological and social dimensions of
conservation, the text prepares students for the
interdisciplinary nature of modern conservation work.
The conservation of biodiversity is one of the most
important issues facing the world today, and this
textbook provides students with the knowledge and
tools necessary to address these challenges. The
extensive revision for the third edition, with its over
750 new references and web links to many of the
organizations involved in conservation biology, striking
photographs and maps, ensures that students have
access to current information and real-world
connections.
The book's strength lies in its ability to make complex
scientific concepts accessible while maintaining
intellectual rigor. Hunter and Gibbs have created a
context in which the principles of conservation biology
can be readily understood and applied to managing
real world populations and ecosystems. This practical
orientation, combined with strong theoretical
foundations, prepares students to become effective
conservation practitioners who can navigate the
scientific, social, economic, and political dimensions
of biodiversity conservation.
As conservation challenges continue to intensify
globally, texts like "Fundamentals of Conservation
Biology" play a crucial role in preparing the next
generation of conservation scientists and
practitioners. The book's comprehensive coverage,
clear organization, and integration of theory with
practice make it an indispensable resource for anyone
seeking to understand and contribute to the
conservation of Earth's biological diversity.
For educators, students, and practitioners in
conservation biology, environmental science, ecology,
and related fields, this textbook provides both a solid
foundation in conservation principles and a practical
guide for applying these principles to real-world
conservation challenges. Its continued success and
influence in the field demonstrate its enduring value
as a cornerstone text for conservation biology
education.
This comprehensive summary synthesizes information
from multiple academic sources and reviews to
provide a thorough understanding of Malcolm L.
Hunter Jr. and James P. Gibbs' influential contribution
to conservation biology education.
Find the Full Original Textbook (PDF) in the link
below:
CLICK HERE