Insect Diversity Conservation

This groundbreaking book is a contemporary global synthesis of the rapidly developing and important field of insect conservation biology. Insects play important roles in terrestrial ecological processes and in maintaining the world as we know it. They present particular conservation challenges, especially as a quarter face extinction within the next few decades. This textbook addresses the ethical foundation of insect conservation, and asks why should we concern ourselves with conservation of a butterfly, beetle or bug? The success of insects and their diversity, which have survived glaciers, is now facing a more formidable obstacle: the meteoric impact of humans. After addressing threats, from invasive alien plants to climate change, the book explores ways insects and their habitats are prioritised, mapped, monitored and conserved. Landscape and species approaches are considered. This book is for undergraduates, postgraduates, researchers and managers in conservation biology or entomology, and the wider biological and environmental sciences.

'There are very few insect books of such expansive scope, and this one could be a standard text for years. It will be welcomed by specialists in entomology, biodiversity, mass extinction, evolution and half-a-dozen associated fields. … it is much more than an expert book for experts; it should appeal to everyone interested in the fast-diminishing biodiversity of our planet. All in all, this is an expensive book that is excellent value.' Nature, '… a masterly synthesis of needs and progress within the discipline, ranging over a wide array of topics and illuminated by examples from many parts of the world … this is a well-produced and significant book assured of a leading place in the record of the scientific and practical development of insect conservation.' T. R. New, La Trobe University, 'A notable aspect of this book is its truly global perspective, and the author does well to draw together a huge diversity of examples from ecosystems all over the world … nicely produced and well illustrated … I hope that Samway's enthusiastic text will win many converts to the cause of insect conservation.' Environmental Conservation, 'Michael Samways gives a very good overview and uses ample and recent examples to demonstrate the importance of insect diversity conservation. the book will be welcomed by the already 'converted' insect conservation researchers and managers. I sincerely hope that it will also be picked up by teachers and students in the wider biological and environmental sciences in order to give insects the place they deserve in conservation biology.' Journal of Insect Conservation, 'Samways is a true expert with a comprehensive, even encyclopaedic, knowledge of the emotional literature,and an impressive publication record in insect conservation. All insect conservation scientists should buy this book,…the wealth of science in such short space is impressive.' Oryx

Michael Samways is Professor of Entomology in the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. He is internationally known as a conservation biologist and policy advisor.