In the early 1970s, the environmental movement was underway. Overpopulation was recognized as a threat to human well-being, and scientists like Michael Soulé believed there was a connection between anthropogenic pressures on natural resources and the loss of the planet's biodiversity. Soulé'thinker, philosopher, teacher, mentor, and scientist'recognized the importance of a healthy natural world and with other leaders of the day pushed for a new interdisciplinary approach to preserving biological diversity. Thirty years later, Soulé is hailed by many as the single most important force in the development of the modern science of conservation biology.
This book is a select collection of seminal writings by Michael Soulé over a thirty-year time-span from 1980 through the present day. Previously published in books and leading journals, these carefully selected pieces show the progression of his intellectual thinking on topics such as genetics, ecology, evolutionary biology, and extinctions, and how the history and substance of the field of conservation biology evolved over time. It opens with an in-depth introduction by marine conservation biologist James Estes, a long-time colleague of Soulé's, who explains why Soulé's special combination of science and leadership was the catalyst for bringing about the modern era of conservation biology. Estes offers a thoughtful commentary on the challenges that lie ahead for the young discipline in the face of climate change, increasing species extinctions, and impassioned debate within the conservation community itself over the best path forward.
Intended for a new generation of students, this book offers a fresh presentation of goals of conservation biology, and inspiration and guidance for the global biodiversity crises facing us today. Readers will come away with an understanding of the science, passion, idealism, and sense of urgency that drove early founders of conservation biology like Michael Soulé.
Preface Introduction \ James A. Estes
Chapter 1. Conservation Biology: Its Scope and Its Challenge \ Michael E. Soulé and Bruce A. Wilcox Chapter 2. What Is Conservation Biology? \ Michael E. Soulé Chapter 3. The Millenium Ark: How Long a Voyage, How Many Staterooms, How Many Passengers? \ Michael E. Soulé, Michael Gilpin, William Conway, and Tom Foose Chapter 4. Conservation Biology and the ""Real World"" \ Michael E. Soulé Chapter 5. Reconstructed Dynamics of Rapid Extinctions of Chaparral-Requiring Birds in Urban Habitat Islands \ Michael E. Soulé, Doulgas T. Bolger, Allison C. Alberts, John Wrights, Marina Sorice, and Scott Hill Chapter 6. The Onslaught of Alien Species, and Other Challenges in the Coming Decades \ Michael E. Soulé Chapter 7. Conservation: Tactics for a Constant Crisis \ Michael E. Soulé Chapter 8. Conservation Genetics and Conservation Biology: A Troubled Marriage \ Michael E. Soulé and L. Scott Mills Chapter 9. The Social and Public Health Implications of Global Warming and the Onslaught of Alien Species \ M. E. Soulé, PhD Chapter 10. Complimentary Goals for Continental Conservation \ Michael E. Soulé and Reed Noss Chapter 11. Conserving Nature at Regional and Continental Scales: A Scientific Program for North America \ Michael E. Soulé and John Terborgh Chapter 12. Ecological Effectiveness: Conservation Goals for Interactive Species \ Michael E. Soulé, James A. Estes, Joel Berger, and Carlos Martinez Del Rios Chapter 13. Strongly Interacting Species: Conservation Policy, Management, and Ethics \ Michael E. Soulé, James A. Estes, Brian Miller, and Douglas I. Honmold Chapter 14. Editorial: The ""New Conservation"" \ Michael E. Soulé
"Michael Soul+¬ has guided the development of the vital field of conservation biology since its origin, making sure that it remains true to the best science and the best ethical principles in the face of numerous challenges. This remarkable feat is beautifully charted in these collected papers."
