Last Stand Protected Areas and the Defense of Tropical Biodiversity [Hardcover]

During the past century, tropical rain forests have been reduced to about half of their original area, with a consequent loss of biodiversity. This book takes a close look at how this has happened and what the consequences may be, with an emphasis on those strategies that have proven successful in stemming the loss of plant and animal inhabitants. It describes the use of protected areas such as sacred groves, royal preserves, and today's national parks, which have long served to shield the delicate forest habitats for countless species. Although programs for protecting habitats are under increasing attack, this book argues that a system of protected areas must in fact be the cornerstone of all conservation strategies aimed at limiting the inevitable reduction of our planet's biodiversity. Written by leading experts with years of experience, the book integrates ecological, economic and political perspectives on how best to manage tropical forests and their inhabitants, throughout the world. In addition to conservationists, policy makers, and ecologists, the book will serve as a useful text in courses on tropical conservation.

1. Preservation Paradigms and Tropical Rain Forests,Randall Kramer and Carel van Schaik
2. Minimizing Species Loss: The Imperative of Protection,John Terborgh and Carel van Schaik
3. One Minute to Midnight: Time to Fight to Conserve Biodiversity in Tropical Rain Forests,Kathy MacKinnon
4. The Silent Crisis: The State of Rain Forest Nature Preserves,C. van Schaik, J. Terborgh, and Barbara Dugelby
5. Policy and Practical Considerations in Land-Use Strategies for Biodiversity Conservation,Katrina Brandon
6. Biodiversity Politics and the Contest for Ownership of the World's Biota,Steven Sanderson and Kent Redford
7. User Rights and Biodiversity Conservation,Marie Miranda and Sharon LaPalme
8. Tropical Forest Biodiversity Protection: Who Pays and Why,RalC"