Books in the Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes series

Pangolins: Science, Society and Conservation brings together experts from around the world to document the most up-to-date scientific knowledge on pangolins and their conservation. It chronicles threats facing the species, explores the current initiatives required to protect them, and looks ahead at the future of pangolin science and conservation efforts. Led by a team of editors with more than 20 years collective experience in pangolin conservation, this book includes accounts of the species' evolution, morphology, and systematics. It discusses the role of pangolins in historically symbolic, mythological, and ritualistic practices across Africa, Asia, and Europe, as well as contemporary practices including international trafficking. Chapters in the latter portion of this book focus on conservation solutions, including law enforcement and international policy, behavior change, local community engagement, ex situ conservation, tourism, and other interventions needed to secure the future of the species. Pangolins: Science, Society and Conservation is the latest volume in Elsevier's species-specific series, Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes. This book is a valuable resource for researchers and students in species conservation science, planning, and policymaking.

Galapagos Giant Tortoises brings together researchers and conservationists to share the most up-to-date knowledge of Galapagos giant tortoises. Despite being icons of the world-famous Galapagos Archipelago and the target of more than 50 years of conservation research and management, Galapagos giant tortoise evolution and much of their ecology remained unknown until recently. This book documents the history, the pressing conservation issues, and success stories recovering several of the 15 different species of Galapagos tortoises from near extinction.The book begins with an overview of the history of the relationship between humans and Galapagos giant tortoises, starting from initial heavy exploitation of tortoises by pirates and whalers, and extending to the start of the modern conservation era in the 1960s. The book then shifts to biology, describing Galapagos tortoise evolution, taxonomy, ecology, habitats, reproduction, and behavior. Next the decades of conservation efforts and their results are reviewed, including issues of captive breeding, invasive species, introduced diseases, and de-extinction, as well as the current status and distribution of every species. The final portion of the book turns to four case studies of restoration, and then looks ahead to the future of all tortoise populations.The latest volume in the Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscape series, Galapagos Giant Tortoises is a valuable resource for researchers and conservationists, as well as students of biology, wildlife conservation, and herpetology.

Cheetahs: Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes reports on the science and conservation of the cheetah both in situ and ex situ, covering such aspects of cheetah biology and ecology as demography, density and feeding behavior; genetic makeup and disease risks; and home range requirements and spatial utilization. The volume includes a broad range of topics, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of research and conservation efforts. The book begins with chapters on the unique physiology of this species, followed by the taxonomy and genetic status of the cheetah, leading into their behavior and ecology. The book features contributions on the current and evolving threats to the species, which include habitat loss, declining prey base, human-wildlife conflict with livestock, illegal trade and newly-emerging threats, notably climate change. Cheetahs have been studied through physical examination, laboratory analysis, radio-tracking and human perceptions. Considerable progress has been made in developing strategies to improve their status, including changing farmers' attitudes and other efforts that have resulted in greater tolerance for the cheetah. Status reports from around the regions are included as well as a better understanding of how international conventions (CITES, CMS, etc.), and the IUCN Cat Specialist Group have assisted in conservation planning. A section on conservation strategies begins with an overview of the similarities and challenges rural livestock farming communities play in assuring the cheetah's long-term survival, and continues by including several case studies of successful conservation programs in various countries throughout the cheetah's range. Chapters on the long-term research and role of captive cheetahs to conservation of the species are included, such as disease studies and reproductive strategies by North American and European experts on the subjects.