In the face of ever-declining biodiversity, zoos have a major role to play in species conservation. Written by professionals involved in in-situ conservation and restoration projects internationally, this is a critical assessment of the contribution of zoos to species conservation through evidence amassed from a wide range of sources. The first part outlines the biodiversity context within which zoos should operate, introducing the origins and global spread of zoos and exploring animal collection composition. The second part focuses on the basic elements of keeping viable captive animal populations. It considers the consequences of captivity on animals, the genetics of captive populations and the performance of zoos in captive breeding. The final part examines ways in which zoos can make a significant difference to conservation now and in the future. Bridging the gap between pure science and applied conservation, this is an ideal resource for both conservation biologists and zoo professionals.

Reviews & endorsements

Markus Gusset, WAZA News: "Zoo Conservation Biology is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the role - and potential - of zoos in conservation. A critical, wide-ranging synthesis, this book sets out the potential of zoos as a component in conservation's toolkit, and addresses the challenges, biological and educational, for modern, integrated conservation. This book is the definite text on the role of progressive zoo in the modern world. It covers a broad range of topics from field conservation, to captive breeding, returning animals to the wild, and public education, and holds out the ultimate challenge of turning zoos into conservation centres. If you are interested in the role of zoos today, this book is a required reading."

David Macdonald, Director, Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, University of Oxford: "Zoo Conservation Biology is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the role – and potential – of zoos in conservation. A critical, wide-ranging synthesis, this book sets out the potential of zoos as a component in conservation’s toolkit, and addresses the challenges, biological and educational, for modern, integrated conservation."

Simon Stuart, Chair, IUCN Species Survival Commission: "... the definitive text on the role of the progressive zoo in the modern world. It covers a broad range of topics from field conservation, to captive breeding, returning animals to the wild, and public education, and holds out the ultimate challenge of turning zoos into conservation centres. If you are interested in the role of zoos today, this book is required reading."

Available at Cambridge University Press

Hardback @ $ 194.99 USD

Paperback @ $ 85.99 USD

Because carnivores are at the top of the food chain, it is often argued that protecting them will afford adequate protection to other taxa as well. In the past ten years, theoretical and empirical studies on carnivores have developed very quickly. This volume reviews and summarizes the current state of the field, describes limitations and opportunities for carnivore conservation, and offers a conceptual framework for future research and applied management. It will be of interest to students and researchers of conservation biology, mammalogy, animal behavior, ecology, and evolution.