Essentials of Conservation Biology, Fifth Edition combines theory and applied and basic research to explain the connections between conservation biology and environmental economics, education, ethics, law, and the social sciences. A major theme throughout the book is the active role that scientists, local people, the general public, conservation organizations, and governments can play in protecting biodiversity, even while providing for human needs. Each chapter begins with general ideas and principles, which are illustrated with choice examples from the current literature. The most instructive examples are discussed in boxes highlighting species and issues of particular significance. Chapters end with summaries, an annotated list of suggested readings, and discussion questions. This new edition comes with summary statements in the text margins, as study aids. Essentials of Conservation Biology, Fifth Edition is beautifully illustrated and now in full color, and is written in clear, non-technical language.