Quantitative Methods for Conservation Biology

As the study of biodiversity, resource management, and endangered species preservation becomes increasingly quantitative in nature, the importance of modeling and simulation is growing steadily. This book is the first to review the quantitative tools used in conservation biology. The topics covered include population viability analysis, population dynamics, meta-population models, estimating risks and timing of extinction, quasi-extinction, recovery dynamics, land-use, population genetics, and genetics of bottleneck populations. The book is aimed at the practicing biologist and land-use manager, and will be invaluable to students in conservation biology, ecology, and natural resources.
TOC: Detecting extinction in sighting data; Whaling models for cetacean conservation; Modeling red-cockaded woodpecker population dynamics for viability analysis; Using stage-structured population models to focus research and conservation management efforts; Can individual-based models yield a better assessment of population variability?; Effects of measurement error on endangerment assessment; Branching processes as a modeling tool for conservation biology; Genetics in biology; Modeling problems in conservation genetics using laboratory animals; Alien fish introductions; Assessing land-use impact on bull trout using Bayesian belief networks; Inventory and monitoring; Connection between single species and ecosystems; From data to national decision- making; Evaluating risks association with introductions of nonindigenous organisms.