Uncomfortable questions and inconvenient data in conservation science / Peter Kareiva and Michelle Marvier -- The thin ice of simplicity in environmental and conservation assessments / Moana McClellan and Ian P. Davies -- The value of ecosystem services: what is the evidence? / Linus Blomqvist and R. David Simpson -- Are local losses of biodiversity causing degraded ecosystem function? / Mark Vellend -- Forty years of bias in habitat fragmentation research / Lenore Fahrig -- Introduced species are not always the enemy of conservation / Martin A. Schlaepfer -- Novel ecosystems: can't we just pretend they're not there? / Richard J. Hobbs -- What is the evidence for planetary tipping points? / Barry W. Brook, Erle C. Ellis, and Jessie C. Buettel -- Adaptability: as important in conservation organizations as it is in species / Paul R. Armsworth, Eric R. Larson, and Alison G. Boyer -- Food webs with humans: in name only? / Emma C. Fuller -- Global agricultural expansion: the sky isn't falling (yet) / Jonathan R.B. Fisher -- A good story: media bias in trophic cascade research in Yellowstone National Park / Emma Marris -- From Silent Spring to The Frog of War: the forgotten role of natural history in conservation science / David K. Skelly -- How a mistaken ecological narrative could be undermining orangutan conservation / Erik Meijaard -- Fealty to symbolism is no way to save salmon / Peter Kareiva and Valeria Carranza -- Genetically modified crops: Frankenfood or environmental boon? / Michelle Marvier -- When "sustainable" fishing isn't / Kristin N. Marshall and Phillip S. Levin -- Science communication is receiving a lot of attention, but there's room to improve / Yuta J. Masuda and Tim Scharks -- Overfishing: can we provide food from the sea and protect biodiversity? / Ray Hilborn -- Rehabilitating sea otters: feeling good versus being effective / James A. Estes and M. Tim Tinker -- Planning for climate change without climate projections? / Joshua J. Lawler and Julia Michalak -- Is "no net loss of biodiversity" a good idea? / Martine Maron -- Replacing underperforming nature reserves / Richard A. Fuller and James E.M. Watson -- Conservation in the real world: pragmatism does not equal surrender / Joseph M. Kiesecker, Kei Sochi, Jeff Evans, Michael Heiner, Christina M. Kennedy, and James R. Oakleaf -- Are payments for ecosystem services benefiting ecosystems and people? / Paul J. Ferraro -- Corporations valuing nature: it's not all about the win-wins / Jennifer L. Molnar -- Business as usual leads to underperformance in coastal restoration / Brian R. Silliman, Brent B. Hughes, Y. Stacy Zhang, and Qiang He -- Conservation bias: what have we learned? / Brian Silliman and Stephanie Wear.
Summary:
This edited volume assembles some of the most intriguing voices in modern conservation biology. Collectively they highlight many of the most challenging questions being asked in conservation science today, each of which will benefit from new experiments, new data, and new analyses. The book's principal aim is to inspire readers to tackle these uncomfortable issues head-on. A second goal is to be reflective and consider how the field has reacted to challenges, and to what extent these challenges advance conservation science. A concluding chapter will synthesize common themes that emerge from the experiences of the authors in these debates and discuss how best to guard against confirmation bias. The hope is that this book will lead to greater conservation of ecosystems and biodiversity by harnessing the engine of constructive scientific scepticism in service of better results.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.