Viable populations for conservation

Abstract How many individuals are enough to ensure long term survival of a species? What are the effects of chance on demographic structure and genetic variability? How can we work together to ensure viable populations? These questions and others are explored in this excellent little book. It concentrates on theory, especially aspects of viability analysis, although there is a case study, and also examples of interagency activities. As in any book, readers can find passages that support their pre-existing views, but taken as a whole this one provides considerable balance. The editor admits that in places he is arguing for his personal preference. Other authors stress that many decisions in conservation biology rightly belong to the community and not just the scientists for whom this book is primarily intended.