Conservation In Practice

A publication of the Society for Conservation Biology

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Summer 2001 (Vol. 2, No. 3)

Invasive Species in a Changing World
Harold A. Mooney & Richard J. Hobbs, Eds. 375 pp. $30, Island Press. 2000
Changing patterns of global commerce are leading to the breakdown of biogeographical barriers that have historically kept the floras and faunas of different continents separate. Some introduced species can become aggressive and exact a serious toll on local ecosystems. This book brings together scientists from around the world to examine this issue and explore the interactions between global change and invasive species. Contributors set forth the idea that invasive species themselves are change agents that need to be considered in future global scenarios. Invasive Species in a Changing World is useful reading for those concerned with the impact of invasive species on ecosystem health and functioning.

Ecological Integrity: Integrating Environment, Conservation, & Health
David Pimentel, Laura Westra, & Reed Noss, Eds., 375 pp. $35, Island Press. 2000
Since 1992, the Global Integrity Project has brought together scientists and thinkers from around the world to examine the combined problems of human well-being, degradation of the ecosphere, and unsustainable economies. This book provides findings and a synthesis of the project. Contributors examine the key elements of ecological integrity, the consequences of its loss, and they offer concrete recommendations for reversing ecological degradation while promoting social and economic welfare and justice. Integrating environmental science, economics, law, and ethics, Ecological Integrity explores the interactions between human and planetary health.

eNature.com
www.enature.com/
This new nature portal offers online searchable field guides to over 4,800 plant and animal species. Derived from 35 different Audubon Society Field Guides, Regional Guides, and Nature Guides, the database is keyword-searchable by group (mammals, amphibians, fishes, trees, etc.) or browseable within subheadings. Each field guide entry includes a large thumbnail image and description. Users can search by size, color, habitat, region, and other options. Registered members (its free) can add selected plants or animals to their “Life List,” which is saved at the site, along with notes. While the field guides alone make the site worth a visit, there is more, including an Ask an Expert message board, Habitat Guides, news features, and tips for teachers.

Ecosystem Valuation
www.ecosystemvaluation.org/default.htm
A collaborative project of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service, US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA-Sea Grant Office, and University of Maryland, Center for Environmental Science, this new Website examines how economists attempt to assign values to ecosystem services. The site is well organized and outlines general and specific topics. Topics are explained in terms that laypersons will understand (a glossary is also provided) but without compromising the quality of information. Anyone interested in learning more about this controversial but increasingly important area will find this site an excellent starting point.

GPS Applications Exchange
gpshome.ssc.nasa.gov/
This site from NASA offers information and links representing “the many diverse uses of signals from the Global Positioning System” around the world. This database of GPS applications and their benefits is searchable by application (such as Environment, Forestry and Agriculture, Geographic Information Systems, Natural Disasters, Weather Forecasting, and much more), by country, and by region. Each entry includes a short summary giving examples of how the GPS is used along with a source that includes URLs leading to additional information. Users may submit applications online, by email, or by post.

Science Briefs
The Biodiversity Project
The Biodiversity Project offers free monthly electronic updates on research and scientific topics related to biodiversity issues. For a subscription, write to project@biodiverse.org. Provide your name, address, phone, affiliation, and areas of interest.