Following the much acclaimed success of the first volume of Key Topics in Conservation Biology, this entirely new second volume addresses an innovative array of key topics in contemporary conservation biology. Written by an internationally renowned team of authors, Key Topics in Conservation Biology 2 adds to the still topical foundations laid in the first volume (published in 2007) by exploring a further 25 cutting-edge issues in modern biodiversity conservation, including controversial subjects such as setting conservation priorities, balancing the focus on species and ecosystems, and financial mechanisms to value biodiversity and pay for its conservation. Other chapters, setting the framework for conservation, address the sociology and philosophy of peoples’ relation with Nature and its impact on health, and such challenging practical issues as wildlife trade and conflict between people and carnivores. As a new development, this second volume of Key Topics includes chapters on major ecosystems, such as forests, islands and both fresh and marine waters, along with case studies of the conservation of major taxa: plants, butterflies, birds and mammals. A further selection of topics consider how to safeguard the future through monitoring, reserve planning, corridors and connectivity, together with approaches to reintroduction and re-wilding, along with managing wildlife disease. A final chapter, by the editors, synthesises thinking on the relationship between biodiversity conservation and human development.

Each topic is explored by a team of top international experts, assembled to bring their own cross-cutting knowledge to a penetrating synthesis of the issues from both theoretical and practical perspectives.

The interdisciplinary nature of biodiversity conservation is reflected throughout the book. Each essay examines the fundamental principles of the topic, the methodologies involved and, crucially, the human dimension. In this way, Key Topics in Conservation Biology 2, like its sister volume, Key Topics in Conservation Biology, embraces issues from cutting-edge ecological science to policy, environmental economics, governance, ethics, and the practical issues of implementation.

Key Topics in Conservation Biology 2 will, like its sister volume, be a valuable resource in universities and colleges, government departments, and conservation agencies. It is aimed particularly at senior undergraduate and graduate students in conservation biology and wildlife management and wider ecological and environmental subjects, and those taking Masters degrees in any field relevant to conservation and the environment. Conservation practitioners, policy-makers, and the wider general public eager to understand more about important environmental issues will also find this book invaluable.

David W. Macdonald CBE FRSE is Professor of Wildlife Conservation at the University of Oxford. Founder and Director of Oxford’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU), and a Fellow of Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. In addition to his conservation research, he is heavily involved in the practice and policy of conservation, and is also known through his films and books on wildlife.

Katherine J. Willis is the Tasso Leventis Professor of Biodiversity at the University of Oxford, Director of the Oxford Martin School Biodiversity Institute (BIO) in the Department of Zoology, and a Fellow of Merton College, Oxford. She is also an adjunct Professor in Biology at the University of Bergen, Norway. Her work within the Biodiversity Institute falls under three key research areas: biodiversity beyond protected areas; ecological and evolutionary processes responsible for biodiversity; and biodiversity technologies. She is also heavily involved in the development of smartphone and web-based decision support tools to facilitate the transfer of knowledge on biodiversity science and ecosystem services into conservation, management and policy.

Sek was waiting for us and beamed as we pulled up. Tea was brewed and he rolled a cone of tobacco and invited us to squat down. As we chatted a sinister looking guy buzzed through the village on a motorbike, “They know we re here,” said Phal interpreting Sek s observation. The distant sound of chainsaws was clearly audible and I guessed the guy on the bike was making sure we weren t about to disturb their work.

Sek showed us his store of liquid resin and the rustic pots used for collecting it. He told of how it took days to get round his trees. He talked with pride. I was already in love with the way of life when Sek got on to hunting. He described how villagers created an impenetrable barrier in the forest to catch anything that tried to get through. I winced as he said that once they d caught a Tiger. It was a reminder that even in our perfect projections all is not how we want it to be.

Sek s trees were back down the track so Medic transported us on his old Korean motorbike in a couple of trips. As we sat on a big log waiting for Phal and the Medic, Sek pointed in the direction of the chainsaws that were working close by. The sound was probably only a few hundred yards into the forest. The prospect of a confrontation with the loggers was scary but to ignore what was going on would be hypocritical. When Phal arrived I asked him to see if Sek was up for going to check it out. Phal explained that Sek s trees were in the opposite direction and that the Medic wouldn t leave his bike as loggers had trashed it on a previous occasion. Phal clearly didn t want to go but Sek picked up on the conversation and appeared to be ready to follow the sound of the logging. “Let s take a look,” I said and we started off down the track. Just a little way along in the thick of undergrowth Sek pointed to a big tree that had been cut down very recently. We were investigating when we heard a motorbike thrashing down the path towards us. Instinctively we all dropped into the cover as he rattled by. “The Medic must have told the look-out that we re coming to catch the chainsaws.” Said Phal. “I don t think he saw us though.” Back on the track Phal looked indecisive, I offered a rhetorical, “Shall we take a look?” and headed on. I was quietly crapping myself. I looked round to see that Phal had dropped back and Sek was looking hesitant. The chainsaws were louder now and there was a good chance that we really might catch them at it. I rubbed my good luck stone and pressed on.

Over the din of the saws I hardly heard the motor of the lookout s bike coming round the corner; his face was like thunder. He flew past us and then did a smart U turn and sped back towards the chainsaws. There were shouts and the saws stopped. Now all was eerily quiet. Either they had run or were waiting for us. Sek was behind me now.