WHAT IS CONSERVATION BIOLOGY AND WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT

Important characteristics of conservation biology are that it is a cri sis discipline and it is holistic. It needs integration of research an d management, and a range of relevant skills, along with flexible fund ing to allow for inevitable changes in conservation research programme s. Research agendas are discussed, and four focal points suggested at both the species and the ecosystem levels. Gaps between intention and practice are a current barrier to effective implementation of the prin ciples of conservation biology, and should be overcome by better plann ing and targeted research. The overall importance of conservation biol ogy lies not only in its contribution to sustaining human life and wel fare, but also in maintaining processes fundamental to the health of t he biosphere.