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.