Reproductive Science and Intergrated Conservation. W.V. Holt, A.R. Pickard, J.C. Rodger AND D.E. Wildt (Eds) A Review by Marilyn B. Renfree.

Abstract

CONSERVATION and reproduction are inextricably linked, for reproduction is the science of the transmission of life, and conservation is the ability to maintain that life. The theme of this book is that reproductive science in all its multiple sub-disciplines is an essential (but often overlooked) component for all successful conservation. The very first statement in the volume makes this message clear “Therefore, the study of reproduction is fundamental to conserving species, populations and, indirectly, the vitality of entire ecosystems”. The overriding message is just how little we know, and for only a handful of vertebrate species. The lack of basic research is of great concern, for, as Short (1985) so succinctly stated, “we cannot conserve until we comprehend”. This compendium of papers from world experts makes a start at redressing our ignorance.