Sixth Edition. By Richard B. Primack. Sunderland (Massachusetts): Sinauer Associates. $94.95. xv + 603 p.; ill.; index. ISBN: 978-1-60535-289-3. 2014.
The sixth edition of Primack's textbook Essentials of Conservation Biology, like the previous edition, introduces many of the disciplines that are relevant to the science of conserving biological diversity worldwide. The volume also provides examples of applications of conservation biology to resource management. The book addresses the scope of conservation biology and geographic patterns of biological diversity; direct, indirect, and ethical values; threats to biological diversity; population and species-level conservation; management and restoration within and beyond protected areas; and conservation and sustainable development. The many figures and photographs that illustrate the volume are of high quality. The text is easy to read, and likely would be accessible to undergraduates regardless of their major field of study.
The preface notes that the sixth edition includes new material on marine protected areas, global change, citizen science, topics in economics, and use of drones and DNA in the environment. These subjects largely are addressed in boxes. As a result, space is limited, and treatment can be somewhat superficial. For example, the overview of citizen science does not include caveats about variation in the reliability of data collected by individuals who are enthusiastic, but may have little taxonomic expertise or field experience. An appeal to conservation of species that pollinate crops seems a bit glib in light of recent evidence (albeit published after the textbook) that a small proportion of wild bees pollinate the majority of crops. Also, in a few instances, inclusion of recent citations—which otherwise is comprehensive and laudable—inadvertently may gloss over the history of core concepts in conservation biology.tk;1 For example, explanation of the I = PAT formula references a 2013 article rather than the work of Commoner, Ehrlich, and Holdren in the early 1970s.
Although the introductory chapter differentiates conservation biology from environmental activism, the volume encourages advocacy without exploring arguments for maximizing scientific objectivity. Such a presentation may not effectively serve students who wish to work in the private sector or with communities that are suspicious of environmental professionals. Future editions might explore the cascading ecological effects of changes in supply chains and other business practices by dominant corporations, industries, and alliances, from Walmart to members of the World Ocean Council.
As in the fifth and earlier editions, treatment of population biology and conservation of small populations is rigorous and straightforward. These sections highlight not only contemporary research but seminal references and brief histories of debates such as the minimum number of individuals necessary for a population to remain viable. Another enduring strength of the book, especially in light of its translation into multiple languages, is its use of examples from virtually all biomes and taxonomic groups. These appealing reminders of the diversity of life seem likely to engage and educate students independent of the main text.
By Erica Fleishman