Taxonomy and Plant Conservation

Highlights the key role played by taxonomy in the conservation and sustainable utilisation of plant biodiversity.

Etelka Leadlay (Edited by), Stephen Jury (Edited by)

9780521607209, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 19 January 2006

368 pages, 40 b/w illus. 18 tables
24.4 x 17 x 1.9 cm, 0.59 kg

'The first section provides clear well written summaries of the scope and methods of modern taxonomy. It incorporates five chapters starting with a marvellous brief introduction to the subject … there is a clarity and readability throughout the book that allows taxonomy to be presented as a vibrant and exciting branch of biology with a clear relevance to current conservation challenges. In addition to appealing to to the specialist it can certainly be recommended to those who currently only have a passing acquaintance with the subject.' Biologist

This book illustrates the key role played by taxonomy in the conservation and sustainable utilisation of plant biodiversity. It is a tribute to the work of Professor Vernon Heywood who has done so much to highlight the importance of sound scholarship, training and collaboration for plant conservation. Divided into four parts, the book opens with an overview of the place of taxonomy in science and in implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity. Part 2 outlines the theoretical basis of taxonomy, how it is done and how it contributes to measuring diversity. The third part explains how taxonomy is used to establish conservation priorities and actions and the concluding part illustrates taxonomy in the practice and measurement of effective conservation action. With contributions from taxonomists and also the users of taxonomy, the volume will provide a balanced treatment, suitable for advanced students, researchers and conservation professionals.

Part I. Introduction: 1. Science, taxonomy and the future of plant diversity Peter Crane and Laura Pleasants
2. Taxonomy in the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity Alan Paton, China Williams, Kate Davis
Part II. The Practice of Taxonomy: 3. Principles and practice of plant taxonomy Tod F. Stuessy
4. Flowering plant families: how many do we need? James Cullen and Max Walters
5. Taxonomy, floras and conservation Santiago Castroviejo
6. The democratic processes of botanical nomenclature R. K. Brummitt
7. Bringing taxonomy to the users Ghillean T. Prance
Part III. Establishing Priorities: The Role of Taxonomy: 8. Measuring diversity Christopher Humphries
9. The need for plant taxonomy in setting priorities for designated areas and conservation management plants: a European perspective Dominique Richard and Doug Evans
10. The identification, conservation and use of wild plants of the Mediterranean region - the Medusa network - a programme for encouraging the sustainable use of Mediterranean plant resources Melpomeni Skoula and Christopher B. Johnson
11. Chemosystematics, diversity of plant compounds and plant conservation Renee J. Grayer
Part IV. Conservation Strategies: Taxonomy in the Practice and Measurement of Effective Conservation Action: 12. The business of a poet - taxonomy and conservation of island floras David Bramwell
13. The role of the taxonomist in conservation of critical vascular plants T. C. G. Rich
14. Plant taxonomy and reintroduction John R. Akeroyd
15. Rattans, taxonomy and development John Dransfield
16. Molecular systematics - measuring and monitoring diversity Alastair Culham
17. Legislation: a key user of taxonomy for plant conservation and sustainable use H. Noel McGough
18. Gardening the Earth - the contribution of botanic gardens to plant conservation and habitat restoration Stephen Blackmore and David S. Paterson
19. Using taxonomic expertise in conservation - the botanic garden contribution Etelka Leadlay, Peter Wyse Jackson and Julia Willison
20. Wild seed banks and taxonomy Paul Smith
21. Good networks - supporting the infrastructure for taxonomy and conservation Stephen Jury.

Subject Areas: Conservation of wildlife & habitats [RNKH], Botany & plant sciences [PST], Taxonomy & systematics [PSAB]