Genetics and Conservation

In 1983, Genetics and Conservation was published to encourage the dissemination of knowledge regarding the application of scientific theory and research to conservation programs. It was also intended to encourage genetics research regarding population viability management needs that were prevalent at the time. Twenty years later the needs have not diminished. Despite its age, Genetics and Conservation still stimulates research and information translation for conservation applications. It also contributes historic perspective regarding progress in the field of conservation genetics.

In the early and mid-1900s, numerous individuals who came from diverse backgrounds built the foundations of science applications in conservation. Though they are no longer with us, their contributions helped generate our own interests in genetic applications. The contributions of Archie Carr, Raymond Dasmann, John Eisenberg, Otto Frankel, Jack R. Harlan, Starker Leopold, Gene Namkoong, Ulysses Seal, George Wright and Sewell Wright remain essential in our work.

Pivotal publications in the late 1970s and early 1980s, such as Otto Frankel and Michael Soulé's Conservation and Evolution and Michael Soulé and Bruce Wilcox's Conservation Biology, helped accelerate the integration of genetics into conservation applications.

Over these last two decades, Genetics and Conservation accomplished its initial purpose. Its use persists in college seminars, field courses, and national and international ecologic programs. It is also used as a major planning and application reference by managers of refuges, parks, forests, reserves, ranches, aquaria, zoologic gardens and botanic gardens.

This reprinting of Genetics and Conservation is ultimately an expression of professional values and of gratitude to those who have helped configure our current concepts of ecologically and culturally sustainable conservation.

"Indeed, this book should be read and its message understood by everyone involved in biological conservation." American Scientist