Faced with widespread and devastating loss of biodiversity in wild habitats, scientists have developed innovative strategies for studying and protecting targeted plant and animal species in ""off-site"" facilities such as botanic gardens and zoos. Such ex situ work is an increasingly important component of conservation and restoration efforts. Ex Situ Plant Conservation, edited by Edward O. Guerrant Jr., Kayri Havens, and Mike Maunder, is the first book to address integrated plant conservation strategies and to examine the scientific, technical, and strategic bases of the ex situ approach. The book examines where and how ex situ investment can best support in situ conservation. Ex Situ Plant Conservation outlines the role, value, and limits of ex situ conservation as well as updating best management practices for the field, and is an invaluable resource for plant conservation practitioners at botanic gardens, zoos, and other conservation organizations; students and faculty in conservation biology and related fields; managers of protected areas and other public and private lands; and policymakers and members of the international community concerned with species conservation.
Foreword Preface Acknowledgments Introduction
PART I. The Scope and Potential of Ex Situ Plant Conservation Chapter 1. Ex Situ Methods: A Vital but Underused Set of Conservation Resources Chapter 2. In Situ and Ex Situ Conservation: Philosophical and Ethical Concerns Chapter 3. Western Australia's Ex Situ Program for Threatened Species: A Model Integrated Strategy for Conservation Chapter 4. The Role of Federal Guidance and State and Federal Partnerships in Ex Situ Plant Conservation in the United States Chapter 5. Ex Situ Support to the Conservation of Wild Populations and Habitats: Lessons from Zoos and Opportunities for Botanic Gardens
PART II. Tools of the Trade Chapter 6. Principles for Preserving Germplasm in Gene Banks Chapter 7. Classification of Seed Storage Types for Ex Situ Conservation in Relation to Temperature and Moisture Chapter 8. Determining Dormancy-Breaking and Germination Requirements from the Fewest Seeds Chapter 9. Pollen Storage as a Conservation Tool Chapter 10. Tissue Culture as a Conservation Method: An Empirical View from Hawaii Chapter 11. Ex Situ Conservation Methods for Bryophytes and Pteridophytes
PART III. The Ecological and Evolutionary Context of Ex Situ Plant Conservation Chapter 12. Population Responses to Novel Environments: Implications for Ex Situ Plant Conservation Chapter 13. Population Genetic Issues in Ex Situ Plant Conservation Chapter 14. Integrating Quantitative Genetics into Ex Situ Conservation and Restoration Practices Chapter 15. Effects of Seed Collection on the Extinction Risk of Perennial Plants Chapter 16. Hybridization in Ex Situ Plant Collections: Conservation Concerns, Liabilities, and Opportunities Chapter 17. Accounting for Sample Decline during Ex Situ Storage and Reintroduction
PART IV. Using Ex Situ Methods Most Effectively Chapter 18. Realizing the Full Potential of Ex Situ Contributions to Global Plant Conservation
Appendix 1. Revised Genetic Sampling Guidelines for Conservation Collections of Rare and Endangered Plants Appendix 2. Guidelines for Seed Storage Appendix 3. Guidelines for Ex Situ Conservation Collection Management: Minimizing Risks Appendix 4. Ex Situ Plant Conservation Organizations and Networks About the Contributors Index
"This volume adds much needed detail and guidance to the field of plant conservation and restoration."