Taxonomy and Plant Conservation

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.

Table of Contents:
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.

About the Author :
Head of Research and Membership Services with Botanic Gardens Conservation International, Kew. Herbarium Curator for the University of Reading and Principal Research Fellow with responsibilities including herbarium curation, research and teaching.

Review :
'This is a fascinating insight into a world that is often seen as closed to all but a few specialists ... There's a wealth of detail here that could be used in a range of situations. Those regularly involved in conservation education would do well to read this text.' TENews 'It has many useful papers on the practice of taxonomy and how it is necessary for conservation. It has several chapters which directly address the gap between plant taxonomy as a science and use of the products of that science by practitioners in other disciplines ...' BGjournal '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