Conservation of the Earth's diversity is one of the most important and daunting challenges faced by biologists and politicians alike. The challenge has been taken up and declarations of intent issued, but there remains a basic problem of defining what we are trying to conserve, and why.

This collection of essays reflects the wide range of views that are held of what constitutes biodiversity; from its perception in terms of species numbers, categorization of landforms, or different ecological levels, to a dynamic and socio-political necessity for our own survival. The problems of matching species numbers, variety and the systematic hierarchy to geographic areas which we may wish to save are addressed. Given that we need to set priorites for conservation, it is suggested that
the preservation of the systematic hierarchy - as the most complete representation of the evolutionary legacy - should be the goal of conservation.

A synthesis of systematics and convservation

Outlines methods of selecting priority areas for conversation

Challenges the concepts of 'megadiversity' and 'hotspots'

Focuses on the problems of monitoring and establishing databases