Molecular techniques are proving invaluable in determining the phylogenetic status of potentially endangered species, for investigating mechanisms of speciation, and for measuring the genetic structure of populations. It is increasingly important for ecologists and evolutionary and conservation biologists to understand and use such molecular techniques.

This book lays out the principles and basic techniques for the molecular tools appropriate for addressing issues in conservation, and also presents a few case study examples showing how molecular tools have been used successfully in conservation biology.