Book Description

This book consists of a collection of individual papers surveying the existing knowledge of biodiversity in British Columbia. The first section contains papers that consider the importance of an ecosystem-centred approach to the conservation of biodiversity, explain the methods of classifying the status of rare species, and review the role of biosystematics and taxonomy in the study of biodiversity. The second section focuses on the diversity of species in British Columbia, with papers on specific species or groups such as lepidoptera, marine invertebrates, lichens, bryophytes, fish, fungi, mammals, birds, reptiles, and vascular plants. Part three summarises information on the diversity of the province's ecosystems, with papers on such topics as forests, grasslands, marine areas, urban areas, and atmospheric change. The final section discusses ways of protecting biodiversity, concluding with a summary of recommendations for biodiversity conservation.