This is a preview. Log in through your library.
Abstract
The equilibrium theory of island biogeography and associated species-area relations have been promoted as theoretical bases for design of nature reserves. However, the theory has not been properly validated and the practical value of biogeographic principles for conservation remains unknown. Recent studies have shown that species-area data in the absence of autecological bases provide no special insights relevant to conservation. The unreliability of simplistic species-area data when applied to real conservation situations is illustrated with an example from the Brazilian Amazon. A prediction of area for the conservation of species of central Amazonian forest frogs was made from species-area data and found to lack relevance in light of autecological evidence.
Journal Information
The subjects of biogeography, ecology and biodiversity are now of truly global importance. Recognizing this increased significance, the scope of the Journal of Biogeography and its sister publications, Global Ecology and Biogeography and Diversity and Distributions, continue to be developed under the guidance of Dr Robert Whittaker and Dr David Richardson respectively, acting as a team with Professor Philip Stott, the Editor of Journal of Biogeography. All three journals have wide coverage–from 'enhanced global warming' to the distribution of gadoid fishes, from invertebrate diversity in tropical rain forests to individualist species responses–so that all the key biogeographical and ecological questions of the day may be addressed. Topics include 'what is naturalness?', debates on both philosophy and methods, the implications of ecosystem fragmentation, the impact of human-induced changes, as well as the ecological and economic significance of biodiversity. All systematic groups are also embraced, from theory to practice, from plants to animals. Journal of Biogeography is essential reading for all environmentalists, biogeographers, ecologists, biologists, botanists and zoologists. JSTOR provides a digital archive of the print version of Journal of Biogeography. The electronic version of Journal of Biogeography is available at //www.interscience.wiley.com. Authorized users may be able to access the full text articles at this site.
Publisher Information
Wiley is a global provider of content and content-enabled workflow solutions in areas of scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly research; professional development; and education. Our core businesses produce scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, reference works, books, database services, and advertising; professional books, subscription products, certification and training services and online applications; and education content and services including integrated online teaching and learning resources for undergraduate and graduate students and lifelong learners. Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. has been a valued source of information and understanding for more than 200 years, helping people around the world meet their needs and fulfill their aspirations. Wiley has published the works of more than 450 Nobel laureates in all categories: Literature, Economics, Physiology or Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, and Peace. Wiley has partnerships with many of the world’s leading societies and publishes over 1,500 peer-reviewed journals and 1,500+ new books annually in print and online, as well as databases, major reference works and laboratory protocols in STMS subjects. With a growing open access offering, Wiley is committed to the widest possible dissemination of and access to the content we publish and supports all sustainable models of access. Our online platform, Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com) is one of the world’s most extensive multidisciplinary collections of online resources, covering life, health, social and physical sciences, and humanities.
Rights & Usage
This item is part of a JSTOR Collection.
For terms and use, please refer to our Terms and Conditions
Journal of Biogeography © 1986
Wiley
Request Permissions
This is a preview. Log in through your library.
Abstract
The development of the equilibrium theory of island biogeography and its basic concepts are outlined. Studies purporting to validate the theory are critically examined, and it is concluded that there is little support for its tenets. The application of the theory to nature conservation and ecology is therefore premature.
Journal Information
The subjects of biogeography, ecology and biodiversity are now of truly global importance. Recognizing this increased significance, the scope of the Journal of Biogeography and its sister publications, Global Ecology and Biogeography and Diversity and Distributions, continue to be developed under the guidance of Dr Robert Whittaker and Dr David Richardson respectively, acting as a team with Professor Philip Stott, the Editor of Journal of Biogeography. All three journals have wide coverage–from 'enhanced global warming' to the distribution of gadoid fishes, from invertebrate diversity in tropical rain forests to individualist species responses–so that all the key biogeographical and ecological questions of the day may be addressed. Topics include 'what is naturalness?', debates on both philosophy and methods, the implications of ecosystem fragmentation, the impact of human-induced changes, as well as the ecological and economic significance of biodiversity. All systematic groups are also embraced, from theory to practice, from plants to animals. Journal of Biogeography is essential reading for all environmentalists, biogeographers, ecologists, biologists, botanists and zoologists. JSTOR provides a digital archive of the print version of Journal of Biogeography. The electronic version of Journal of Biogeography is available at //www.interscience.wiley.com. Authorized users may be able to access the full text articles at this site.
Publisher Information
Wiley is a global provider of content and content-enabled workflow solutions in areas of scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly research; professional development; and education. Our core businesses produce scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly journals, reference works, books, database services, and advertising; professional books, subscription products, certification and training services and online applications; and education content and services including integrated online teaching and learning resources for undergraduate and graduate students and lifelong learners. Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. has been a valued source of information and understanding for more than 200 years, helping people around the world meet their needs and fulfill their aspirations. Wiley has published the works of more than 450 Nobel laureates in all categories: Literature, Economics, Physiology or Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, and Peace. Wiley has partnerships with many of the world’s leading societies and publishes over 1,500 peer-reviewed journals and 1,500+ new books annually in print and online, as well as databases, major reference works and laboratory protocols in STMS subjects. With a growing open access offering, Wiley is committed to the widest possible dissemination of and access to the content we publish and supports all sustainable models of access. Our online platform, Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com) is one of the world’s most extensive multidisciplinary collections of online resources, covering life, health, social and physical sciences, and humanities.
Rights & Usage
This item is part of a JSTOR Collection.
For terms and use, please refer to our Terms and Conditions
Journal of Biogeography © 1980
Wiley
Request Permissions