Invertebrates are far and away the most diverse and abundant animals in most natural ecosystems, yet their importance in sustaining those systems is commonly not appreciated, nor are their needs adequately taken into account in the assessment and planning of conservation priorities. Until now there has been no current textbook providing the much-needed information on conservation of sponges, earthworms, molluscs, crustaceans, and insects to counterbalance knowledge of birds, mammals, and fish.

This is the first book to give a global view of the conservation biology of the invertebrates in their major habitats - terrestrial, freshwater, and marine. Discussion of the importance of invertebrates and the rationale for their conservation, and of priorities in the field, is followed by an appraisal of threatening processes and practical approaches to conserving invertebrates. A chapter on captive breeding and introductions is followed by discussion of species protection and status assessment, and the book concludes with selected case-histories and suggestions for a practical agenda.

Sections on 'Further Reading' at chapter ends and a comprehensive bibliography provide the reader with a directed entry to the literature.