In the 1970s, there was a growing divide between ecological science and the study of biodiversity. While there were overlapping themes, there was no single definition of biodiversity. Instead, different scientists focused on different areas of study. For example, population ecology studied species in their natural habitats in the absence of human interference. However, the separation between the two fields led to a number of disagreements.
In the 1980s, conservation biology was developed. The field incorporated theories from genetics, island biogeography, and population ecology to the design of reserves and captive breeding programs. It also developed a concept called minimum viable population size. Since then, the field has grown rapidly, with active graduate programs. Here are some notable achievements of the discipline.
The scientific discipline of conservation biology is an interdisciplinary field that brings together basic and applied scientists, policymakers, and natural resource managers. It continues to engage in dialogue with policy makers and advocates for good science. Conservation biologists strive to disseminate their findings to other scientists, and they promote the value of science by making their findings public. However, the practice of advocating for “values” under the guise of science undermines its objectivity and integrity.
The journal Biological Conservation publishes articles of global relevance, as well as thematic special issues demonstrating the many applications of conservation science and management. The journal is an affiliate publication of the Society for Conservation Biology. Members of the Society can obtain a personal subscription to the journal through the Society.