The preservation of process: the missing element of conservation programs

With the loss of biodiversity has come increasing debate as to how best to preserve it. Conservation strategies have largely focused on patterns of diversity, or how to maximize the number of species that can be saved within a particular geographic region (Bibby et al., 1992; McNeely et al., 1990). While many of these plans are to be applauded most nevertheless fall short of addressing many of the fundamental ecological and evolutionary processes that produced the patterns in the first place. Emphasis on pattern rather than process is in many respects understandable, rapid population declines and diminishing habitats requires swift action, often before all relevant data are collected.

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