What is conservation biology and why is it so important?

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Abstract
Important characteristics of conservation biology are that it is a crisis discipline and it is holistic. It needs integration of research and management, and a range of relevant skills, along with flexible funding to allow for inevitable changes in conservation research programmes. Research agendas are discussed, and four focal points suggested at both the species and the ecosystem levels. Gaps between intention and practice are a current barrier to effective implementation of the principles of conservation biology, and should be overcome by better planning and targeted research. The overall importance of conservation biology lies not only in its contribution to sustaining human life and welfare, but also in maintaining processes fundamental to the health of the biosphere.