ABSTRACT
Chapter 28 reviews the history of conservation biology and the major vocabulary that characterizes the practice and science. The major characteristics are described that distinguish conservation biology from other fields. The values inherent in the field, as written by founder Michael Soulé, are listed. The issue of how many species currently exist on Earth is reviewed as is the issue of current extinction rates. Because estimation of extinction rates is difficult, population decline and IUCN Red List categorization are used as metrics. The major findings of the 2019 Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service are listed. Results indicate that the Earth is experiencing the sixth major extinction event in its history. Undeniably, it is happening because of humans. More specifically, five reasons for extinction are explained, followed by sections on the most extinction-prone species and habitats. Different strategies for managing land are described, using an illustration that presents a multi-scope approach to conservation. The chapter concludes with a plea for personal involvement in the reciprocity of healing self while healing Earth.
