Global Biodiversity

Compiled by the IUCN
This is the most comprehensive compendium of global biodiversity statistics ever produced. With information gathered from numerous national and international agencies, published literature and unpublished sources, this report documents the status, threat, management and utilisation of global biological resources. The information is presented in tables, maps and graphics for 208 countries. Coverage includes diversity at the genetic, species and ecosystem levels; trends and rates of change; in situ and ex situ management, benefits and values of biodiversity; gap analysis for data priorities; and data requirements for monitoring.

Part 1 Biological diversity: Systematics and diversity - genetic diversity, systematics and diversity, species concepts, species inventory; Species diversity - an introduction, microorganisms, lower plant diversity, higher plant diversity, nematodes, deep-sea invertebrates, soil macrofauna, fishes, higher vertebrates, island species, centres of species diversity; Special loss - species extinction, threatened species; habitats and ecosystems - global habitat classification, biodiversity and global climate change, tropical moist forests, grasslands, wetlands, coral reefs, mangroves. Part 2 Uses and values of biodiversity: Uses of biological resources - plant use, animal use, valuing biodiversity, biodiversity and economics. Part 3 Conservation and management of biodiversity: National policies and instruments - national legislation, protected area; International policies and instruments - multilateral treaties, international policy and legal assistance, international aid, management of international resources; Biodiversity convention - current practices in conservation, the convention on biological diversity.