Global biodiversity

"This is the first volume in the new multi-volume set, Global Biodiversity. Each volume in this series aims to provide insightful information on the biodiversity of selected nations in particular regions. The volumes summarize the available data on both wild and cultivated plants, wild and domesticated animals, and microbes of the different nations. Global Biodiversity, Volume 1: Selected Countries in Asia focuses on selected countries of Asia, providing an abundance of biodiversity information on Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, and Vietnam. The first chapter in the volume provides an informative overview of what is biodiversity along with biogeographic classifications. It provides explanations of biodiversity patterns and species number; biodiversity conservation, protection, and international commitments and cooperation; biodiversity threats and drivers of change (such as human population growth, climate change, land use change); and the economics of biodiversity. Each chapter featuring a different country, written by research scientists and conservationists, covers geographical status, ecosystem diversity, species diversity, genetic diversity, conservation efforts in that particular country. The authors provide statistical data on plants, animals, and microbes of that country along with genetic diversity with the focus on crop plants/cultivated plants and domesticated animals and their wild relatives. Endangered plants and animals and protected areas are discussed. Other volumes in this series include coverage of selected countries in Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Australia. The volumes will educate people about the wealth of biodiversity of different countries, filling the gaps in knowledge and conservation and encouraging conservation of this biodiversity and sustainable utilization. The volumes will be a rich resource for professors, biology teachers, researchers, scientists, students of biology, foresters, agricultural scientists, wild life managers, as well as botanical gardens, zoos, aquariums."--Publisher's description