Conservation biology is a young science that is still establishing its own boundaries and relationships with other disciplines. In this chapter we explore the development of conservation from the first ideas about its relevance through the first actions and on to the development of the science. The boundaries of the subject and relationship with the non-scientific aspects of conservation are also considered.

By reading this chapter students will gain a basic understanding of the origins of the conservation ethic; understand how conservation biology developed from more established scientific disciplines; and understand the relationship between conservation biology and related disciplines relevant to conservation action.

Introduction

To understand the rise in conservation biology as a science we must first briefly consider the development of conservation awareness; the realisation that conservation is an important undertaking for society. This was not initially based on science but eventually led to the need for scientific enquiry to provide the evidence on which to base action (although this is far from always being the case even today, as we shall see in later chapters).

From an historical viewpoint, many world religions have viewed humans as above nature, and the natural world as a resource for humans to exploit; a God-given resource which humans should restrain and improve for our own good. This view has subsequently been reflected in many Western philosophies and scientific works, along with the belief that it is possible for humans to control nature for their own benefit.