Habitat loss and degradation are currently the main anthropogenic causes of species extinctions. The root cause is human overpopulation. This unique volume provides, for the very first time, a comprehensive overview of all threatened and recently extinct mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fishes within the context of their locations and habitats. The approach takes a systematic examination of each biogeographic realm and region of the world, both terrestrial and marine, but with a particular emphasis on geographic features such as mountains, islands, and coral reefs. It reveals patterns useful in biodiversity conservation, helps to put it all into perspective, and ultimately serves as both a baseline from which to compare subsequent developments as well as a standardization of the way threatened species are studied.

‘This colossal synthesis fills a void. It will find its place in many libraries, I'm sure.’

Ivan Ineich Source: Bulletin de la Société Herpétologique de France

‘It seems inconceivable that the publisher could have produced a comprehensive volume of the global biogeographic distribution of threatened and recently extinct vertebrates, comprising an estimated 650,000 words (the main text alone) and including 24 pages of well-produced color plates at its listed price. But here it is, and we have Matthew Richardson to thank for it … the effort and achievement of this volume is enormous, and we can hope that it remains useful for decades to come.’

Kevin Padian Source: The Quarterly Review of Biology