Review by Choice Review
Watson (botanist, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh [RBGE]), Lyal (taxonomist, Natural History Museum, London), and Pendry (ecologist, RBGE) have edited an informative collection of emerging issues and cutting-edge technology in taxonomy and biodiversity assessment. The editors stress the need for researchers in biodiversity cataloging (e.g., at museums) and conservation (at universities and nonprofits) to communicate better and to collaborate. With contributions from 47 biodiversity and taxonomy experts in the UK (plus the US and Ireland), the book describes the challenges related to communicating taxonomy to a wider audience (e.g., through digital field guides); guiding the increased use of genetic information in both taxonomy and conservation; and identifying taxonomic trends impacting biodiversity assessment and conservation. Clearly the gap between taxonomists and conservationists can be closed through the movement toward digitization, online access to collections and checklists, and open access and Creative Commons copyright practices. The one shortcoming of the book is the predominance of UK authors; contributions from those in biodiverse, equatorial countries would have been an asset. This book will be particularly beneficial for researchers who develop or use assessment or monitoring tools. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Researchers/faculty and professionals/practitioners. --Audrey L Mayer, Michigan Technological University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
