This volume features in-depth reviews of the major issues and emerging topics in ecology and conservation biology. The contributors are among the top researchers in the field."NOTE: Annals volumes are available for sale as individual books or as a journal. For information on institutional journal subscriptions, please visit" "www.blackwellpublishing.com/nyas"."ACADEMY MEMBERS: Please contact the New York Academy of Sciences directly to place your order ("www.nyas.org"). Members of the New York Academy of Science receive full-text access to the Annals online and discounts on print volumes. Please visit http: //www.nyas.org/MemberCenter/Join.aspx for more information about becoming a member.