Threatened Freshwater Animals of Tropical East Asia: Ecology and Conservation in a Rapidly Changing Environment

This book explores the current state of inland waters in tropical and subtropical East Asia, highlighting the rich freshwater biodiversity and addressing the threats it faces due to human activities and rapid environmental change. It examines whether the contributions of these animals and habitats to ecosystem functioning and service provision provide sufficient basis for nature conservation and asks if the benefits of intact ecosystems are likely to ensure their preservation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 346 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The book provides a comprehensive account of the current state of inland waters in tropical and subtropical East Asia, delving into a series of case studies encompassing freshwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, and water bodies at particular risk. It highlights the rich freshwater biodiversity of tropical East Asia and underscores the various threats it faces due to human activities and rapid environmental change. It examines the question of whether the contributions of these animals and habitats, or biodiversity in general, to ecosystem functioning and service provision provide sufficient basis for arguments supporting nature conservation. Through instances from the rivers and lakes of tropical East Asia, the book also explores whether the benefits accruing from intact ecosystems are likely to be sufficient to ensure their preservation. If the answer to either or both of these questions is deemed 'no,' the book raises important considerations regarding the prospects for freshwater biodiversity in rapidly changing tropical East Asia.

This book appeals to students and scholars engaged in the fields of biodiversity, conservation, freshwater ecology, ecosystem services, and Asian Studies. It offers valuable insights into the status and conservation challenges of inland waters in tropical and subtropical East Asia, shedding light on the importance of preserving this valuable biodiversity for the well-being of ecosystems and human societies.

Weight: 820g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367697105