New Zealand Inventory of Biodiversity (Vol.1)

Discover the New Zealand Inventory of Biodiversity (Vol.1), a pivotal resource for anyone interested in conservation, ecology, and the rich biodiversity of New Zealand. This comprehensive volume, authored by expert Dennis P. Gordon and published by Canterbury University Press, serves as an unparalleled inventory that encompasses both living and fossil biodiversity in New Zealand. Spanning 592 pages, this first of three volumes details over 55,000 recognized species, including endemic flora and fauna unique to New Zealand's varied ecosystems. With contributions from over 220 local and international specialists, this landmark publication is the most exhaustive of its kind worldwide. As part of the Species 2000 initiative, this work aims to harmonize species cataloging globally, providing a crucial reference point for students, researchers, and conservationists. The book delves into New Zealand's freshwater, marine, and terrestrial environments, highlighting the country's unique biological heritage and the importance of preserving it for future generations. By offering insights into both endemic species and introduced organisms, this volume plays a vital role in understanding New Zealand's ecology and its contribution to the world's biodiversity. Perfect for advanced high-school students and tertiary-level readers, the New Zealand Inventory of Biodiversity (Vol.1) invites readers on a journey through the enchanting realms of life, inspiring them to appreciate and protect our natural world.

Author: Dennis P. Gordon Publisher: Canterbury University Press

Dimensions: 210 x 280 mm
Pages: 592
Publication Date: 14-08-2012

This volume is the first of three that provides a complete review and inventory of New Zealand's entire living and fossil biodiversity. More than 220 New Zealand and overseas specialists have collaborated to produce the most comprehensive book of its kind in the world. Together, the three volumes will list every one of the 55,000-plus known species of New Zealand's animals, plants, fungi and micro-organisms. These volumes are affiliated with Species 2000, an international scientific project with the long-term goal of enumerating all known species on Earth into one seamless list - the Catalogue of Life, a kind of online telephone directory. To date, only New Zealand has compiled a checklist of its entire biota. Approximately 52% of this country's species are endemic - found only in New Zealand's freshwater, marine, and land environments. We have a responsibility to the global community to preserve this unique heritage or taonga. But further than that, all of our species - including many of the naturalised aliens included in the survey - are important to New Zealand's economy, ecology, and well-being.
Written for the advanced high-school and tertiary-level reader, these volumes are also intended to be a kind of 'Cooks Tour' of the kingdoms and phyla of life that will, it is hoped, provide an appreciation of the wondrous diversity of nature.