Island ecology and nature reserves

Abstract

As man continues to modify the vegetation of the world to his own needs the survival of many species of plants and animals will be possible only in reserves of natural habitat. These will often be small areas erected in a desperate attempt to save some endangered species with a specialized habitat requirement, or perhaps a traditional, colonial breeding place. However in the long term the preservation of complete, mature communities of plants and animals holds the most promise for coming generations of humans. Time is fast running out for the preservation of areas of some habitats, particularly the tropical rain-forests of West Africa and South-east Asia.