This book was conceived to mark the Silver Jubilee of the British Butterfly Conservation Society. Interest in the conservation of butterflies has increased so rapidly that it is difficult to relate to the situation 25 years ago. Butterflies were on the decline in Britain, Europe and elsewhere but we lacked data on the extent of the decline and the underlying reasons, leaving us unable to implement effective conservation measures. An early recognition of the plight of British butterflies and moths led to the foundation of the society by a small group of conservationists in 1968. Today the society has over 10000 members, owns a number of reserves and sponsors research, conservation and monitoring activities at the local and national level. As part of the Silver Jubilee celebrations an international symposium was held at Keele University in September 1993 entitled 'Ecology and Conservation of Butterflies'. This symposium clearly showed how much important work has been done in recentyears and also gave me the impression that the subject had reached a watershed. This was not because the decline of butterflies has stopped or even slowed down, far from it, the threat to our butterflies continues to increase from habitat destruction and intensification of land use. The watershed is in our understanding of the relationship between butterflies and their habitat.
...a blockbuster of a book, packed with information and more than 650 references...Make sure you have access to this book if you are involved in any conservation work. - BBC Wildlife; Anyone concerned with nature conservation (regardless of which group they are fond) should study this book.European Journal of Entomology; Scientists, nature conservationists and amateur entomologists, as well as environmentalists, will find this book of considerable value in gaining access to up-to-date information to conservation endeavours...a well thought out compilation. - Int J of Environmental Statics; ...an excellent book, one which should be compulsory reading for all those interested in conservation in general and in the conservation of butterflies in particular. - Biodiversity and Conservation