This textbook provides a clear and comprehensive introduction to the importance of genetic studies in conservation. The text is presented in an easy-to-follow format with main points and terms clearly highlighted. Each chapter concludes with a concise summary, which together with worked examples, problems and answers, emphasize the key principles covered. Text boxes containing interesting case studies and other additional information enrich the content throughout. Over 100 beautiful pen and ink portraits of endangered species help bring the material to life.
This is a comprehensive guide to genetics and how it is and can be used in conservation from managing different population sizes to ensure genetic diversity to helping identify and prosecute wildlife crime. Frankham has a clear and easy to follow way of writing using lots of real world examples to illustrate each of his points and techniques, which in some cases is a great help (or it certainly was for me anyway!). There are also various practice and revision problems that can be used to test your own understanding and these are given both chapter by chapter and at the end of the book so you can test yourself as you go and then again at the end. I can certainly see me coming back to this again and again during the rest of my studies.
Great book, with very good explanations of concepts, exercises at the end of each chapter and even recommendations in terms of softwares and methods to use to apply what we learned in an investigation context. Obviously doesn't have everything, since its title begins with "Introduction to.." - but for that purpose, it's a very nice book. Since this edition was released, probably there will be things to correct, delete and add, but it was very up to date when it was released, and still has a lot of value now too.