The most unique feature of Earth is the existence of life, and the most extraordinary feature of life is its diversity. This includes all the different plants, animals, and microorganisms; the genes they contain; and the ecosystems they form on land and in water. This book covers living organisms of all kinds in any habitat, focusing on information features rapid assessment approaches, the estimation of species numbers and diversity, habitat management, conservation policy and regulations, threats, biodiversity loss, extinctions, and the documenting of long-term changes, and ex-situ conservation.