BookBrian J. Huntley, Vladimir Russo, Fernanda Lages, Nuno Ferrand, editors.
Summary: This open access multi-authored book presents a 'state of the science' synthesis of knowledge on the biodiversity of Angola, based on sources in peer-reviewed journals, in books and where appropriate, unpublished official reports. The book identifies Angola as one of the most biologically diverse countries in Africa, but notes that its fauna, flora, habitats and the processes that drive the dynamics of its ecosystems are still very poorly researched and documented. This 'state of the science' synthesis is for the use of all students of Angola's biodiversity, and for those responsible for the planning, development and sustainable management of the country's living resources. The volume brings together the results of expeditions and research undertaken in Angola since the late eighteenth century, with emphasis on work conducted in the four decades since Angola's independence in 1975. The individual chapters have been written by leaders in their fields, and reviewed by peers familiar with the region.
Contents:
Part 1. Introduction: Setting The Scene
Chapter 1. Introduction: Towards a Modern Synthesis
Chapter 2. Angola in Outline: Physiography, Climate and Patterns of Biodiversity
Chapter 3. Marine Biodiversity of Angola: Biogeography and Conservation
Chapter 4. Biodiversity in Angola through Time: A Paleontological Perspective
Part 2. Flora, Vegetation and Landscape change
Chapter 5. The Flora of Angola: Collectors, Richness and Endemism
Chapter 6. Vegetation Survey, Classification and Mapping in Angola
Chapter 7. Suffrutex Dominated Ecosystems in Angola
Chapter 8. Landscape Changes in Angola
Part 3. INVERTEBRATE DIVERSITY: ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS
Chapter 9. The Dragonflies and Damselflies of Angola: An Updated Synthesis
Chapter 10. The Butterflies and Skippers of Angola
Part 4. VERTEBRATES: DISTRIBUTION AND DIVERSITY
Chapter 11. The Freshwater Fishes of Angola
Chapter 12. The Amphibians of Angola: Early Studies and the Current State of Knowledge
Chapter 13. The Reptiles of Angola: History, Diversity, Endemism and Hotspots
Chapter 14. The Avifauna of Angola: Richness, Endemism and Rarity
Chapter 15. The Mammals of Angola
Chapter 16
The Cetaceans of Angola
Chapter 17. The Giant Sable Antelope: Angola?s National Icon
Part 5. RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION OPPORTUNITIES
Chapter 18. Biodiversity Conservation: History, Protected Areas and Hotspots
Chapter 19. Museum and Herbarium Collections for Biodiversity Research in Angola
Chapter 20. Biodiversity Research and Conservation Opportunities.