Compiled as a joint project with the IUCN, this reference contains 700 descriptions and status reports for animals and plants in danger of extinction throughout the world, arranged phylogenetically by order, family, genus and species. Each entry contains a description of the species, its scientific and common names, and notes on status, range, biology, habitat, distribution, conservation measures and survival outlook as well as informed discussion on the reason a species is threatened and the effects of its disappearance. A Species Watch Summary gives details of species on the brink of extinction or recovered from near-extinction, as well as species extinctions since 1600. A thorough and accessible reference book.