Ian Spellerberg's interest in natural history and conservation started in New Zealand. He spent three summers in Antarctica, several years in Australia and then lived for many years in Europe, where ecology and conservation continued to be his passion. He is currently Professor of Nature Conservation and Director of the Isaac Centre for Nature Conservation at Lincoln University. He contributes to the work of the Scientific and Conservation Committee of Diversitas, based in Paris. Previous books include Monitoring Ecological Change (1991), Conservation Biology (1996) and The Ecological Effects of Roads (2002). He has also written an illustrated natural history book on the amphibians and reptiles of Europe. David Given, who died in November 2005, was Botanical Services Curator at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and a consultant and part-time lecturer at Lincoln University, where he was an Associate Professor with the Isaac Centre for Nature Conservation. Having worked in over 50 countries, including the Antarctic, during his scientific career, David had a passionate interest in conservation horticulture and botanic gardens. He co-chaired the global plant conservation programme of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Species Survival Commission. His Previous books include the Reeds Book of the Year finalist Rare and Endangered Plants of New Zealand (1981).