Problems of insect enumeration and assessment of needs are addressed in
the contexts of rapid and substantial losses and changes to all key
Australian terrestrial and freshwater environments and promoting
awarenesss of the importance of insects. Further definition of the
insect fauna and its peculiarities can aid threat alleviation and
practical management to protect and conserve this unique and largely
endemic biodiversity. Written for the many environmental managers and
naturalists who are not primarily entomologists, the ten chapters expand
from considerations of insect decline and diversity to the unique
features of the Australian fauna and its characterisation. Cases and
examples from throughout the world illustrate the major needs,
approaches and priorities to sustaining a poorly known, diverse and
ecologically varied insect heritage of global significance.