Insect Population Ecology: An African Perspective

Authors

• Joseph S. Elkinton

Files

Description

PREFACE

The purpose of this text is to introduce the fundamentals of insect population ecology with a focus on African insects and related arthropods such as mites. The impetus to prepare such a text arose from the graduate course in insect population ecology offered by the African Regional Postgraduate Program in Insect Science (ARPPIS) conducted at the International Center of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) in Nairobi, Kenya. The goal of the text is to introduce the students to the basic concepts of insect population ecology. The emphasis is on quantitative methods that students are likely to apply in their field research. The text assumes that students have had a basic training in statistical inference. At the end of each chapter is a set of exercises designed to give the students practice with the material on the chapter. I believe that such practice is critical in helping students master the material and overcome any fears they might have of complex numerical calculations.

I wish to thank the many individuals who have assisted with this project, especially Jeff and Cindy Boettner who made most of the figures and helped with the editing and all phases of the final preparation. I am grateful to Karin Fischer, Gloria Witkus, Rolf Fishburn-Parker Amy Musante, Allan Wright and Don Wakuluk, who helped with gathering references; Sam Englestadt, Zbigniew Dabrowski, Brian Williams, John Edman and Dave Leonard who assisted in logistical support and helped establish the many contacts required to prepare this text. Paula Martin and the ARPPIS students of the 1991 and 1992 classes provided invaluable feedback on the content of the material and the exercises in this book. I would also like to thank K. C. Conlan, John Buonaccorsi, Robert Cheke, Roy Van Driesche, Paula Martin, Craig Hollingsworth, Dave Leonard, Sandy Liebhold, Mike Tucker, David Rogers, F. Schulthess and Jeff Waage for reviewing earlier drafts of various chapters. Finally, I am most grateful to the Pew Charitable Trust Foundation and the World Wildlife Fund for providing financial support for the preparation of this text.

Publication Date

1993

Publisher

ICIPE Science Press, International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe)

City

Nairobi, Kenya

Recommended Citation

Elkinton, J. S. (1993). Insect Population Ecology: An African Perspective. Retrieved from https://thehive.icipe.org/manuals/1