Animal Conservation provides a forum for rapid publication of novel, peer-reviewed research into the conservation of animal species and their habitats. The focus is on rigorous quantitative studies of an empirical or theoretical nature, which may relate to populations, species or communities and their conservation. A central theme is to publish important new ideas and findings that have general implications for the scientific basis of conservation. Subjects covered by the journal include population biology; epidemiology; evolutionary ecology; population genetics; biodiversity and biogeography; palaeobiology; conservation economics. The journal is essential reading for conservation biologists, policy-makers and students. Animal Conservation is published quarterly. A principal objective is to ensure rapid publication of new and original research (ideally within 6 months of submission) following a rigorous review process. Articles should be written in a style that can be understood by the general reader. Papers should have a broad interest and specific or single-species studies will only be considered if the findings have general implications. Cross-disciplinary papers, suggesting new approaches, are particularly encouraged. Proposals for reviews and forum papers intended to promote discussion are particularly welcomed by the Editors. Please note that Appendices are no longer published in the printed version of Animal Conservation. Supplementary material may be published in electronic form. Published on behalf of the Zoological Society of London.