In the literature, the terms species richness and species diversity are sometimes used interchangeably. We suggest that at the very least, authors should define what they mean by either term. Of the many species diversity indices used in the literature, the Shannon Index is perhaps most commonly used. On some occasions it is called the Shannon–Wiener Index and on other occasions it is called the Shannon–Weaver Index. We suggest an explanation for this dual use of terms and in so doing we offer a tribute to the late Claude Shannon (who passed away on 24 February 2001).

This survey of the literature on the ecological effects of roads and traffic revealed many articles published over many years in peer reviewed journals. There has also been a growing number of reports on the ecological effects of roads produced by government authorities. Whereas few reports have been published on assessing the ecological impacts, there has been a rapidly growing number of reports on methods for mitigation. Gaps in research include the effects of heavy metal accumulation and the processes and effects resulting from habitat fragmentation. There is a need to assess the effectiveness of underpasses and tunnels and the nature and functioning of buffer zones. A literature database has been assembled and is being updated.

The state of ecosystems, biological communities and species are continuously changing as a result of both natural processes and the activities of humans. In order to detect and understand these changes, effective ecological monitoring programmes are required. This book offers an introduction to the topic and provides both a rationale for monitoring and a practical guide to the techniques available. Written in a nontechnical style, the book covers the relevance and growth of ecological monitoring, the organizations and programmes involved, the science of ecological monitoring and an assessment of methods in practice, including many examples from monitoring programmes around the world. Building on the success of the first edition, this edition has been fully revised and updated with two additional chapters covering the relevance of monitoring to the reporting of the state of the environment, and the growth of community based ecological monitoring.

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The Critical temperatures (defined as the upper and lower limits at which the animal can still right itself) were determined for 29 lizard species (13 genera) and four snake species (four genera) of Southeast Australia. In addition to these Critical temperatures, acclimation of the Critical temperatures and also some lethal temperatures were recorded for several of these species. The mean summer Critical Minimum values ranged between 2.2 and 9.8°C. Thigmotherms (Gekkonidae, Lygosominae, Elapidae) and posturing heliotherms (Agamidae, Scincinae, Varanidae) generally had high Critical Minimum values and the shuttling heliotherms (Lygosominae, Elapidae) had the lowest values. The rate of acclimation of the Critical Minimum of ten lizard species was similar and complete acclimation took place within ten days. Following acclimation the final or ultimate Critical Minimum of some species fell below the body freezing point of-0.52°C and locomotion could occur while the lizard was supercooled. Mean summer Critical Maximum values ranged between 37.0 and 44.8°C. Determination of the Lethal Minimum temperatures by continuously cooling the specimens was complicated by the fact that supercooling occurred followed by nucleation or sudden freezing of the body tissues. The Lethal Minimum was best determined by holding specimens at different constant temperature levels then calculating the body temperature at which the species could survive for an indefinite time period. It is concluded, from the data presented in this paper, that if environmental temperatures were to limit the distribution of reptiles then the Critical Minimum level would have more ecological significance than the Critical Maximum.