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Introduction tection programs is another question. In his essay in Part III, Kevin Bixby suggests that the easy part is over for predator conservation: "Taxonomic questions have been resolved, recov- eryplans have been formulated, and captive breeding programs have been established. The challenge now is to make predator recovery and protection work on the ground." But inadequate resources and the lack of commitment shown by many adminis- teringagencies severely weaken our ability to implement the act and provide substantial protection for many species. In Part II, Faith Campbell discusses the problem in her review of the ap- propriations history of the act. Yet the infusion of more dollars and more personnel, though sorely needed, is not enough. Ful- filling the Endangered Species Act's mandate demands leader- ship backed by a strong constituency. In Part IV, Hal Salwasser argues that a fundamental ingredient of ecosystem-based con- servation strategies is an informed and supportive constituent base. In Part II, Steven Yaffee acknowledges that "endangered species will only be protected so long as there is a political will to do so." Finally, in the next several decades we must move from the reactive measures that characterize current programs to bold, active strategies. The situation might be likened to a treadmill that is exponentially increasing in speed. As more and more species are pushed to the brink of extinction, our chances of keeping up with the problem by trying to run faster in the same direction will only diminish. In their essay in Part IV, Mike Scott and colleagues write that "ultimately it is easier and more cost- effective to protect intact, functioning ecosystems than to for- ever race to save individual species in imminent danger of extinction." Our focus, then, must turn from the preservation of individual species toward the protection of the full spectrum of biological diversity including communities, ecosystems, and regional landscapes. In the face of sweeping technological change-and what ap- pears to be the inevitable loss of enormous numbers of species- it behooves us to move purposively and resolutely in future conservation efforts. Drawing lessons from the past will be criti- cal. Ihope that the thoughts expressed in this book constitute the beginning of a dialogue rather than an end. in itself. With so much at stake, we can hardly afford to do otherwise.