The world is facing a biodiversity crisis of unprecedented magnitude. Unless there are radical changes in human behaviour, we can expect significant and alarming species loss in the near future. DNA and tissue banks have great potential as tools for biodiversity conservation, yet few have been established. Arising from a collaborative project on DNA banking, phylogeny and conservation of the South African flora, DNA and Tissue Banking for Biodiversity and Conservation provides the practical and legislative framework necessary to establish more DNA banks and is essential reading for anyone wishing to understand the application of genetic technologies to conservation.