The forty-fourth volume of this series contains eight reviews written by an international array of authors that, as usual, range widely in subject and taxonomic and geographic coverage. The editors welcome suggestions from potential authors for topics they consider could form the basis of future appropriate contributions. Because an annual publication schedule necessarily places constraints on the timetable for submission, evaluation and acceptance of manuscripts, potential contributors are advised to contact the editors at an early stage of preparation. Contact details are listed on the title page of this volume
