Maintaining Biodiversity in Forest Ecosystems

Discusses the ways in which we can continue to benefit from forests, while conserving their biodiversity.

Malcolm L. Hunter (Edited by)

9780521637688, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 10 June 1999

716 pages, 105 b/w illus. 12 tables
22.9 x 15.4 x 3.5 cm, 1.186 kg

'Overall, I was impressed with the book - with the freshness of the approach, relative modernity of the information; by the consistency between the chapters; and by the attempt to make the material relevant and stimulating … It deserves wide readership amongst managers, researchers and students.' Institute of Chartered Foresters

The maintenance of the earth's biological diversity is widely seen as both necessary for ecosystem integrity and aesthetically desirable. This book focuses on how biodiversity can be maintained in forested ecosystems, particularly in those forests that are subject to timber harvesting. At the core of the book lies the concept that diversity should be conserved in all its forms, from the smallest microbes to the largest trees, and at all levels of organization, from genes, through to whole ecosystems. Introductory chapters on biodiversity and ecological forestry lead on to sections dealing with management at the macro (landscape) and micro (stand) levels. A concluding section considers socio-economic and policy perspectives which inform an overall synthesis and framework for the implementation of successful management practices. Thirty-three experts from ten countries contribute to this thorough and comprehensive account, providing a broad-based perspective which will be of interest internationally.

Foreword J. Ward Thomas
Preface
Part I. Introduction: 1. Biological diversity M. Hunter
2. Principles of ecological forestry R. Seymour and M. Hunter
Part II. The Macro Approach, Managing Forest Landscapes: 3. Species composition B. Palik and R. Engstrom
4. Dynamic forest mosaics T. Spies and M. Turner
5. Abiotic factors A. Hansen and J. Rotella
6. Forest edges G. Matlack and J. Litvaitis
7. Islands and fragments Y. Haila
8. Riparian zones M. Brinson and J. Verhoeven
9. Forested wetlands A. Calhoun
Part III. The Micro Approach, Managing Forest Stands: 10. Dying, dead and down trees W. McComb and D. Lindenmayer
11. Vertical diversity N. Brokaw and R. Lent
12. Production silviculture S. Moore and H. Lee Allen
13. Special species I. Thompson and P. Angelstam
14. Genetic diversity C. Millar
Part IV. Synthesis and Implementation: 15. Restoration ecology L. Frelich and K. Puettman
16. Forest reserves D. Norton
17. Forest organization, management and policy C. Oliver, M. Boydak, G. Segura and B. Bare
18. The economic perspective B. Lippke and J. Bishop
19. Social perspectives L. Maguire
Taxonomic index
Author index, Subject index.

Subject Areas: Forestry & silviculture: practice & techniques [TVR], Ecological science, the Biosphere [PSAF]