Australian Rainforests: Islands of Green in a Land of Fire [Hardcover]

D. M. J. S. Bowman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521465680 | ISBN-13: 978-0521465687 | Publication Date: February 28, 2000

Why do Australian rainforests occur as islands within the vast tracts of Eucalyptus? Why is fire a critical ecological factor in every Australian landscape? What were the consequences of the use of fire by the Ice Age colonists? In this original and challenging book, David Bowman critically examines all hypotheses that have been advanced to answer these questions. He demonstrates that fire is the most critical factor in controlling the distribution of rainforest throughout Australia. Furthermore, while Aboriginal people used fire to skillfully manage and preserve habitats, he concludes that they did not significantly influence the evolution of Australia's unique flora and fauna. This volume, the first comprehensive overview of the diverse literature on this topic, solves the puzzle of the archipelago of rainforest habitats in Australia. It is essential reading for all ecologists, foresters, conservation biologists, and others interested in the biogeography and ecology of Australian rainforests.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Through his mastery of the relevant literature (and excellent reference list), Bowman provides ample evidence to support or refute the proposed hypotheses. Highly recommended for those interested in Australian vegetation." Choice

"An excellent review of rainforests in Australia, Mr. Bowman's analysis will encourage further work on the paleobotanical and paleoecological history of Australia and will pave the way for contemporary efforts to save these rainforests for future generations." Chicago Botanic Garden

Book Description

Why do Australian rainforests occur as islands within the vast tracts of Eucalyptus? Why is fire a critical ecological factor in every Australian landscape? In this original and challenging book, the hypotheses proposed to answer such questions are critically examined in an attempt to solve the puzzle of the archipelago of rainforest habitats in Australia. It is essential reading for all ecologists, foresters, conservation biologists, and others interested in the biogeography and ecology of Australian rainforests.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 360 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (February 28, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521465680
• ISBN-13: 978-0521465687
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,182,247 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Why is the occurrence of rainforest so restricted in Australia?, October 20, 2009

By 

Kouta Räsänen (Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Australian Rainforests: Islands of Green in a Land of Fire (Paperback)

First it should be mentioned that Australian definition of rainforest differs considerably from those in other countries: in Australia rainforest does not mean much more than a forest NOT dominated by typical Australian genera like Eucalyptus, Acacia and Casuarina. Thus, the heading for this excellent book could be also: "Why do Eucalyptus and Acacia dominate the great bulk of Australian forests?"

The book is essentially a massive review of literature, although great deal of the papers Bowman review, are by himself. Bowman discuss first rainforest definitions, then he shows in four chapters that edaphic and climatic causes do not restrict occurrence of "rainforest". Then he discuss in six chapters effects of fire and draw a conclusion: the drying of the continent caused a rise of the fire-adapted and fire-promoting vegetation (like Eucalyptus) and consequently an increased burning caused the fate of the pyrophobic "rainforests".

A small drawback is that the discussion is restricted to Australia. Bowman could have supported his theory by examining if the same patterns have been found in other dry parts of the world like in parts of Africa.