Maintaining Biodiversity in Forest Ecosystems [Paperback]

Malcolm L. Hunter Jr (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 27, 2000 | ISBN-10: 0521637686 | ISBN-13: 978-0521637688

The maintenance of the earth's biological diversity is widely seen as both necessary for ecosystem health 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 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 addresses socioeconomic considerations that round out 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 that will be of interest internationally to researchers and professsionals in conservation, forestry, and ecology.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This volume presents the first detailed treatment specifically devoted to conserving biodiversity in forest ecosystems...Most of the 19 chapters are well written, authoritative, and contribute well to the main theme of the book. Especially useful to forest managers is that information is presented on a wide range of ecological and socioeconomic topics that might not otherwise appear in the same volume." Choice

"Readers interested in learning about the conceptual effects of forestry on biodiversity will find it provides an excellent introduction. I recommend a close reading of Maintaining Biodiversity in Managed Forest Ecosystems to all ecologists, foresters, and environmental advocates with an abiding interest in this important and controversial subject." Canadian Society of Environmental Biologists

"...the true value of this book is as a portal to current forest conservation philosophy and literature for the beginning graduate student. No book on the market provides such ready access to current thinking regarding aspects of forest ecosystem management." Ecology

"In Maintaining Biodiversity, Malcolm Hunter has gathered a broad range of material into a comprehensive volume about biodiversity in managed forests...For an edited volume, the book is a coherent, consistent package, that never strays too far from this theme of ecological forestry, and the axiom of natural disturbance...In the preface, Hunter states that the book was primarily intended for students of natural-resource management and professional managers. Maintaining Biodiversity in Forest Ecosystems is recommended reading for such an audience, and for anyone else interested in the management of forest resources." The Canadian Field-Naturalist

Book Description

Forests occupy about 6% of dry land, yet they harbour a disproportionately large share of the earth's biodiversity and provide a wealth of resources that are exploited by humans. This book discusses the ways in which we can continue to benefit from forests, while at the same time conserving their biological diversity. 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 to whole ecosystems.

Product Details

• Paperback: 716 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (September 27, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521637686
• ISBN-13: 978-0521637688
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 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: #1,546,418 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A marvelous synthesis, March 15, 2001

By 

William Adair - See all my reviews

This review is from: Maintaining Biodiversity in Forest Ecosystems (Paperback)

Malcolm Hunter provided the first accessible, operational synthesis of landscape ecology, wildlife biology, and forestry in his "Wildlife, Forests, and Forestry." That book has proven indispensable for me during my career as a forest wildlife biologist. "Maintaining Biodiversity in Forest Ecosystems" is even better.

In the Foreword, Jack Ward Thomas says that he wishes that he had written this book. I wish I could write like these authors! The editing is first-class and a joy to read. Given the list of contributors, how could you lose? The organization is also quite logical, with papers organized into landscape- and stand-level topics.

For those of you who like to know what you're buying, here are the authors and their contributions (all of the chapters are excellent): Hunter: Biological diversity // Hunter and Seymour: Principles of ecological forestry // Palik and Engstrom: Species composition // Spies and Turner: Dynamic forest mosaics // Hansen and Rotella: Abiotic factors // Matlack and Litvaitis: Forest edges // Haila: Islands and fragments // Brinson and Verhoeven: Riparian forests // Calhoun: Wetlands // McComb and Lindenmayer: Dying, dead, and down trees // Brokaw and Lent: Vertical structure // Moore and Allen: Plantation forestry // Thompson and Angelstam: Special species // Millar: Genetic diversity // Frelich and Puettman: Restoration ecology // Norton: Forest reserves // Oliver, Boydak, Segura, and Bare: Forest organization, management, and policy // Lippke and Bishop: The economic perspective // Maguire: Social perspectives //

This book is borrowed more often than any of the others in my collection. What else can I say?