Temperate and Boreal Rainforests of the World: Ecology and Conservation - Softcover

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Softcover

ISBN 10: 1597266760 ISBN 13: 9781597266765

Publisher: Island Press, 2010

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While tropical rainforests have received much conservation attention and support for their protection, temperate and boreal rainforests have been largely overlooked. Yet these ecosystems are also unique, supporting rainforest communities rich in plants and wildlife and containing some of the most massive trees on Earth.

Temperate and Boreal Rainforests of the World brings together leading scientists from around the world to describe the ecology and conservation of these lesser-known rainforests in an attempt to place them on par with tropical rainforests in conservation efforts. The book

summarizes major scientific findings
presents new computer models that were used to standardize rainforest definitions
identifies regions previously not widely recognized as rainforest
provides the latest estimates on rainforest extent and degree of protection
explores conservation strategies

The book ends with a summary of the key ecological findings and outlines an ambitious vision of how we can conserve and manage the planet's remaining temperate and boreal rainforests in a truly ecological way that is better for nature, the climate, and ultimately our own welfare.

Temperate and Boreal Rainforests of the World is a call to action for an accord to protect the world's rainforests. It offers a global vision rooted in ecological science but written in common language useful for governments, decision makers, and conservation groups concerned about the plight of these remarkable forests.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author

Dominick A. DellaSala is chief scientist and president of the Geos Institute in Ashland, Oregon, and president of the North American section of the Society for Conservation Biology.

Review

"To most people, the term 'rainforest' conjures up images of places like the Amazon or Congo. But there are rainforests in the world's temperate and boreal regions, too, and this book provides a unique and valuable overview of the ecology and conservation status of these underappreciated and imperiled forests."
(David S. Wilcove Professor of Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Public Affairs, Princeton University)

"Temperate and Boreal Rainforests of the World is a groundbreaking book, the first comprehensive treatise with contributions from over thirty of the world's top scientists. It is a well-organized, clearly written account of these unique, rapidly disappearing forests and an inspiring global call to action to protect these forests before they disappear."
(Michael P. Dombeck University of Wisconsin, and chief emeritus, U.S. Forest Service)

"Eloquently written, this valuable compedium should be enjoyed and pondered by a diverse audience ranging from students to policy makers."
(CHOICE)

"... For any community or college collection focusing on the environment and ecology of forests, Temperate and Boreal Rainforests of the World is an absolute must."
(Midwest Book Review)

"What this book does so well is to describe these precious forests carefully and diligently while not ignoring the threats they face. Often we are confronted with either dull botany or a polemic about deforestation, here we are offered balance and the contributors and publishers are to be congratulated."
(Chartered Forester)

"The book certainly functions as an excellent reference for conservationists and ecologists around the world interested in the world's temperate and boreal rainforests and could be used as a textbook in university classes...Overall, this is a well-organized, very readable book on the plight of the earth's temperate and boreal rainforests...It offers hope that these forests can be saved, if not in their original form, at least in some modified form...This volume should be of great value to ecologists, conservationists, forest managers, policymakers, academics, students, and concerned citizens."
(Ecology)

"Temperate and Boreal Rainforests of the World is the first book to bring together leading scientists to describe the ecology and conservation of these lesser-known rainforests in an attempt to place them on par with tropical rainforests in conservation efforts, including those of both the Pacific Coast and inland Northwestern North America, and the Prehumid Boreal and Hemiboreal Forests of Eastern Canada. Written in common language, it offers a global vision rooted in ecological science for all who are concerned about the plight of these remarkable forests."
(Forest Management)

"[T]his is the first book to examine such forests at the global level and it does a good job...This is a valuable reference volume for forest scientists; educators; professional resource managers; and other stakeholders engaged in study, management, and policy development for temperate and boreal forest regions...it is the definitive reference to temperate rainforests at the global level."
(Journal of Forestry)

"[An] excellent book ... suitable either for a general reader interested in conservation issues or for use in undergraduate courses in ecology or resource conservation ... "
(Natural Areas Journal)