The popular view of the tropical rainforest as a monolithic tangle of rain-soaked trees, vines, birds, monkeys and big cats is a widespread myth. Tropical Rain Forests: An Ecological and Biogeographical Comparison explodes that myth by showing that rain forests in different tropical regions are unique despite superficial similarities. Written by two leading figures in the field, this essential new volume: Emphasizes the distinctive characteristics of rain forests in tropical Asia, tropical America, Africa,Madagascar,New Guinea, and Australia Begins with an introduction to the climate, biogeographic history, and environment of tropical rain forests Presents an extended cross-continental treatment of major animal and plant groups Outlines a research program involving cross-continental comparisons Considers the impact of people on tropical forests and discusses conservation strategies based upon the characteristics of particular regions rather than a one-size-fits-all approach Includes natural history examples, figures, and a stunning collection of color photographs
This new edition of Whitmore's classic introduction to tropical rain forests has been comprehensively revised and updated, reflecting the changes which have taken place since it was first published in 1990. The sections on human impact have been extended, including a new global assessment of deforestation, and details of new research on biodiversity and conservation. The book remains unique in linking rain forest biology and ecology with silviculture, and with concerns over sustainable resource utilization and the future of the tropical rain forests. Accessibly written and illustrated throughout, it is a must for biology and geography students, and anyone who seeks to know more about the nature and importance of the world's tropical rain forests.
This new edition of Whitmore's classic introduction to tropical rain forests has been comprehensively revised and updated, reflecting the changes which have taken place since it was first published in 1990.
Within the tropical forest regions there are a great number of forest types, and
other natural ecosystems, each containing its own combination of species
according to local differences of climate, soil, altitude and geological history. It is
highly important to conserve samples of each of these, sufficiently large to be self
-perpetuating and to encompass the range of the larger mammals and migratory
species. Particularly important is the conservation of samples of lowland rain
forest on fertile ...
Timber production is often the most economic form of land use in areas of tropical forest; forest preservation is rarely so. This book attempts to bridge the current gap between conservation requirements and commercial interests, indicating the possibilities for integrated management of tropical forests. The aim is to create a practical approach for the management of production forest as a supplement to totally-protected forest in the conservation of tropical biodiversity.
PREFACE In the late 1970s, I was somewhat surprised to find myself conducting
the first detailed work on the ecological effects of timber logging in a tropical rain
forest. Surprised, that is, that so little had been conducted beforehand. Due
mainly to the medium of television, enormous public interest had been kindled
concerning the fate of the rain forests. In response to this interest, a flood of
popular and scientific books and articles reporting on the consequences of
tropical forest loss ...
Describes the rain forest environment, including the plants and animals that live in them; explains their importance to the worldwide ecosystem; and discusses the actions that threaten the existance of these biomes.
Describes the importance of rain forests, types of plant and animal life that live there, and the current threat to rain forests from deforestation and pollution.
1 Tropica I rain forests have given us many of the medicines we need and the
foods we eat, but we still have much to learn about these amazing places. 2
Steamy rain forests of dense trees and wildlife (right) covered much of our planet
tens of millions of years ago, forming one of Earth's oldest biomes. West Africa,
southeast Asia, the Pacific islands, northern and eastern South America, and
Central America. 3 Today, these forests remain mostly around the middle of the
globe in parts ...
Describes conditions in tropical rain forests, how people can live in the rain forest, the lives of traditional rain forest peoples, and the effects of the modern world on the rain forest.
ARCTIC OCEAN EQU AT OR INDIAN OCEAN AUSTRALIA AFRICA ASIA
EUROPE NORTH AMERICA SOUTH AMERICA SOUTHERN OCEAN
ANTARCTICA P A CIF IC OCE AN A T L ANT IC OCE AN The dark green areas
show the locations of tropical rain forests today. The tan color shows tropical rain
forest areas that have been cut down. TROPICAL RAIN FOREST AREAS CUT
DOWN KEY REMAINING TROPICAL RAIN FOREST AREAS Each year, the world
loses an area of rain ...
