Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests

Author : Rodolfo Dirzo,Hillary S. Young,Harold A. Mooney,Gerardo Ceballos
Publisher : Island Press
Page : 408 pages
File Size : 46,7 Mb
Release : 2012-09-26
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781610910217

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Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests by Rodolfo Dirzo,Hillary S. Young,Harold A. Mooney,Gerardo Ceballos Pdf

Though seasonally dry tropical forests are equally as important to global biodiversity as tropical rainforests, and are one of the most representative and highly endangered ecosystems in Latin America, knowledge about them remains limited because of the relative paucity of attention paid to them by scientists and researchers and a lack of published information on the subject. Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests seeks to address this shortcoming by bringing together a range of experts in diverse fields including biology, ecology, biogeography, and biogeochemistry, to review, synthesize, and explain the current state of our collective knowledge on the ecology and conservation of seasonally dry tropical forests. The book offers a synthetic and cross-disciplinary review of recent work with an expansive scope, including sections on distribution, diversity, ecosystem function, and human impacts. Throughout, contributors emphasize conservation issues, particularly emerging threats and promising solutions, with key chapters on climate change, fragmentation, restoration, ecosystem services, and sustainable use. Seasonally dry tropical forests are extremely rich in biodiversity, and are seriously threatened. They represent scientific terrain that is poorly explored, and there is an urgent need for increased understanding of the system's basic ecology. Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests represents an important step in bringing together the most current scientific information about this vital ecosystem and disseminating it to the scientific and conservation communities.

Author : Stephen H. Bullock,Harold A. Mooney,Ernesto Medina
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 482 pages
File Size : 48,9 Mb
Release : 1995-11-24
Category : Nature
ISBN : 0521435145

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Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests by Stephen H. Bullock,Harold A. Mooney,Ernesto Medina Pdf

Review of tropical dry forest biogeography, palaeontology, ecology and ecosystem functions.

Author : R. Toby Pennington,James A. Ratter
Publisher : CRC Press
Page : 509 pages
File Size : 49,8 Mb
Release : 2006-05-25
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781420004496

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Neotropical Savannas and Seasonally Dry Forests by R. Toby Pennington,James A. Ratter Pdf

More often than not, when people think of a neotropical forest, what comes to mind is a rain forest, rather than a dry forest. Just as typically, when they imagine a savanna, they visualize the African plains, rather than those dry woodlands and grasslands found in the Neotropics. These same preconceptions can be found among scientists, as these ne

Author : William J. McShea,Stuart James Davies,Naris Bhumpakphan
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 42,8 Mb
Release : 2011
Category : Forest conservation
ISBN : 1935623028

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The Ecology and Conservation of Seasonally Dry Forests in Asia by William J. McShea,Stuart James Davies,Naris Bhumpakphan Pdf

This edited collection explores the forest, animals, plants, and people that inhabit a unique forest ecosystem in South and Southeast Asia. From detailed descriptions of forest communities to case studies of endangered species, this volume ties the region's conservation to local human communities and their historic and present management of natural

Author : José Maria Cardoso da Silva,Inara R. Leal,Marcelo Tabarelli
Publisher : Springer
Page : 482 pages
File Size : 54,6 Mb
Release : 2018-01-09
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783319683393

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Caatinga by José Maria Cardoso da Silva,Inara R. Leal,Marcelo Tabarelli Pdf

This book provides in-depth information on Caatinga’s geographical boundaries and ecological systems, including plants, insects, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. It also discusses the major threats to the region’s socio-ecological systems and includes chapters on climate change and fast and large-scale land-use changes, as well as slow and small-scale changes, also known as chronic human disturbances. Subsequent chapters address sustainable agriculture, conservation systems, and sustainable development. Lastly, the book proposes 10 major actions that could enable the transformation of Caatinga into a place where people and nature can thrive together. “I consider this book an excellent example of how scientists worldwide can mobilize their efforts to propose sound solutions for one of the biggest challenges of modern times, i.e., how to protect the world’s natural ecosystems while improving human well-being. I am sure this book will inspire more research and conservation action in the region and perhaps encourage other groups of scientists to produce similar syntheses about their regions.” Russell Mittermeier, Ph.D. Executive Vice-Chair, Conservation International

Author : J S Singh,R K Chaturvedi
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 254 pages
File Size : 51,8 Mb
Release : 2018-03-26
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 9811072612

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Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest by J S Singh,R K Chaturvedi Pdf

Tropical dry deciduous forests (TDFs) can be found in severe and extremely variable climates characterized by low annual rainfall, 5-6 dry months within the annual cycle, and nutrient-poor soil. Several terms have been used for this vegetation type such as seasonally dry tropical forest (SDTF), tropical dry deciduous forest, monsoon forest, caatinga, cuabal, etc. More than any other factor, the lack of precipitation during a prolonged portion of the year is what produces true dry forest, an ecosystem type characterized by plants and animals with specific adaptations to survive the long dry season. Deciduousness is the single most important adaptation among plants to the extended droughts. Most of the trees drop their leaves after the rains end, and essentially halt photosynthesis, as they would otherwise be unable to survive the water loss during the dry season. TDFs are subject to intensive anthropogenic disturbances and are among the most at-risk ecosystems in the world. In order to assess the conservation status of this forest type, information is required on its distribution pattern, climate, the structure and functional traits of its vegetation, phenology, strategies for coping with drought and nutrient poverty, and disturbances and their effects. In this book, we review important studies on TDFs around the globe, particularly those in the northern dry deciduous forests of India. We put forward the claim that those TDFs that experience drought and arise on nutrient-poor sites feature adaptations such as deciduousness, as well as a variety of nutrient conservation strategies. They also experience biotic disturbances, which can result in fragmentation and ecosystem conversion, and therefore exhibit changes in biomass, productivity, and soil microbial biomass, etc.

Author : Arturo Sanchez-Azofeifa,Jennifer S. Powers,Geraldo W. Fernandes,Mauricio Quesada
Publisher : CRC Press
Page : 566 pages
File Size : 44,9 Mb
Release : 2013-08-29
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9781466512009

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Tropical Dry Forests in the Americas by Arturo Sanchez-Azofeifa,Jennifer S. Powers,Geraldo W. Fernandes,Mauricio Quesada Pdf

Under threat from natural and human disturbance, tropical dry forests are the most endangered ecosystem in the tropics, yet they rarely receive the scientific or conservation attention they deserve. In a comprehensive overview, Tropical Dry Forests in the Americas: Ecology, Conservation, and Management examines new approaches for data sampling and analysis using remote sensing technology, discusses new ecological and econometric methods, and critically evaluates the socio-economic pressures that these forest are facing at the continental and national levels. The book includes studies from Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, and Brazil that provide in-depth knowledge about the function, status, and conservation efforts of these endangered forests. It presents key elements of synthesis from standardized work conducted across all sites. This unique contribution provides new light in terms of these forests compared to each other not only from an ecological perspective but also in terms of the pressures that they are facing, and their respective responses. Written by experts from a diversity of fields, this reference brings together the many facets of function, use, heritage, and future potential of these forests. It presents an important and exciting synthesis of many years of work across countries, disciplines, and cultures. By standardizing approaches for data sampling and analysis, the book gives readers comparison information that cannot be found anywhere else given the high level of disparity that exists in the current literature.

Author : Gordon W. Frankie,Alfonso Mata,S. Bradleigh Vinson
Publisher : Univ of California Press
Page : 352 pages
File Size : 48,6 Mb
Release : 2004-02-06
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780520937772

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Biodiversity Conservation in Costa Rica by Gordon W. Frankie,Alfonso Mata,S. Bradleigh Vinson Pdf

The beautiful tropical dry forest of northwest Costa Rica, with its highly seasonal rainfall and diversely vegetated landscape, is disappearing even more rapidly than Costa Rica's better-known rain forest, primarily because it has been easier to convert to agriculture. This book, based on more than thirty years of study, offers the first comprehensive look at the ecology, biodiversity, and conservation status of this endangered and fragile region. The contributors, from Costa Rica, Britain, Mexico, and the United States, and representing the fields of ecology, environmental education, policy, and the law, examine the major plant and animal groups living in the dry forest and present the first technical evaluation of Costa Rica's conservation efforts. As they assess the status of their area of specialty in the dry forest, the contributors also look beyond this particular region to show how its plants and animals are ecologically and evolutionarily connected to other geographic areas in Costa Rica and Central America. Their chapters cover topics such as watershed and coastal management, plant phenology, pollination, insects, birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. They also consider the socioeconomic, policy, legal, and political aspects of biodiversity conservation, giving the volume a wide-ranging perspective and making a unique contribution to our knowledge of the tropical dry forest. The book concludes with an important synthesis of the contributors' recommendations on future directions, policies, and actions that will better conserve biodiversity in Costa Rica and other neotropical forests as well.

Author : R. K. Chaturvedi
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 128 pages
File Size : 50,8 Mb
Release : 2021-07
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 153619543X

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Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests: Emerging Features and Ecological Perspectives by R. K. Chaturvedi Pdf

Tropical dry forests (TDFs) constitute one of the most dominant forests, accounting for approximately 45% of all tropical forests. These forests are distributed over an extensive geographical range, spanning large areas of Africa, Latin America, and the Asia Pacific. TDFs occur in severe and extremely variable climate characterized by low annual rainfall and 5-6 months of the dry period within the annual cycle, and nutrient-poor soil. Due to extreme drought conditions, TDFs exhibit deciduousness and various other adaptative features (viz., fire resistance, desiccation tolerance, herbivore defence, high root:shoot ratio, longer seed viability) to establish in the severe environmental conditions, which makes these forests exceptionally critical. These forests are one of the most productive with high biodiversity, but unfortunately, due to persistent anthropogenic pressures in terms of burning, mining, indiscriminate forest cutting, lopping, and increased extraction of non-wood forest products, these forest communities have become one of the most endangered ecosystems. Disturbances in TDFs have resulted in fragmentation and ecosystem conversion, and therefore, these forests exhibit changes in their biomass and productivity. Anthropogenic pressure is rapidly becoming a growing concern globally due to its negative impacts on the structure and composition of the vegetation. In addition, due to their higher net primary productivity, these forests have a considerable effect on the global carbon cycle. Uncontrolled harvesting for gaining temporal benefits is a major cause of forest destruction and deforestation which may lead to major loss. Deforestation and clearing of forests have resulted in soil erosion, soil degradation and loss of biodiversity, socio-economic damages to food components, water and health, as well as the loss of people's cultural ethnicity. In order to assess the conservation status of TDFs, information is required on its distribution pattern, climate, structural and functional traits of the vegetation, phenology, strategies against drought, nutrient deficiency, and disturbances. This book discusses various issues, obstacles and opportunities for protection, regeneration and management of TDFs worldwide, as well as information gaps in the areas referred to above, which may be of critical significance in adapting and mitigating responses to the current climate change scenario. The book is intended to help in collection of detailed knowledge and to address the concerns from environmental scientists, forestry experts, planners, policymakers and the general public. Starting with a description of plant composition of worldwide TDFs, the book evaluates plant diversity, biomass dynamics, carbon storage, late history and current status of anthropogenic disturbances, distribution pattern of lichen communities, relevance of tree crown architecture, effects of forestry management practices, degradation and traditional land-use practices, impact of changing environment on carbon dynamics, estimating ecosystem services using a geospatial approach, productivity and carbon accumulation, habitat heterogeneity and its impact on organic matter, nutrient pool and nitrogen mineralization, phosphorus and litter decomposability traits. For re-development of TDFs, the book describes improved low-input tree establishment methods, impact of drought and plant mechanisms to mitigate drought stress, importance of serotiny related to delayed seed dispersal, and foraging efficiency of fine roots in relation to carbon dynamics in a changing environment.

Author : Emmanuel N. Chidumayo,Davison J. Gumbo
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 294 pages
File Size : 54,9 Mb
Release : 2010-09-23
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 9781136531378

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The Dry Forests and Woodlands of Africa by Emmanuel N. Chidumayo,Davison J. Gumbo Pdf

The dry forests and woodlands of Sub-Saharan Africa are major ecosystems, with a broad range of strong economic and cultural incentives for keeping them intact. However, few people are aware of their importance, compared to tropical rainforests, despite them being home to more than half of the continent's population. This unique book brings together scientific knowledge on this topic from East, West, and Southern Africa and describes the relationships between forests, woodlands, people and their livelihoods. Dry forest is defined as vegetation dominated by woody plants, primarily trees, the canopy of which covers more than 10 per cent of the ground surface, occurring in climates with a dry season of three months or more. This broad definition - wider than those used by many authors - incorporates vegetation types commonly termed woodland, shrubland, thicket, savanna, wooded grassland, as well as dry forest in its strict sense. The book provides a comparative analysis of management experiences from the different geographic regions, emphasizing the need to balance the utilization of dry forests and woodland products between current and future human needs. Further, the book explores the techniques and strategies that can be deployed to improve the management of African dry forests and woodlands for the benefit of all, but more importantly, the communities that live off these vegetation formations. Thus, the book lays a foundation for improving the management of dry forests and woodlands for the wide range of products and services they provide.

Author : David Burslem,Michelle Pinard,Sue Hartley
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 582 pages
File Size : 41,7 Mb
Release : 2005-09-08
Category : Science
ISBN : 0521847079

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Biotic Interactions in the Tropics by David Burslem,Michelle Pinard,Sue Hartley Pdf

To understand how tropical ecosystems function we need to appreciate not only what plants, animals and microbes they contain, but how they interact with each other. This volume synthesizes the current state of knowledge of tropical biotic interaction, with chapters providing reviews or case studies drawn from research conducted in both Old and New World tropics, including interactions among taxa at all levels. An underlying theme of the volume is revealing the importance of the maintenance of high diversity in tropical regions.

Author : Adam Markham
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 456 pages
File Size : 40,9 Mb
Release : 2013-11-11
Category : Science
ISBN : 9789401727303

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Potential Impacts of Climate Change on Tropical Forest Ecosystems by Adam Markham Pdf

Climate change represents one of the most alarming long-term threats to ecosystems the world over. This new collection of papers provides, for the first time, an overview of the potentially serious impact that climate change may have on tropical forests. The authors, a multi-disciplinary group of leading experts in climatology, forestry, ecology and conservation biology, present a state-of-knowledge snapshot of how tropical forests are likely to react to the changes being wrought on our planet's atmosphere and climate. Tropical forests represent extraordinary harbours for biological diversity, and yet as deforestation and degradation continue apace, they are under greater pressure from human impacts than ever before. Climate change adds yet another threat to these valuable ecosystems, and this volume demonstrates just how significant a problem this may really be. The authors identify certain types of forest, including tropical montane cloud forest that may be particularly vulnerable. They also show the strong likelihood of global warming aggravating problems in already fragmented forest areas.

Author : J. S. Singh,R. K. Chaturvedi
Publisher : Springer
Page : 239 pages
File Size : 44,7 Mb
Release : 2018-03-26
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 9811072590

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Tropical Dry Deciduous Forest: Research Trends and Emerging Features by J. S. Singh,R. K. Chaturvedi Pdf

Tropical dry deciduous forests (TDFs) can be found in severe and extremely variable climates characterized by low annual rainfall, 5-6 dry months within the annual cycle, and nutrient-poor soil. Several terms have been used for this vegetation type such as seasonally dry tropical forest (SDTF), tropical dry deciduous forest, monsoon forest, caatinga, cuabal, etc. More than any other factor, the lack of precipitation during a prolonged portion of the year is what produces true dry forest, an ecosystem type characterized by plants and animals with specific adaptations to survive the long dry season. Deciduousness is the single most important adaptation among plants to the extended droughts. Most of the trees drop their leaves after the rains end, and essentially halt photosynthesis, as they would otherwise be unable to survive the water loss during the dry season. TDFs are subject to intensive anthropogenic disturbances and are among the most at-risk ecosystems in the world. In order to assess the conservation status of this forest type, information is required on its distribution pattern, climate, the structure and functional traits of its vegetation, phenology, strategies for coping with drought and nutrient poverty, and disturbances and their effects. In this book, we review important studies on TDFs around the globe, particularly those in the northern dry deciduous forests of India. We put forward the claim that those TDFs that experience drought and arise on nutrient-poor sites feature adaptations such as deciduousness, as well as a variety of nutrient conservation strategies. They also experience biotic disturbances, which can result in fragmentation and ecosystem conversion, and therefore exhibit changes in biomass, productivity, and soil microbial biomass, etc.

Author : Stephen D. Elliott,David Blakesley,Kate Hardwick
Publisher : Royal Botanic Gardens Kew
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 49,6 Mb
Release : 2013
Category : Deforestation
ISBN : 1842464426

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Restoring Tropical Forests by Stephen D. Elliott,David Blakesley,Kate Hardwick Pdf

Restoring Tropical Forests is a user-friendly guide to restoring forests throughout the tropics. Based on the concepts, knowledge and innovative techniques developed at Chiang Mai University's Forest Restoration Research Unit, this book will enable improvements in existing forest restoration projects and provide a key resource for new ones. The book presents three aspects of the restoration of tropical forest ecosystems: the concepts of tropical forest dynamics and regeneration that are relevant to tropical forest restoration, proven restoration techniques and case studies of their successful application, and research methods to refine such techniques and adapt them to local ecological and socio-economic conditions.

Author : Carmenza Robledo,Markku Kanninen,Lucio Pedroni
Publisher : CIFOR
Page : 195 pages
File Size : 45,9 Mb
Release : 2005-01-01
Category : Climatic changes
ISBN : 9789792446043

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Tropical Forests and Adaptation to Climate Change by Carmenza Robledo,Markku Kanninen,Lucio Pedroni Pdf