Tropical forest ecology : the basis for conservation and management /

Montagnini (Yale) and Jordan (Univ. of Georgia) have written the best currently available book summarizing the management of moist tropical forests. The title would lead one to believe that the book's focus is ecology and that all tropical forests are covered in equal detail. However, despite some mention of wildlife, biodiversity, nontimber forest products (NTFPs), and ecotourism as management goals, the focus is clearly on stand management for biomass production, whether in natural forests, plantations, or agroforestry settings. The authors also largely ignore dry tropical forests. The first five chapters, especially chapter 2, "Characteristics of Tropical Forests," provide the necessary background for the subsequent chapters focusing on silviculture and management. This concise book includes essential topics and assumes only a basic knowledge of plant biology and ecology. The authors have drawn examples from a wide range of geographic and ecological settings. Case studies, side boxes, tables, and figures illustrate and enhance the authors' general points. A current, thorough bibliography allows readers to explore topics in greater detail. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. B. D. Orr Michigan Technological University