Principles and methods in landscape ecology : toward a science of landscape /

This well-written second edition updates its 1998 predecessor considerably. Following an introduction to landscape ecology (chapter 1), the volume covers important concepts and justifications for modeling in this young scientific discipline (chapter 2). In the following five chapters, Farina (Univ. of Urbino, Italy) introduces scaling patterns and processes, landscape and ecosystem processes, spatial structure, landscape changes, and finally landscape conservation and management. Chapter 8 is lengthy and offers some detailed, selective information on quantitative methods that have been widely used in landscape ecology. This last chapter emphasizes, for instance, the spatial pattern analysis software program FRAGSTATS and also GIS applications in landscape analysis. The book includes highlights of important ecological theories, and references popular literature in landscape ecology. It is yet another effort to advance this discipline. This text will serve as a good reference for anyone interested in the differing viewpoints between the scientific communities in North America and Europe. ^BSumming Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers/faculty in landscape ecology, spatial analysis (as applied to landscapes), and landscape management. J. Chen University of Toledo