Conceptual Background and Old World Case Studies

Edited by Francisco Dallmeier and James A. Comiskey, Smithsonian Institution

The first volume concentrates on the use of formulae and models to create a conceptual background in the initial chapters. It then assesses the use of long-term inventory forest plots for monitoring multi-layer vegetation, discusses formulation of management and conservation plans, the socioeconomic applications of research results and the promotion of multidisciplinary research and training at old World sites.

The book consists of 38 chapters divided into 5 sections. The first sections outline the methodology for forest monitoring and modeling activities and these are followed by sections containing results of research from Europe, Africa, Australia and the Asia/Pacific region.

Contents include: Measuring and monitoring forest diversity * Tropical forest structure and dynamics * Prospects for mapping, monitoring and modeling biodiversity * Seed dispersal patterns over large scales * Increasing tree turnover in tropical forests * Assessment of biodiversity in ecosystem monitoring plots * A half century of permanent plot observation * Forest structure and diversity of llanas and understory treelets

Man and the Biosphere Series, Volume 20, ISBN: 1-85070-963-7, 600 pages, Ilustrated Hardcover Autumn 1997 $95.00

Research and Monitoring

Edited by Francisco Dallmeier and James A. Comiskey, Smithsonian Institution

The second volume focuses on North and South America and the Caribbean regions and presents up-to-date research results on long-term ecological monitoring and the resultant modeling of data obtained.

There are 40 chapters divided into 5 sections covering the methodology and regions of the New World. Individual research results and integrated studies provide a state-of-the-art coverage of this on-going study program into all aspects of forest biodiversity and the consequences of change for both peoples and the ecosystems of the regions.

Contents include: Socioeconomic aspects of forest biodiversity * The ecological monitoring and assessment network * Long-term research on forest dynamics * Twentieth century growth trends * Forest composition, structure and regeneration in a dry forest * Statistical methods for estimating species richness of woody regeneration * Five years of forest dynamics following disturbance by hurricane * The effects of environmental gradients on hurricane impact * Measurement of species richness of vascular plants * Quantitative analysis of the arboreal structure in a tropical cloud forest * Mapping the tropical landscapes from Landsat-TM imagery * Quantitative ethnobotany

Man and the Biosphere Series, Volume 21, ISBN: 1-85070-964-5, 600 pages, Ilustrated Hardcover Spring 1998 $95.00