Cambridge University Press, 1/6/2011EAN 9780521760355, ISBN10: 0521760356Hardcover, 768 pages, 28.2 x 22.6 x 4.1 cmLanguage: EnglishOriginally published in EnglishThis volume represents a uniquely comprehensive overview of our current knowledge on tropical montane cloud forests. 72 chapters cover a wide spectrum of topics including cloud forest distribution, climate, soils, biodiversity, hydrological processes, hydrochemistry and water quality, climate change impacts, and cloud forest conservation, management, and restoration. The final chapter presents a major synthesis by some of the world's leading cloud forest researchers, which summarizes our current knowledge and considers the sustainability of these forests in an ever-changing world. This book presents state-of-the-art knowledge concerning cloud forest occurrence and status, as well as the biological and hydrological value of these unique forests. The presentation is academic but with a firm practical emphasis. It will serve as a core reference for academic researchers and students of environmental science and ecology, as well as practitioners (natural resources management, forest conservation) and decision makers at local, national, and international levels.Part I. General PerspectivesPart II. Regional Floristic and Animal DiversityPart III. Hydrometeorology of Tropical Montane Cloud ForestPart IV. Nutrient Dynamics in Tropical Montane Cloud ForestsPart V. Cloud Forest Water Use, Photosynthesis, and Effects of Forest ConversionPart VI. Effects of Climate Variability and Climate ChangePart VII. Cloud Forest Conservation, Restoration and Management Issues.Advance praise: 'The editors and authors have done a tremendous job in assembling a comprehensive volume on the past and present of the biological diversity, hydrology, conservation and sustainable management of the Tropics' montane cloud forests. This book provides us with a wealth of knowledge that underscores the urgency to save the world's tropical highland cloud forests.' Maarten Kappelle, Adjunct Associate Professor in Geography, University of Tennessee, Knoxville and Lead Scientist for The Nature Conservancy's Science Program in Latin America'This book contains the most up-to-date synthesis of the scientific understanding of tropical montane cloud forests. It is global and long-term in scope and is authored by the top scientific minds working on the subject. It will be essential reading for those interested in a holistic understanding of an ecosystem type at the cross hairs of climate and global environmental change.' Ariel E. Lugo, Director of the Institute of Tropical Forestry, Puerto Rico - US Department of Agriculture'Representing a compilation of the currently available scientific knowledge by the most important cloud forest specialists of the world, this book provides conservationists and forest managers all the arguments and tools to convince policy-makers they should protect these forests. Use it!' Willem Ferwerda, Director of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), National Committee of The Netherlands
