Temperate and Boreal Rainforests of the World : Ecology and Conservation

While tropical rainforests have received much conservation attention and support for their protection, temperate and boreal rainforests have been largely overlooked. Yet these ecosystems are also unique, supporting rainforest communities rich in plants and wildlife and containing some of the most massive trees on Earth. Temperate and Boreal Rainforests of the World brings together leading scientists from around the world to describe the ecology and conservation of these lesser-known rainforests in an attempt to place them on par with tropical rainforests in conservation efforts. The book summarizes major scientific findings presents new computer models that were used to standardize rainforest definitions identifies regions previously not widely recognized as rainforest provides the latest estimates on rainforest extent and degree of protection explores conservation strategies The book ends with a summary of the key ecological findings and outlines an ambitious vision of how we can conserve and manage the planet's remaining temperate and boreal rainforests in a truly ecological way that is better for nature, the climate, and ultimately our own welfare. Temperate and Boreal Rainforests of the World is a call to action for an accord to protect the world's rainforests. It offers a global vision rooted in ecological science but written in common language useful for governments, decision makers, and conservation groups concerned about the plight of these remarkable forests. Front Matter....Pages i-xvii Just What Are Temperate and Boreal Rainforests?....Pages 1-41 Temperate and Boreal Rainforests of the Pacific Coast of North America....Pages 42-81 Temperate and Boreal Rainforests of Inland Northwestern North America....Pages 82-110 Perhumid Boreal and Hemiboreal Forests of Eastern Canada....Pages 111-131 Valdivian Temperate Rainforests of Chile and Argentina....Pages 132-153 Temperate and Boreal Rainforest Relicts of Europe....Pages 154-180 Temperate Rainforests of Japan....Pages 181-194 Temperate Rainforests of Australasia....Pages 195-212 Rainforests at the Margins: Regional Profiles....Pages 213-242 Crosscutting Issues and Conservation Strategies....Pages 243-259 A Global Strategy for Rainforests in the Era of Climate Change....Pages 260-274 Back Matter....Pages 275-295 While tropical rainforests have received much conservation attention and support for their protection, temperate and boreal rainforests have been largely overlooked. This book describes the ecology and conservation of these lesser-known rainforests in an attempt to place them on par with tropical rainforests in conservation efforts.