Ecological Bulletins, Targets and Tools for the Maintenance of Forest Biodiversity

Maintaining forest biodiversity by combining protection, management and restoration of forest and woodland landscapes is a central component of sustainable development.

In 38 original articles this volume present ample evidence that there are threshold levels for how much habitat loss is required to maintain viable populations of specialised species.

We begin with the views of policy-makers, businesses and managers who all pose questions about how to balance use of renewable forest resources and conservation of biodiversity.

Second, the human footprint on the structure of boreal and temperate forests is illustrated.

Third, a wide range of animal species are used to test the hypothesis that there are limits to how large the anthropogenic footprint can be without species disappearing locally, regionally or ultimately going extinct.

Fourth, different tools for monitoring of the elements of biodiversity within a landscape are presented.

Fifth, examples are presented on how biodiversity assessments can be made at multiple spatial scales by combining quantitative targets and measurements of habitat elements.Finally, a concluding paper proposes how the critical knowledge gaps identified throughout the book could be filled through macroecological research and international co-operation.