April 22, 2011

New Book from the CTFS-SIGEO Network: The Ecology and Conservation of Seasonally Dry Forests in Asia

CTFS is pleased to announce the publication of The Ecology and Conservation of Seasonally Dry Forests in Asia, edited by William J. McShea, Stuart J. Davies and Naris Bhumpakphan.  William McShea is a research ecologist at the Conservation Ecology Center in the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, Smithsonian Institution. Stuart Davies is Director of the Center for Tropical Forest Science-Smithsonian Institution Global Earth Observatory Program of the Arnold Arboretum at Harvard University and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Naris Bhumpakphan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Forest Biology at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, Thailand.

Seasonally dry forests are the most widespread forest type remaining in South and Southeast Asia. For many endangered species, such as tigers, elephants, deer, and primates, this unique habitat is central to their survival. The forests are also intimately linked to humans in the region, who have lived in and relied on them for centuries. Despite the importance of seasonally dry forests, little is known of their ecology. The chapters in this volume draw connections between forests, endangered species, and agricultural communities in the region. The contributors, many of whom are in-country researchers and managers who have spent years studying this ecosystem, provide an overview of the ecology and conservation of seasonally dry forests in Asia. The book also includes case studies for the conservation of species dependent on these ecosystems, such as tigers, elephants, deer, banteng, and gibbons, and discussions of effective management and conservation of seasonally dry forests.

The Ecology and Conservation of Seasonally Dry Forests in Asia is published by Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, and can be purchased here or at http://www.rowmanlittlefield.com/Catalog/Flyer2.shtml?SKU=1935623028.