Australia's little known woodlands once covered huge areas of the eastern side of our continent. Woodlands are distinguished from forests by the fact that their canopies do not touch, tree heights are usually lower and they usually have a grassy understorey. They support a fascinating and diverse array of birds, mammals, reptiles, frogs, invertebrates and plants, and have been under massive pressure from grazing and agriculture over the past 200 years. In many cases only small remnant patches of some types of woodland survive. Understanding and appreciating woodlands is an important way forward for promoting their sustainable management and conservation.
Woodlands: A Disappearing Landscape explains with lucid text and spectacular photographs the role that woodlands play in supporting a range of native plants and animals that has existed there for millions of years.
The book is set out as a series of logically linked chapters working from the woodland canopy (the tree crowns), through the understorey, the ground layers, and to the lowest lying parts of landscape – wetlands, creeks and dams. Each chapter illustrates many key topics in woodland biology with text and images, explaining important aspects of woodland ecology as well as woodland management and conservation.
top-quality images by one of Australia’s finest natural history photographers
text by Eureka prize winner, David Lindenmayer
complements much that has been written about Australia’s tall forests
"As soon as you read this beautifully presented special interest book you'll be planning your next picnic or bushwalk. This book targets a wider audience than the scientific community - it has roots in science, but appeals to the general community through the use of stunning photographs, diagrams and easy to follow chapters and subheadings." Rebecca J Steer, The Victorian Naturalist, February 2007
"This book is an obvious bridge between science and the broader public and achieves this aim in an intelligent and inspiring manner. I recommend it to anyone with a passion for woodlands, but it will be just as welcomed by those with a love of nature and landscapes." John Morgan, Ecological Management & Restoration, Vol7, No 2, August 2006
"The many luminous photographs by Esther Beaton show these stunning landscapes in all their glory. These and the succinct, easily read text will go a long way towards achieving the author's aims."
Wingspan, March 2006
"This is a useful book as an introduction to woodland ecology and management. Its attractive, chatty layout will assist public and private landholders to come to grips with management of this endangered landscape."
David Cheal, Australian Systematic Botany Society Newsletter, December 2005
"Woodlands: A Disappearing Landscape is an exquisite book. It brings together all the scientific knowledge on the Australian temperate woodlands… in an easy to read and authoritative manner. Yet it is the generous use of stunning photos of woodland landscapes and its wildlife that really makes this book work."
Andrew Cox, National Parks Journal, April-May 2006
"The photographs are outstanding, while the generous captions tell the reader exactly what part the animal or plant depicted plays in its woodland." Coast and Country Magazine, Autumn - Winter 2006
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