The Ecology of Fire

by Robert J. Whelan

Overview

How wildfires affect animal and plant populations is a complex ecological issue. Robert Whelan examines fire as an ecological agent and discusses how populations of organisms are affected by its passage. Drawing examples from several continents, the author studies the impact of fires on individual organisms, populations, and communities. He looks at the effects on ecological processes such as predator-prey, and plant-herbivore interactions, and summarizes the major aspects of ecology that are of particular importance to fire control—both protection against wildfires and fire as a management tool. This book is unique in its emphasis on general ecological principles rather than regional treatment, and it will be of interest to ecologists, foresters, and other land managers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521328722
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/10/1995
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Ecology
Pages:	360
Product dimensions:	6.40(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.00(d)

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements; 1. Fire ecology - an introduction; 2. Fire - the phenomenon; 3. Survival of individual organisms; 4. Approaches to population studies; 5. Plant populations; 6. Animal populations; 7. Community responses to fire; 8. Fire and management; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"The book provides a thorough analysis of the ecology of fire, illustrating principles from a wide range of fire-affected habitats..." Peter D. Moore, Nature

"...I would give this book a rating of excellent...The book succeeds in reviewing a complex topic and conveying that complexity in a readable way." Ecoscience

"It is well written and authoritative, with good illustrations...The book will appeal to a broad spectruem of students, professional natural resource managers, plant and animal ecologists, and researchers. Strongly recommended." M.J. Zwolinski, Choice

"This is a highly readable book that provides an excellent introduction to ecology of plants and animals in relation to fire, and will, hopefully, stimulate interest in interdisciplinary experimental fire research." Forest Science

"This book aims to summarize and critique the state of research in fire ecology, world-wide. It succeeds surprisingly well for so small a book and so large a goal...well organized and written clearly...it surveys current thought in the field, presenting not only what is already known but also what seems possible to learn. The book's saturation with data makes it an excellent text for courses in fire ecology." Jane Kapler Smith, Ecology

"An exciting aspect of Whelan's book is that one can read about the responses of plants and animals to grassland, shrubland, and forest fires from different regions worldwide in the same chapter...A variety of readers will find this book highly relevant and valuable. In particular, those embarking on research in fire ecology will find much useful advice...many will appreciate the comparison of fire in different systems." Kathleen Doyle, Natural Areas Journal

"RThe Ecology of Fire goes a long way toward establishing a firm scientific base for the development of future fire ecology." William J. Platt, American Scientist

From the Publisher