Ecological Restoration in Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems

Successful restoration requires the understanding of both a system's ecological functioning and the natural and human impacts that can alter or destroy it. Mediterranean-type ecosystems are found all over the world and have suffered extensive and varied damage, particularly by human populations. Now that we recognize the effects that even small alterations can have on the long-term functioning of an ecosystem, scientists and environmental managers are charged with the goal of recreating systems that will continue to function successfully. The authors contributing to this volume use case studies of restoration projects to provide guidelines for restoring various types of ecosystems. They discuss practical techniques for preventing further habitat loss and species extinction and enabling biological functions to recover. The book will also give special attention to maintaining biodiversity and minimizing the effects of climate change.

An Introductory Overview/Review of Ecological Restoration in Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems * The Context of Restoration: What Are the Limitations to Restoration of Coastal Sage Scrub? * Transplantation and Salvage of Coastal Sage Scrub Habitats, and Invertebrate, Bird and Wildlife Use of Transplanted Habitats * Guidelines for Restoration in Species-Rich Mediterranean-Climate Shrublands, with Perspectives from South African Fynbos * Grassland Restoration in California * Creation and Restoration of Vernal Pools * Restoring Oak Woodlands in California: Theory and Practice * Dune Restoration in Mediterranean Climate Areas of North America * Salt Marsh Restoration Within The Mediterranean Climate Zone of North America * Restoration in the Mediterranean Basin * Riparian Restoration in Coastal California * Wetland Restoration Strategies in California's Mediterranean-Type Ecosystem Region * Global Change and Ecological Restoration * The Philosophies of Restoration in Mediterranean-Type Ecosystems: Scaling Effects of Different Histories of Disturbance and the Degree to Which Indigenous Naturalness Can Still Be Emulated