Land Mosaics The Ecology of Landscapes and Regions

An analysis and synthesis of the ecology of heterogeneous land areas.

Animals, plants, water, wind, materials and people flow at different rates, according to spatial patterns common to almost all landscapes and regions. This up-to-date synthesis explores the ecology of heterogeneous land areas, where natural processes and human activities spatially interact, to produce an ever changing mosaic. The subject has great relevance to today's society, and this book reflects the breadth of its importance; there are many ideas and applications for planning, conservation, design, management, sustainability and policy. Spatial solutions are provided for society's land-use objectives. An appealing book, with a highly-readable text on this major emerging field. Students and professionals alike will be drawn by the attractive and informative illustrations, the conceptual synthesis, the wide international perspective and the range of topics and research covered.

PART I. LANDSCAPES AND REGIONS: 1. Foundations; PART Ii. PATCHES: 2. Patch size and number; 3. Boundaries and edges; 4. Patch shape; Part III. CORRIDORS: 5. Corridor attributes, roads and powerlines; 6. Windbreaks, hedges and woodland corridors; 7. Stream and river corridors; 8. Networks and the matrix; Part IV. Mosaics and Flows: 9. Configurations and mosaics; 10. Wind and water flows in mosaics; 11. Species movements in mosaics; Part V. Changing Mosaics: 12. Land transformation and fragmentation; 13. Land planning and management; 14. Creating sustainable environments.

This book provides an analysis and synthesis of the ecology of heterogeneous land areas. Professor Forman covers spatial patterns, movement across landscape mosaics, changing land patterns and practical applications of landscape ecology. A readable and richly illustrated book for researcher and student alike.