Understanding Wetlands: Fen, Bog and Marsh / Edition 1

by S. M. Haslam

Overview

Wetlands are an important, and sadly diminishing, habitat in many parts of the world. They contribute significantly to the planet's biodiversity, housing thousands of species of plants and animals. Increasingly, human management is required to sustain, and even create these fragile ecosystems, while global changes in climate are also taking their toll.

Understanding Wetlands explains how wetlands are created naturally and how they sustain themselves. It describes how the flora and fauna of these unique habitats are ideally adapted to their environment, and how the ecosystem copes with pollutants and climatic change. The impact of human activity such as farming, building, and recreation is also assessed. The book concludes with a look at the need for conservation and various conservation techniques.

This integrated and holistic account of wetlands is a valuable reference for students of ecology, biology, and environmental science. Its beautiful illustrations and accessible style also make it ideal for the general reader with an interest in the natural world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415257947
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/15/2003
Pages:	310
Product dimensions:	6.88(w) x 9.69(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Introduction. Wetlands Matter. How Wetlands Work. In Wetland Wilds. The Animals. The Waters of the Wetlands. Chemical Types and Vegetation Types. The Power to Purify. Phragmites: A Study in Plant Behavior and Human Use. The Silent Battlefield: Vegetation Changes. Threats and Losses, Past and Present. Conservation

Editorial Reviews

"This volume should be very useful to managers, scientists, and students interested in almost all aspects of northern forested wetlands. In fact, it is a necessary addition to the library of anyone interested in general wetland ecology and management."
-Michael G. Messina, Department of Forest Science, Texas A & M University

From the Publisher