But will it grow back

摘要: ![Figure][1] Ever since the early 1990s, people I talk to on planes and at parties about what do (tropical forest ecology conservation) have invariably said something along lines of “oh yes, deforestation, it's dreadful … but won't grow back?” The answer is, course, a combination “to degree,” “slowly,” “it depends.” In Second Growth , Robin Chazdon expands comprehensively question answers for scientific audience presents well-argued case why they matter. While deforestation has slowed in many parts tropics, land-use change continues contribute substantially greenhouse gas emissions biodiversity loss. Much remaining been disturbed is regenerating; soon, only some areas will be secondary. Overall, suggests, tropical old-growth forests insufficient retain biodiversity. This makes it critical understand how secondary compare with, or not fulfill ecological roles of, forests. As demographics, economies, patterns land use change, cultivation no longer sole fate previously cleared areas. Thus, opportunities are increasing both study resulting natural regeneration facilitate actively alter its course. Forest restoration rapidly becoming part climate mitigation conservation agendas. (an ecologist University Connecticut) summarizes science that underpins our understanding status importance forests, factors influence trajectories, strategies effective efforts. The book reflects Chazdon's impressive record research on, encyclopedic knowledge regenerating It pulls together huge literature (the references occupy more than 110 pages) topics ranging from history human impacts, through pathways primary succession them, drivers reforestation landscape affecting course regeneration. For each these, author current knowledge, identifies common themes, highlights gaps. With range topics, table contents reads like one volume contributed papers; thorough review this breadth indeed. Everyone find new interesting. me, sections ancient legacies transformation prehistory were especially fascinating. They forcefully make point humans shaping we see today those future. Perhaps because covered, there certain amount repetition among sections, all contain much way synthesis. does an excellent job reviewing existing work, flow always smooth she doesn't thread pull divergent (or even parallel) views topic into clear conclusion. While accurately state science, readers looking “answers” frustrating. may mollified degree by explanations designs (and spatial temporal realities landscapes them) often constrain ability draw conclusions. ![Figure][1] 30-year-old second growth forest, Osa peninsula, Costa Rica. CREDIT: ROBIN CHAZDON Although contains practical guidance increase likelihood successful restoration, format means appeal academics decision-makers practitioners. important resource students ecology. set out dip particular found myself reading carefully cover while making notes as would textbook. liberal sprinkling specific gaps useful—and might so if was unified summary them. These diverse landscape-scale effects logging species, soil carbon dynamics depth, variation species composition nutrient cycling during regeneration, socioeconomic impacts restoration. The final two chapters begin put academic wider context societal needs concerns. But scratch surface challenges political, economic, social complexity entailed taking advantage which cases boil down allocation. Although incentives provide added impetus, go far beyond fostering cross-sectoral collaboration integrated planning. Second combines in-depth with eloquent understanding, promoting, managing contexts provision ecosystem services conservation. doing so, help meet providing evidence ensure value recognized. certainly stimulate needed support action. [1]: pending:yes