Temperate Woodland Conservation and Management.

Abstract

AS excellent as this book is, its title is something of a misnomer. Because the book contains 40 short chapters summarising the key findings and recommendations of many of Australia’s leading woodland researchers and managers, the words “Principles of . . .” should precede the existing title. While the book provides readers with a very good understanding of the major issues to be addressed in conserving and managing woodland habitat, as well as in producing effective and much-needed government policy, further reading is required from each chapter’s extensive list of references to obtain the detail of how to conserve and manage woodlands. The biodiversity value of woodlands in southern Australia is significant, particularly for bird and bat conservation. Because woodland soils were suitable for agriculture, between 80 and 90% have been cleared (Thackway, Chapter 31). The remainder is subject to many serious threats including grazing, weeds, fertilizer drift, fragmentation effects and altered fire regimes. This book is a timely summary of relevant research, much of which has been carried out in the last 10 to 15 years.