Perspectives on wildfire in the humid tropics

Article Abstract:

Over the 30 years leading up to 1998 scientists have come to appreciate the significance of fire in ecosystems of tropical rainforests and in disturbance history. Researchers in the Rio Negro forest in Amazonia have over time realized that soil charcoal in tropical rainforests indicates the occurrence of fires in the pre-historical past. In tropical forests of East Kalimantan, Indonesia, researchers have found that large areas have burned after prolonged drought and light logging. A strong El Nino event or some opening in forest canopies can make a forest environment one that can easily ignite. Progressive impoverishment and degradation of huge expanses of tropical forest are possible. No disturbance other than fire has the self-reinforcing character with potential for disaster on such a huge scale. Thousands of species may have been destroyed already. Grand fires may be among the greatest biological selection events to have occurred in tropical areas. Much future research will be required to find out how much impact fires may have had on tropical ecology.

Research, Brazil, Indonesia, Natural disasters, Rain forest ecology, Biogeography, Tropics, Wildfires, Forest fire research

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Zoning of timber extraction in the Brazilian Amazon

Article Abstract:

A Geographical Information System was used to study logging activities in the state of Para, Brazil, and to develop a rationale for zoning of timber extraction. About 32% of the land could be designated for logging, while 49% should be protected, including areas where logging is already officially proscribed (28%), plus some areas with high conservation priority because of their rich biodiversity (21%). The other 19% of the state's lands do not have timber.

Usage, Geographic information systems, Logging, Para, Brazil

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Conservation biology in your own front yard

Article Abstract:

Frances Putz, in his book "Redesinging the American Lawn: A Search for Environmental Harmony," suggested that lawns provide the best opportunity for children to learn about the natural world and its contribution to their lives. He further argued that American use more fertilizer in their lawns that some countries use for their crops.

Natural resources, Works, Authorship, Lawns, Redesinging the American Lawn: A Search for Environmental Harmony, Putz, Frances

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