The disturbance of forest ecosystems: the ecological basis for conservative management

Amsterdam

1994

S. 247-300

Bandaufführung

10226S

145658

The extensive literature on natural disturbance in forests is reviewed in terms of the hypotheses: 1) that disturbance is a major force moulding the development, structure and function of forests; and 2) that management of forests for all their benefits can be controlled so that the effects can be contained within those which result from natural disturbance. The causal factors of natural disturbance are both endogenous and exogenous; there are major difficulties in the formal characterization of disturbance and of recovery after disturbance. Acceptance of classical generalizations of the nature of succession has led to particular difficulties in the assessment and interpretation of recovery. The ecological framework of natural disturbance and the knowledge of its component processes and effects provides the basis on which we can manage our forests as a renewable resource which can be utilized so that the forests 'retain their diversity and richness for mankind's continuing benefit'. Nowhere is this management more desperately needed than for the protection of the world's tropical forests, its peoples and their cultures.