Fundamentals of Tropical Freshwater Wetlands: From Ecology to Conservation Management is a practical guide and important tool for practitioners and educators interested in the ecology, conservation and management of wetlands in tropical/subtropical regions. The book is written in such a way that, in addition to scientists and managers, it is accessible to non-specialist readers. Organized into three themed sections and twenty-three chapters, this volume covers a variety of topics, exposing the reader to a full range of scientific, conservation and management issues. Each chapter has been written by specialists in the topic being presented. The book recognizes that wetland conservation, science and management are interlinked disciplines, and so it attempts to combine several perspectives to highlight the interdependence between the various professions that deal with issues in these environments. Within each chapter extensive cross-referencing is included, so as to help the reader link related aspects of the issues being discussed. - Contributed to by global experts in the field of tropical wetlands - Includes case studies and worked examples, enabling the reader to recreate the work already done - Focuses on tropical systems not available in any other book

Wetlands could be described as land and water at Tropical wetlands: one and the same time, and as such are very specific on the brink ecosystems. Their often rich variety of resources makes them highly valuable to the peoples who live With a few exceptions (like the Everglades in the or regularly stay in them. However, access to them United States), the last remaining large wetlands are to be found in developing countries. Perhaps this can is difficult and those unaware of their services be explained by insufficient financial resources, frequently associate wetlands with such nuisances and calamities as mosquitos, disease, floods, impen lower popUlation density or a different concept of etrable wastelands, etc. As a result these areas are development and well-being. Whatever the reasons, often perceived as obstacles to human development many tropical wetlands still exist and support the and well-being. subsistence of many communities. But for how much History reflects these two views. Wetlands may longer? have been the cradle of great civilizations (like the During the last few decades tropical wetlands Maya, Inca, Aztec, Nilotic and Mesopotamian have also been destroyed or considerably altered. Dams and embankments now prevent water from civilizations), but elsewhere their destruction allowed other societies to develop. For example the Nether spreading into the floodplains of several rivers, like lands literally 'emerged from the waters' thanks to the Senegal, Volta and Nile.

Creating Freshwater Wetlands, Second Edition clearly demonstrates the step-by-step processes required to restore or create freshwater wetlands. It presents practical advice on choosing sites, getting help, attracting and stocking wildlife, selecting plants, and wetland operation and maintenance. This is an excellent book on one of the most fascinat

The lands and waters of the Mid-Atlantic Region (MAR) have changed significantly since before the 16th century when the Susquehannock lived in the area. Much has changed since Captain John Smith penetrated the estuaries and rivers during the early 17th century; since the surveying of the Mason-Dixon Line to settle border disputes among Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware during the middle of the 18th century; and since J. Thomas Scharf described the physiographic setting of Baltimore County in the late 19th century. As early as 1881, Scharf provides us with an assessment of the condition of the aquatic ecosystems of the region, albeit in narrative form, and already changes are taking place – the conversion of forests to fields, the founding of towns and cities, and the depletion of natural resources. We have always conducted our work with the premise that “man” is part of, and not apart from, this ecosystem and landscape. This premise, and the historical changes in our landscape, provide the foundation for our overarching research question: how do human activities impact the functioning of aquatic ecosystems and the ecosystem services that they provide, and how can we optimize this relationship?

Lakes of Africa: Microbial Diversity and Sustainability examines microbial ecosystems in African lakes, including the history and formation of African lakes. The book describes how environmental stressors—including seasonal variations, climate change, and anthropogenic activities—affect microbial ecosystem dynamics in African lakes and the microbial responses to these stressors. The book explores and evaluates extremophiles in African lakes, including industrial biotechnology applications. The book highlights challenges facing microbial ecology in African lakes, as well as the design of models for solving these problems and predicting the future of lake microbial ecosystem sustainability. - Includes unique case studies on both African lakes and brine lakes, providing real life examples of the topics discussed - Provides a foundational background to the topic - Presents definitions throughout, whenever a new term is introduced, for a seamless reading experience and background information

A combination of low oxygen levels and dense plant canopies present particular challenges for organisms living in this aquatic habitat.

This second edition of this important and authoritative survey provides students and researchers with up-to-date and accessible information about the ecology of freshwater and estuarine wetlands. Prominent scholars help students understand both general concepts of different wetland types as well as complex topics related to these dynamic physical environments. Careful syntheses review wetland soils, hydrology, and geomorphology; abiotic constraints for wetland plants and animals; microbial ecology and biogeochemistry; development of wetland plant communities; wetland animal ecology; and carbon dynamics and ecosystem processes. In addition, contributors document wetland regulation, policy, and assessment in the US and provide a clear roadmap for adaptive management and restoration of wetlands. New material also includes an expanded review of the consequences for wetlands in a changing global environment. Ideally suited for wetlands ecology courses, Ecology of Freshwater and Estuarine Wetlands, Second Edition, includes updated content, enhanced images (many in color), and innovative pedagogical elements that guide students and interested readers through the current state of our wetlands.

WETLANDS The definitive guide to wetlands for students and professionals alike Wetlands rank among the most productive but also the most vulnerable ecosystems. They break down toxins and help maintain aquatic ecosystems, provide both permanent and temporary homes for key species, and contribute enormously to biodiversity and global ecological health. In recent years the importance of wetlands has been increasingly well understood, and their management and restoration has become a particular focus of environmental research. Wetlands provides a thorough and comprehensive overview of wetlands, updated to reflect the latest research findings and methodological approaches, as it has done for more than a generation. The new edition has been optimized for classroom use, breaking down the topic into four parts: introduction to wetlands, the wetland environment, wetland ecosystems, and wetland management. Readers of the sixth edition of Wetlands will also find: A detailed discussion of the role of wetlands in improving water quality, protection from storm damage, and other ecosystem services The latest approaches and examples of wetland creation and restoration A thorough discussion of the impacts of climate change on wetlands, and how to mitigate them Wetlands is essential reading for students and professionals in ecology, environmental engineering, and water resource management.