The Cutting Edge

Bringing together leading scientists and professionals in tropical forest ecology and management, this book examines in detail the interplay between timber harvesting and wildlife, from invertebrates to large mammal species. Its contributors suggest modifications to existing practices that can ensure a better future for the tropics' valuable—and invaluable—resources.

Recent decades have seen unprecedented growth in the scale and intensity of industrial forestry. Directly and indirectly, it has degraded the wildlife and ecological integrity of these tropical forests, prompting a need to evaluate the impact of current forest management practices and reconsider how best to preserve the integrity of the biosphere.

Synthesizing the body of knowledge of leading scientists and professionals in tropical forest ecology and management, this book's thirty chapters examine in detail the interplay between timber harvesting and wildlife, from hunted and protected habitats to invertebrates and large mammal species.

Collectively, the contributors suggest that better management is pivotal to the maintenance of the tropics' valuable biodiversity, arguing that we must realize that tropical forests harbor the majority (perhaps 70 to 80 percent) of the world's animal species. Further, they suggest modifications to existing practices that can ensure a better future for our valuable resources.

Robert A. Fimbel is chief scientist for the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission.

John G. Robinson is senior vice president for international programs at the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Alejandro Grajal is director of the Latin American and Caribbean program at the Audubon Society.

Will do much to encourage a more informed thoughtfulness by those who are in a position to interact with decision makers who guide and manage logging company practices...Well done!

Conservation of biodiversity is not only a scientific issue but also one of economics. This book bridges the gaps and differing objectives very well, and gives a balanced treatment of a complex and volatile global issues.