A tropical mountain ecosystem in one of the "hottest" biodiversity hotspots worldwide was investigated by some 30 research teams of numerous disciplines in the natural and social sciences. Ecosystem analysis followed two gradients: an altitudinal gradient and a gradient of land-use intensity and ecosystem regeneration, respectively.
This volume addresses a multitude of ecologically relevant aspects: macro- and microclimate; physics, chemistry and biology of soils; water relations, matter turnover and nutrient availability; plant growth and biomass partitioning; floral composition and plant life forms; vegetation structure and dynamics; organismic interactions, diversity and population biology of birds, moths and microarthropods; forest management, and reforestation with indigenous species; ethnobotanical and social aspects. New hypotheses are presented with regard to biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, as well as sustainable management of an ecosystem in a biodiversity hotspot.
From the reviews:
"The editors of this book have attempted to address the complexity of this mountain ecosystem through the work of 140 researchers in around 30 research groups. ? The many illustrations throughout the book are clear and informative. ? The book is targeted at those interested in ecosystem studies and sustainable land management and resource use ? . I would recommend it to anyone interested in the complexities of mountain ecosystems ? ." (Paul M. Ramsay, Mountain Research and Development, Vol. 28 (3/4), August-November, 2008)
"The book offers a detailed picture of the research conducted within the interdisciplinary project in Ecuador and is therefore particularly suited for people working in tropical mountain rainforests. Yet, it may also be of interest to anybody studying altitudinal or disturbance gradients as the chapters address a large number of ecologically important aspects. ? Overall, the chapters are very well illustrated with lots of coloured flow-charts, photos and figures." (Nina Farwig, Basic and Applied Ecology, Issue 10, 2009)
