Unpicking the patchwork

Unpicking the patchwork Turner, , Gardner, & O'Neill, R.V. ( 2001 ) Landscape ecology in theory and practice: pattern and process . Springer-Verlag New York , xii + 401pp, figs, tables, index, CD-ROM. Hardback: Price US$119. ISBN 0-387-95122-9. Paperback: Price US$59.95. ISBN 0-387-95123-7. The subtitle of this text encapsulates the ambitions of landscape ecologists as they strive to explain the links between key ecological processes and the spatial patterns of the land-use systems in which they occur. The authors have set themselves the task of providing a source text appropriate both for those new to the discipline and for those actively researching in it. To a great extent they have succeeded. One of the strengths of the book is the clear account of the origins of landscape ecology and the links (and overlap) with other disciplines, although biogeography is credited only with reference to the influential theory of island biogeography. The authors also gloss over the increasing divide between the holistic, human-centred, systems approach of European landscape ecologists such as Naveh and the more quantitative, analytical approach of the North American school. This is reflected in the landscape examples within the book. Many are extensive both in area and management and are afforded protection, perhaps as national parks. This contrasts sharply with intensively managed European landscapes, for example in the Netherlands, where the tenets of landscape ecology are already received wisdom for many land-use planners. That said, the quantitative approach — and its limitations — are very well explained in this book. The thorny problem of landscape scale is tackled in detail at the start and considerations of scale continue throughout. A general section on models is also very welcome in a text of this sort as it allows their strengths and pitfalls to be evaluated before a consideration of specific landscape models. The following section on random maps is particularly strong, as all three authors have carried out research in this area. Randomly generated maps are used as neutral landscape models against which to compare a landscape of interest, allowing a ‘null hypothesis’ approach to be used in the search for critical thresholds in changes in landscape pattern. The metrics used in the quantification of landscape pattern are clearly constructed, and issues such as correlation of metrics and sources of error are sufficiently emphasized to inspire caution in their use and interpretation. At several points in the book the authors make important observations about the limitations of data and the difficulties of developing truly integrated models that reflect the complexity and uncertainty of the real world. I would have considered the first point sufficiently important to warrant a longer section on sources of data, perhaps to include a more extensive discussion on the use of remotely sensed datasets. Disturbance dynamics are illustrated with dramatic events such as hurricanes or fire, but the subtler, time-dependent changes could have been discussed more fully. Ecosystem processes in the landscape are well covered, in contrast to the chapter on organisms and landscape pattern, where the lack of data for more than a handful of species is very obvious. The final section on ‘applied landscape ecology’ covers a rather eclectic set of scenarios ranging from the Australian wheat-belt to the forests of Ontario. Unfortunately, tropical examples are limited to a brief consideration of slash and burn agriculture in Brazil. The text as a whole would have been strengthened by more geographically diverse examples. Overall, this is an extremely engaging book. It can be dipped into, or read as a narrative — although I advise readers to take the time to consider some of the discussion questions in order to develop their understanding of the more complex material. In terms of ‘learning support’ there are recommended readings following each chapter and a very comprehensive bibliography. The accompanying CD is limited to colour images of the illustrations within the book. Given the dynamic nature of the landscape examples, this medium could possibly have been used to greater effect. Nonetheless, the authors’ express wish is that the material be used in teaching, making the book a very useful resource for undergraduate and postgraduate courses ranging from conservation biology to geography and landscape planning and management.

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