River Networks As Ecological Corridors

A summary of state-of-the-art research on how the river environment impacts biodiversity, species invasions, population dynamics, and the spread of waterborne disease. Blending laboratory, field and theoretical studies, it is the go-to reference for graduate students and researchers in river ecology, hydrology, and epidemiology.

The Pan-European Biological Network is intended to ensure that ecosystems, habitats, populations of species and landscapes of European importance are maintained in a good state of conservation. It aims to restore the biodiversity which is seriously endangered in Europe. Water-courses and the environments associated with them are natural corridors used by both animal species and humans. With their great natural wealth, connecting numerous elements within the corridor, both longitudinally and laterally, they are essential elements in the constitution of the Pan-European Ecological Network.

River Confluences and the Fluvial Network brings together state of the art thinking on confluence dynamics tributary impacts and the links between processes at these scales and river network functions. The book is unique in focus, content, scope and in bringing together engineering, ecological and geomorphological approaches to the three key areas of river system science. Taking a global approach this multi-authored text features a team of carefully selected, internationally renowned, experts who have all contributed significantly to recent ground breaking advancements in the field. Each chapter includes a comprehensive review of work to date highlighting recent discoveries and the main thrust of knowledge, previously unpublished research and case studies, challenges and questions, detailed references as well as a forward looking assessment of the state of the science.

One of the biggest threats to the survival of many plant and animal species is the destruction or fragmentation of their natural habitats. The conservation of landscape connections, where animals, plants, and ecological processes can move freely from one habitat to another, is therefore an essential part of any new conservation or environmental protection plan. In practice, however, maintaining, creating, and protecting connectivity in our increasingly dissected world is a daunting challenge. This fascinating volume provides a synthesis on the current status and literature of connectivity conservation research and implementation. It shows the challenges involved in applying existing knowledge to real-world examples and highlights areas in need of further study. Containing contributions from leading scientists and practitioners, this topical and thought-provoking volume will be essential reading for graduate students, researchers, and practitioners working in conservation biology and natural resource management.

The establishment of ecological networks in Europe and greenways in America has required some of the most advanced applications of the principles of landscape ecology to land use planning. This book provides a thorough overview of recent developments in this emerging field, combining theoretical concepts of landscape ecology with the actual practice of landscape planning and management. In addition to biological and physical considerations important to biodiversity protection and restoration, equal weight is given to cultural and aesthetic issues to illustrate how sympathetic, sustainable land use policies can be implemented. Examples are given for large scale areas (Estonia and Florida) as well as regional areas such as Milano, Chicago and the Argentinian Yungas. This invaluable book will provide a wealth of information for all those concerned with biodiversity conservation through networks and greenways and their relevance to the planning process, whether researcher, land manager or policy maker.

This proceedings volume contains selected papers presented at the 2014 International Conference on Informatics, Networking and Intelligent Computing, held in Shenzhen, China. Contributions cover the latest developments and advances in the field of Informatics, Networking and Intelligent Computing.

"The problem of fragmentation and isolation of (semi-) natural habitats throughout Europe is generally recognised. Isolation, together with the shrinkage of the area of optimal habitat, are major threats to biodiversity. They are the triggers for many direct and indirect processes with a negative impact on the viability of natural populations. This study is compiled on the basis of extensive research as well as on the consultation of a large number of specialists in the field of restoration ecology."--Publisher's description