Ecosystem Collapse and Recovery

Adrian C. Newton is Professor of Conservation Ecology in the Centre for Ecology, Environment and Sustainability at Bournemouth University, UK. His research examines human impacts on the environment, with a particular focus on biodiversity loss and its consequences. His most recent projects have analysed the collapse and recovery of a range of different ecosystem types, including forests, grassland and heathland, and their implications for economic development.

• 1. Introduction; 2. Ecological Theory; 3. Case Studies from Prehistory; 4. Contemporary Case Studies; 5. Synthesis; 6. Conclusions.

'… the book is written by integrating viewpoints from a variety of disciplines, among them that of theoretical ecology and of conservation biology ... What is particularly helpful in the structure of the book are the conclusions at the end of each chapter and a series of tables that aim to summarise and highlight ideas, conclusions and propositions … it references classical ecological work that is a springboard for the subject, … [and] provides some historical background on scientific debates… it also contains anecdotes of the author's personal experience and opinions (always well-balanced and undogmatic). … there are as many questions as answers provided in the book that would interest the general reader as well as the most experienced researcher in the field.' Vasilis Dakos, African Journal of Range & Forage Science