Ecology of an African Rain Forest
Logging in Kibale and the Conflict
Between Conservation and Exploitation
by
Thomas T. Struhsaker
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Thomas Struhsaker
summarizes 20 years of research in the Kibale forest in
Uganda, one of the most important centers for the study
of tropical rain forests in Africa. Among the longest
ongoing projects
in rain forest ecology anywhere, Struhsaker’s
differs from the great majority of logging studies by
emphasizing the fauna rather than looking only at the
commercially valuable timber species. By providing
long-term data on a variety of plants and animals, it
offers the first truly in-depth synthesis of the
consequences of selective logging in the tropics.
The main body of the book demonstrates the adverse
effects of logging--as many as 25 years after the
event--on community
structure and numerous other aspects of forest ecology.
Although much has been claimed for the possibilities of
sustainable logging in tropical rain forests, few data
support these claims. Struhsaker demonstrates that future
logging must be done at far lower intensities than is
currently practiced if intact ecosystems are to be
maintained. He also offers detailed recommendations for
harvest plans compatible with the conservation of
biodiversity and ecological integrity.
The long-term data summarized here on the population
dynamics
of rain forest trees, primates, rodents, duikers, and
elephants are unrivaled and will be widely cited, as will
the data on seasonality, tree phrenology, gap dynamics,
rainfall, and temperature.
Struhsaker addresses the underlying causes of tropical
deforestation and concludes that although there are
numerous proximate factors, the ultimate causes are
rapidly increasing human populations and rates of
consumption per capita. He draws comparisons with
relevant studies elsewhere in the tropics and offers
specific recommendations to address the problems.
Thomas T. Struhsaker has conducted field research in
Africa over a period of 34 years. From 1970 through 1987
he established, developed, and directed the field
research station in Kibale, Uganda. He maintains an
active role in Kibale today and is a research
scientist in the Department of Biological Anthropology
and
Anatomy at Duke University. His publications include The
Red Colobus Monkey (1975) and more than 80
scientific and popular articles and technical reports on
ecology, conservation, and animal behavior.
1999. 432pp. 6 X 9.
103 figures, 43 tables, index, references.
ISBN 0-8130-1490-5 Cloth, $49.95s
ISBN 0-8130-1666-5 Paper, $29.95s
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 "...a unique book that is likely to become a benchmark for those who wish to save the rain forests through sustainable logging practices. Its uniqueness lies in the author's collection of long-term data (up to 25 years) on both plants and animals in the same site, the Kibale forest in
Uganda. Very highly recommended for libraries specializing in ecology, environmental science, forestry, and rain forests."--
Choice
"Provides a valuable case study for rain forest ecologists and conservationists, and is notable for its emphasis on mammalian fauna as a key factor in forest dynamics. It also demonstrates the value of long-term integrated studies in providing an understanding of complex, multivariate systems." --
Biodiversity and Conservation
"A much-needed volume that will be
of interest to a wide audience, written by a leader in
the field, and one with an international reputation. The
current rosy advocacy for 'sustainable development' needs
a wake-up call, and this is it. This volume combines some
of the hottest topics in conservation science today into
a cohesive whole that looks clear-eyed into the face of
modern conservation in the tropics and finds it
frighteningly lacking in scientific underpinning,
rational consideration, and effective
implementation."--Truman Young, University
of California at Davis
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