Descriptions, maps, illustrations and tables of British Columbia's biogeoclimatic zones, as well as an overview of how the biogeoclimatic zone system was developed.
Non-forested ecosystems are an important part of British Columbias landscape and biological diversity. Plant community composition and vegetation structure of these ecosystems stand in contrast to the forests that are typical of much of British Columbia. These non-forested habitats supply critical life history requirements for many plant and animal species.
The vast temperate rainforests of coastal British Columbia are world renowned, but much less is known about the other rainforest located 500 kilometres inland along the western slopes of the interior mountains. The unique integration of continentality and humidity in this region favours the development of lush rainforest communities that incorporate both coastal and boreal elements. In British Columbia's Inland Rainforest, scientists bring together, for the first time, a broad spectrum of information about this distinctive ecosystem. They also consider the ecological consequences of human activities in the rainforest and present strategies for its management and conservation.
With sixty descriptive maps and accompanying text, The Biodiversity Atlas of British Columbia provides a broad overview of the province?s range of terrestrial and freshwater biological diversity. Bringing together data from numerous sources summarized in map form, the Atlas provides a window to B.C.?s diverse ecosystems, the species that live in them, and the elements of British Columbia?s biodiversity that make it globally significant. The Atlas also presents a visual perspective of a number of human-induced threats, including climate change, affecting biodiversity in B.C. today. The Atlas is designed to serve as a companion document to Taking Nature?s Pulse: The Status of Biodiversity in British Columbia ? a comprehensive scientific assessment of biodiversity in the province. Both the Atlas and Taking Nature?s Pulse are projects of Biodiversity BC, a partnership of conservation groups and government agencies.
This revised and expanded edition of an award-winning book not only explores British Columbia’s stunning ecology but also features an increased focus on climate change. With expanded sections on the province’s geological history, updated information on the mountain pine beetle and the future of B.C.’s biodiversity, and fresh information on many other topics, this edition includes new illustrations, photos, sidebars, and new and revised maps. Both an authoritative reference and an easy-to-read guide, this revised edition is a must for anyone who wants detailed and up-to-date information about British Columbia’s dazzling natural world.
A newly updated, expanded edition of the spectacular bestselling field guide to the plants and animals of the North America's Northwest Coast. “A must have for any naturalist in the region.”—Douglas Justice, Associate Director, Horticulture & Collections, UBC Botanical Garden With its temperate climate and rich biodiversity, the coastal Pacific Northwest is an ideal environment for nature lovers of all sorts. Stretching from Juneau, Alaska, south to coastal British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and all the way down to California's San Francisco Bay, this vast region is home to an incredibly rich variety of flora and fauna. Packed with over 1,500 photographs and essential information about more than 900 commonly found plant and animal species across the region, this second edition of The Flora and Fauna of Coastal British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest is a colourful, concise, easy-to-follow resource guide. Accessible for anyone with an interest in nature—from amateur arborists to avid gardeners, from weekend hikers to experienced beachcombers—this book provides an essential overview of the region's trees, shrubs, bushes, flowering plants, berries, ferns, fungi, marine plants, marine and land mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. With expanded flora and fauna sections; revised species organization; and new information about at-risk species, toxicity, edibility, and traditional uses, this book is an essential guide to the abundance of nature in this beautiful part of the world.
An astounding new guidebook packed with colour photographs, day trips, personal reflections, and a variety of activities for nature lovers of all ages. Wildlife Weekends invites readers to discover the wildlife that inhabit the ecosystems of southern British Columbia. Greater awareness may lead the reader to form a deeper appreciation and understanding of animals in their habitats, ultimately resulting in more people placing greater value on our role in protecting, conserving, and even rewilding ecosystems. Written as a guidebook with 20 species-focused chapters covering southern British Columbia, Wildlife Weekends leads the reader to 'hardened' sites (sites that already have viewing infrastructure in place, such as trails, boardwalks, parking, and restrooms) within a six-hour drive from Vancouver. Each chapter guides the reader on a place-based discovery of the species in its local ecosystem. Topics include natural history, First Nations cultural or traditional ecological knowledge connections, current scientific research, and personal stories from wildlife researchers. Themes include how to engage and take action around a species, ethical viewing considerations, minimizing the carbon footprint of your experience, and understanding how each species is affected by climate change. Special emphasis is placed on involving children and youth, ways to protect wildlife, and resources to grow one's knowledge. Wildlife and locations span widely, from killer whales off Saturna Island to hummingbirds in Princeton, and from snakes in Osoyoos to bald eagles on the Chehalis Flats near Harrison. Species outlined range even more widely, from tiny pika to enormous grey whales, from endangered Vancouver Island marmots to iconic moose and colourful Canada darner dragonflies. Wildlife Weekends offers something for everyone!
The North Pacific temperate rainforest, stretching from southern Alaska to northern California, is the largest temperate rainforest on earth. This book provides a multidisciplinary overview of key issues important for the management and conservation of the northern portion of this rainforest, located in northern British Columbia and southeastern Alaska. This region encompasses thousands of islands and millions of acres of relatively pristine rainforest, providing an opportunity to compare the ecological functioning of a largely intact forest ecosystem with the highly modified ecosystems that typify most of the world's temperate zone. The book examines the basic processes that drive the dynamic behavior of such ecosystems and considers how managers can use that knowledge to sustainably manage the rainforest and balance ecosystem integrity with human use. Together, the contributors offer a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by scientists, managers, and conservationists in the northern portion of the North Pacific rainforest that will be of interest to conservation practitioners seeking to balance economic sustainability and biodiversity conservation across the globe. Gordon Orians is professor emeritus of biology at the University of Washington. John Schoen is a senior science advisor at Audubon Alaska. Other contributors include Paul Alaback, Bill Beese, Frances Biles, Todd Brinkman, Joe Cook, Lisa Crone, Dave D'Amore, Rick Edwards, Jerry Franklin, Ken Lertzman, Stephen MacDonald, Andy MacKinnon, Bruce Marcot, Joe Mehrkens, Eric Norberg, Gregory Nowacki, Dave Person, and Sari Saunders.
This guide presents site identification and interpretation information for forest ecosystems of the Vancouver Forest Region. Site identification is based on the biogeoclimatic ecosystem classification. The guide was prepared to assist users in describing and identifying forest sites and to provide management interpretations to assist users in preparing stand-level forest management prescriptions. The guide covers procedures for site assessment, a description of the biogeoclimatic units and the site units of the Vancouver Forest Region, management interpretations of tree species selection, slashburning, site productivity, competing vegetation potential, ground-based harvesting, pest risks of major conifer species, and wildlife diversity and habitat relationships. Appendices list indicator species; humus forms; keys to bedrock, hand-texturing soil, relative soil moisture regime, soil nutrient regime, and site sensitivity to slashburning; correlation of old and new biogeoclimatic and site units; and a site assessment form.