©Danilo Lima, Agripalm Ambiental
The RRC database contains a wide variety of resources and publications related to ecological restoration, and we are actively working to expand this collection. It is our aim to serve as the principal clearinghouse for information and tools to support the work of researchers, practitioners, land managers, educators, students, and anyone else interested in restoration. Use the filter tool below to search the database by title, author, resource type, keyword, or any combination of these factors.
Although SER does review all entries in the database for relevance and quality, these resources have not been rigorously reviewed or extensively vetted in every case, and SER therefore makes no claim as to their accuracy or accordance with generally accepted principles in the field. The database is provided as a resource for visitors to the SER website, and it is ultimately left to the individual user to make their own determinations about the quality and veracity of a given publication or resource.
If there is a resource we missed, please let us know! We are interested in current books, articles, technical documents, videos, and other resources that are directly relevant to ecological restoration science, practice or policy, as well as resources treating the social, cultural and economic dimensions of restoration.
Restoration Ecology of Lowland Tropical Peatlands in Southeast Asia: Current Knowledge and Future Research Directions
Abstract:Studies of restoration ecology are well established for northern peatlands, but at an early stage for tropical peatlands. Extensive peatland areas in Southeast Asia have been degraded through deforestation, drainage and fire, leading to on- and off-site environmental and socio-economic impacts of local to global significance. To address these problems, landscape-scale restoration measures are urgently required. This paper reviews and illustrates, using information from on- going trials in Kalimantan, Indonesia, the current state of knowledge pertaining to (i) land-cover dynamics of degraded peatlands, (ii) vegetation rehabilitation, (iii) restoration of hydrology, (iv) rehabilitation of carbon sequestration and storage, and (v) promotion of sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Restoration of Abandoned Agricultural Lands toward Habitats for Umbrella Species
Abstract:This study analyzes the suitability of agricultural lands with risk of abandonment for restoration to suitable habitats for animal species of conservation interest. As a case study, the main focus was on olive plantations (Olea europaea L.) of mountainous areas of Southern Spain and the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus Temminck, 1827). The method weighs the judgement of experts on the effect of landscape elements on the habitat via an analytic hierarchy process and spots areas most suitable for restoration through geographical information systems. The results suggest that the edge of major agricultural areas and areas with natural vegetation adjacent to the Natural Park of Sierra de Carden_a and Montoro would be most suitable for restoration of the lynx habitat. The precise location of olive groves suitable for restoration are discussed, as revealed by experts’ decision-making processes. The main interest of the study relies on the potential of the method to combine territorial analysis with biological requirements of endangered species to facilitate their dispersal.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Restoration of Bottomland Hardwood Forests across a Treatment Intensity Gradient
Abstract:We report here on a comparison of four restoration techniques in terms of survival, accretion of vertical structure, and woody species diversity. The early success of the interplanting technique demonstrated that environmental benefits can be obtained quickly by more intensive efforts. Native recolonization can augment active interventions if limitations to dispersal distance are recognized. These results should provide landowners and managers with the confidence to use techniques of varying intensity to restore ecosystem functions.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Restoration of Ecosystem Services for Environmental Markets
Abstract:Ecological restoration is an activity that ideally results in the return of an ecosystem to an undisturbed state. Ecosystem services are the benefits humans derive from ecosystems. The two have been joined to support growing environmental markets with the goal of creating restoration-based credits that can be bought and sold. However, the allure of these markets may be overshadowing shortcomings in the science and practice of ecological restoration. Before making risky investments, we must understand why and when restoration efforts fall short of recovering the full suite of ecosystem services, what can be done to improve restoration success, and why direct measurement of the biophysical processes that support ecosystem services is the only way to guarantee the future success of these markets. Without new science and an oversight framework to protect the ecosystem service assets on which people depend, markets could actually accelerate environmental degradation.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Restoring a ‘Biological Desert’ on Borneo
Abstract:For 30 years in Indonesia, Willie Smits observed how one conservation project after another would fail without local community support. Finally, Smits hit upon a solution: An economic incentive for area residents became a cornerstone of his Samboja Lestari project, an ambitious effort to transform a clear-cut site in Borneo into a mix of agroforestry plots and orangutan habitat.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Restoring Lakes by Using Artificial Plant Beds: Habitat Selection of Zooplankton in a Clear and a Turbid Shallow Lake
Abstract:Our results suggest that water clarity is decisive for the habitat choice of large-bodied zooplankton and that introduction of APB as a restoration measure to enhance zooplankton survival is only a useful tool when water clarity increases following loading reduction. Our results indicate that dense APB will be the most efficient.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Restoring Landscapes of Fear with Wolves in the Scottish Highlands
Abstract:Understanding the relative likely contributions of both lethal and nonlethal effects in the Scottish context will be challenging because nonlethal impacts result from an interaction between deer behaviour in response to wolf predation and particular landscapes and ecosystem features. While a full reintroduction may be far off, research must begin in the near term. There would be considerable scientific merit in establishing a large, controlled experiment (for example on an island or in a fenced area) in the Scottish Highlands to examine the relative lethal and nonlethal effects of wolves on deer and ecosystem restoration. In this paper, a long-term pathway for scientific research to provide sound ecological evidence to inform future decision-makers is proposed.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Restoring Native Ecosystems in Urban Auckland: Urban Soils, Isolation, and Weeds as Impediments to Forest Establishment
Abstract:New Zealand urban environments are currently dominated by exotic plant species. Restoring native vegetation and its associated native biodiversity in these landscapes is desirable for both cultural and ecological reasons. We report on the first four years of an ongoing vegetation restoration experiment in Waitakere City, Auckland, that addresses four challenges to urban restoration: weeds, Anthropic Soils, attraction of frugivorous birds, and patch isolation.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Restoring Rainforest Fragments: Survival of Mixed-Native Species Seedlings under Contrasting Site Conditions in the Western Ghats, India
Abstract:Historical fragmentation and a current annual deforestation rate of 1.2% in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot have resulted in a human-dominated landscape of plantations, agriculture, and developed areas, with embedded rainforest fragments that form biodiversity refuges and animal corridors. Retaining regenerating native species during weed clearing operations was crucial for rapid reestablishment of a first layer of canopy to shade out weeds and enhance survival of shade-tolerant rainforest seedlings.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Rethinking Species Selection for Restoration of Arid Shrublands
Abstract:Restoration is playing an increasingly important role in ecology as natural habitats become scarcer and chances to restore ecosystems damaged by human activities are more common. However, restoration of degraded Mediterranean arid ecosystems is hampered by drought and poor soils, which cause many establishment failures. To compare how species belonging to different successional stages establish in a very stressful site, we carried out a field experiment with 14 tree and shrub species differing in functional traits. We found that survival was highest for legumes, followed by leafless species, and C4 shrubs, traits that are believed to maximize resource uptake in cleared and infertile areas while reducing water losses. Thus, selection of mid-successional species having such traits should be considered for successful restoration. These species would increase the success of restoration programs, but also would increase soil fertility, reduce soil erosion processes, and eventually facilitate establishment of other species, therefore accelerating secondary succession. We suggest a new approach for the restoration for arid shrublands in which species are carefully selected based on traits that best suit the environmental conditions.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Rethinking Species Selection for Restoration of Arid Shrublands
Abstract:Restoration is playing an increasingly important role in ecology as natural habitats become scarcer and chances to restore ecosystems damaged by human activities are more common. However, restoration of degraded Mediterranean arid ecosystems is hampered by drought and poor soils, which cause many establishment failures. To compare how species belonging to different successional stages establish in a very stressful site, we carried out a field experiment with 14 tree and shrub species differing in functional traits. We suggest a new approach for the restoration for arid shrublands in which species are carefully selected based on traits that best suit the environmental conditions.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
River Restoration, Habitat Heterogeneity and Biodiversity: A Failure of Theory or Practice?
Abstract:Stream ecosystems are increasingly impacted by multiple stressors that lead to a loss of sensitive species and an overall reduction in diversity. A dominant paradigm in ecological restoration is that increasing habitat heterogeneity (HH) promotes restoration of biodiversity. This paradigm is reflected in stream restoration projects through the common practice of re- configuring channels to add meanders and adding physical structures such as boulders and artificial riffles to restore biodiversity by enhancing structural heterogeneity. Despite the complexity of these stressors, a large number of stream restoration projects focus primarily on enhancing HH; we show that this is not a wise investment. Managers should critically diagnose the stressors impacting an impaired stream and invest resources first in repairing those problems most likely to limit restoration.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Scaling Up to Networks of Marine Protected Areas in the Philippines: Biophysical, Legal, Institutional, and Social Considerations
Abstract:The study found that while social and ecological criteria are shaping MPA networks through science-based planning, integrated management, and coordination, there exist numerous institutional issues related to scaling up to networks from single MPAs. Issues pertain to: limiting access to resources, boundary delineation, monitoring compliance, finding common goals and identity, and conflict resolution. Factors correlated with management success included common institutional processes and legal support, improved understanding of benefits from a network and improved habitat conditions and fishery yields associated with MPAs.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Social Infrastructure to Integrate Science and Practice: The Experience of the Long Tom Watershed Council
Abstract:Ecological problem solving requires a flexible social infrastructure that can incorporate scientific insights and adapt to changing conditions. As applied to watershed management, social infrastructure includes mechanisms to design, carry out, evaluate, and modify plans for resource protection or restoration. Efforts to apply the best science will not bring anticipated results without the appropriate social infrastructure. For the Long Tom Watershed Council, social infrastructure includes a management structure, membership, vision, priorities, partners, resources, and the acquisition of scientific knowledge, as well as the communication with and education of people associated with and affected by actions to protect and restore the watershed. Key to integrating science and practice is keeping science in the loop, using data collection as an outreach tool, and the Long Tom Watershed Council’s subwatershed enhancement program approach. Resulting from these methods are ecological leadership, restoration projects, and partnerships that catalyze landscape-level change.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Soil Microbial Communities and Restoration Ecology: Facilitators or Followers?
Abstract:Microorganisms have critical roles in the functioning of soil in nutrient cycling, structural formation, and plant interactions, both positive and negative. These roles are important in reestablishing function and biodiversity in ecosystem restoration. Measurement of the community indicates the status of the system in relation to restoration targets and the effectiveness of management interventions, and manipulation of the community shows promise in the enhancement of the rate of recovery of degraded systems.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Soil Recovery after Removal of the N2-fixing Invasive Acacia longifolia: Consequences for Ecosystem Restoration
Abstract:Invasion by Acacia longifolia alters soil characteristics and processes. The present study was conducted to determine if the changes in soil C and N pools and processes induced by A. longifolia persist after its removal, at the Sao Jacinto Dunes Nature Reserve (Portugal). Our results suggest that after removal of an N2-fixing invasive tree that changes ecosystem-level processes, it takes several years before soil nutrients and processes return to preinvasion levels, but this legacy slowly diminish, suggesting that the susceptibility of native areas to (re)invasion is a function of the time elapsed since removal. Removal of the N-rich litter layer facilitates ecosystem recovery.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2009
Prioritizing Conservation Effort through the Use of Biological Soil Crusts as Ecosystem Function Indicators in an Arid Region
Abstract:Conservation prioritization usually focuses on conservation of rare species or biodiversity, rather than ecological processes. This is partially due to a lack of informative indicators of ecosystem function. Biological soil crusts (BSCs) trap and retain soil and water resources in arid ecosystems and function as major carbon and nitrogen fixers; thus, they may be informative indicators of ecosystem function. We believe BSCs can be used as indicators of ecosystem function in concert with other indicators (such as plant-community properties) and that such information can be used to prioritize conservation effort in drylands.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2008
Producing Framework Tree Species for Restoring Forest Ecosystems in Northern Thailand
Abstract:Since 1994, the Forest Restoration Research Unit of Chiang Mai University’s Biology Department (FORRU-CMU) has been developing methods to restore forest ecosystems to deforested sites within protected areas, for biodiversity conservation and environmental protection in northern Thailand. With support from WWF Greater Mekong Thailand Country Programme and corporate sponsor King Power Duty Free, the unit is working with Hmong hill tribe villagers from Baan Mae Sa Mai, in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, to expand a demonstration site for the ‘‘framework species method’’ of forest restoration. The technique entails planting 20 to 30 indigenous forest tree species, capable of rapidly shading out weeds and attracting seed-dispersing animals from nearby forest remnants. This results in rapid increase in tree species richness, progressing towards the species composition of the original forest, as well as overall biodiversity recovery.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2008
Redefining Ecological Engineering to Promote its Integration with Sustainable Development and Tighten its Links with the Whole of Ecology
Abstract:Ecological engineering was defined several decades ago, both in the academic field and in management. I next propose a definition of ecological engineering, in accordance with the two reasons for its French re-emergence, i.e. the prevalence of the concept of sustainable development and the development of applied ecological sub-disciplines. This leads us to suggest that ecological engineering should be ecological in the broad sense, and not only targeted to the ecosystem level. I end the paper by discussing some problems and characteristics of ecological engineering that stem from this definition.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2008
Reforming Watershed Restoration: Science in Need of Application and Applications in Need of Science
Abstract:I identify five ways in which our ecological knowledge should be influencing restoration to a far greater extent than at present including a need to: shift the focus to restoration of process and identification of the limiting factors instead of structures and single species, add ecological insurance to all projects, identify a probabilistic range of possible outcomes instead of a reference condition, expand the spatial scale of efforts, and apply hierarchical approaches to prioritization. Prominent examples of restoration methods or approaches that are commonly used despite little evidence to support their efficacy are highlighted such as the use of only structural enhancements to restore biodiversity. There are also major gaps in scientific knowledge that are of immediate need to policy makers, managers, and restoration practitioners including: predictive frameworks to guide the restoration of ecological processes, identification of social-ecological feedbacks that constrain ecosystem recovery and data to support decisions of where and how to implement restoration projects to achieve the largest gains.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2008
Restoration Ecology: Interventionist Approaches for Restoring and Maintaining Ecosystem Function in the Face of Rapid Environmental Change
Abstract:Key issues relating to ecosystem restoration in a rapidly changing world include understanding how potentially synergistic global change drivers interact to alter the dynamics and restoration of ecosystems and how novel ecosystems without a historic analogue should be managed.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2008
Restoration of Salt-marsh Vegetation in Relation to Site Suitability, Species Pool and Dispersal Traits
Abstract:Restoration of salt marshes on previously reclaimed land provides an excellent opportunity to study plant colonization and subsequent development of salt-marsh vegetation. Insight into the process of salt-marsh development can guide the design, implementation and evaluation of salt-marsh restoration schemes and help determine appropriate management strategies. The prospect of salt-marsh restoration after de-embankment is good, with target species establishing spontaneously and vegetation succession taking place. Because most salt-marsh species are dispersed over short distances, it is important that a well-developed salt marsh is adjacent to the restoration site. The rate of salt-marsh development and species diversity appears to be affected mainly by surface elevation. Proper elevation in relation to tidal inundation is therefore a prerequisite for the successful restoration of salt-marsh vegetation after de-embankment.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2008
Restoration of Species-rich Grasslands on Ex-arable Land: Seed Addition Outweighs Soil Fertility Reduction
Abstract:In a three-year field experiment with ex-arable soil with intensive farming history, we tested single and combined effects of soil fertility reduction and sowing mid-successional plant species on plant community development and soil biological properties. A controlled microcosm study was performed to test short-term effects of soil fertility reduction measures on biomass production of mid-successional species.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2008
Restoration through Reassembly: Plant Traits and Invasion Resistance
Abstract:One of the greatest challenges for ecological restoration is to create or reassemble plant communities that are resistant to invasion by exotic species. We examine how concepts pertaining to the assembly of plant communities can be used to strengthen resistance to invasion in restored communities. Community ecology theory predicts that an invasive species will be unlikely to establish if there is a species with similar traits present in the resident community or if available niches are filled. Therefore, successful restoration efforts should select native species with traits similar to likely invaders and include a diversity of functional traits. The success of trait-based approaches to restoration will depend largely on the diversity of invaders, on the strength of environmental factors and on dispersal dynamics of invasive and native species.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2008
Restoration through Reassembly: Plant Traits and Invasion Resistance
Abstract:One of the greatest challenges for ecological restoration is to create or reassemble plant communities that are resistant to invasion by exotic species. We examine how concepts pertaining to the assembly of plant communities can be used to strengthen resistance to invasion in restored communities. Community ecology theory predicts that an invasive species will be unlikely to establish if there is a species with similar traits present in the resident community or if available niches are filled. Therefore, successful restoration efforts should select native species with traits similar to likely invaders and include a diversity of functional traits. The success of trait-based approaches to restoration will depend largely on the diversity of invaders, on the strength of environmental factors and on dispersal dynamics of invasive and native species.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2008
Restoring Rainforest Species by Direct Seeding: Tree Seedling Establishment and Growth Performance on Degraded Land in the Wet Tropics of Australia
Abstract:Results indicate that direct seeding can be a viable establishment method, but the identity of species to be used, the circumstances under which they should be directly sown and the most appropriate timing of sowing will vary with situations. Species characteristics, including seed size, growth rate potential and light requirement will be important to consider in relation to the probable conditions that will develop for seedlings following germination (particularly in relation to plant competition) with or without post-sowing site management, such as removal of weeds.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2008
Seed Supply for Broadscale Restoration: Maximizing Evolutionary Potential
Abstract:Restoring degraded land to combat environmental degradation requires the collection of vast quantities of germplasm (seed). Sourcing this material raises questions related to provenance selection, seed quality and harvest sustainability. Restoration guidelines strongly recommend using local sources to maximize local adaptation and prevent outbreeding depression, but in highly modified landscapes this restricts collection to small remnants where limited, poor quality seed is available, and where harvesting impacts may be high. We review three principles guiding the sourcing of restoration germplasm: (i) the appropriateness of using ‘local’ seed, (ii) sample sizes and population characteristics required to capture sufficient genetic diversity to establish self-sustaining populations and (iii) the impact of over-harvesting source populations.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2008
Setting River Restoration Priorities: a Review of Approaches and a General Protocol for Identifying and Prioritizing Actions
Abstract:A well-crafted restoration goal identifies the biological objective of restoration, addresses underlying causes of habitat change, and recognizes that social, economic, and land use objectives may constrain restoration options. Once restoration goals are identified, one of six general approaches can be selected for prioritizing restoration actions: project type, refugia, decision support systems, single-species analysis, multispecies analysis, and cost effectiveness. Prioritizing by project type, refugia, or a decision support system requires the least quantitative information, and each approach is relatively easy to use.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2008
Soil Seed Banks of Degraded Riparian Zones in Southeastern Australia and their Potential Contribution to the Restoration of Understorey Vegetation
Abstract:We examined the composition and structure of germinable soil seed banks along lateral gradients from stream channels in both cleared and wooded riparian zones of three lowland creeks within the Goulburn Broken catchment in temperate southeastern Australia. Environmental correlates of soil seed bank characteristics and similarity to extant vegetation were also examined. We found an abundant and species-rich soil seed bank mostly comprising propagules of perennial rushes and sedges and annual and perennial grasses with many species of annual forbs. While the majority of identifiable germinants and species were native, exotic species were common at all locations. Soil seed bank composition was correlated with site openness suggesting that extant vegetation structure plays an important role in soil seed bank dynamics. Recruitment from the in situ soil seed bank will help restore only some components of the riparian plant community and may hinder restoration by introducing undesirable species.
Resource Type:Peer-reviewed ArticlePublication Date: 2008
Linking Conservation and Poverty Reduction: Landscapes, People and Power
Abstract:This book aims to inspire the conservation community not to regard poverty reduction as someone else’s job but to take responsibility for it as part of ecosystem restoration. It offers a grand overview of the issues and a conceptual framework for addressing poverty reduction in the context of conservation, and conservation in the context of poverty reduction. It will appeal to professionals working in the field as well as to students across the fields of conservation, development and sustainability. It looks at the rationale for addressing the links between conservation and poverty reduction, arguing that such a focus is both ethically essential and a source of opportunities. It also reviews experiences in dealing with people and conservation and identifies some key lessons and concepts. The book presents cases studies illustrating various approaches and a discussion of some of the issues that appear when implementing combined conservation and poverty reduction.
Resource Type:BookPublication Date: 2008