Large and Old Trees

This open access book is the first comprehensive exploration of Large Old Trees (also known as Giant Trees or Ancient Trees), their ecological roles, cultural significance, threats they face, and strategies for their conservation. Large old trees provide key ecological functions, offering essential habitats for biodiversity. But they also provide numerous benefits to people: they are a source of aesthetic, symbolic, religious, and historic values, and are direct providers of multiple ecosystem services, such as leaves, branches, fruits, or nuts. In many cultures, Large Old Trees are treated with reverence and are protected as such. However, they face a global decline. Large Old Trees are highly vulnerable to numerous threats, including fire, droughts, pathogens, land use, and climate change.

After an introduction to Large Old Trees, the volume is organized around five main themes: the importance of Large Old Trees for biodiversity; their value to humans in terms of ecosystem services and cultural significance; threats, including climate change, land use changes, and other factors; strategies for managing and conserving Large Old Trees; and a global perspective on Large Old Trees illustrated with regional and local case studies. Each chapter provides a comprehensive overview of its topic area, enriched by stunning photographs from around the world. The final chapter summarizes key messages from the book and outlines the way forward for managing and protecting these precious trees.

Written and edited by renowned experts in forest ecology and conservation biology, this book is an essential resource for students, researchers, conservationists, forestry professionals, environmental activists, and anyone with an interest in ecology or conservation. The knowledge gained from this book will equip readers to contribute meaningfully to the protection and management of one of the planet's most precious resources - Large Old Trees.