Fossils document the existence of trees and wood-associated organisms from almost 400 million years ago, and today there are between 400,000 and 1 million wood-inhabiting species in the world. This is the first book to synthesise the natural history and conservation needs of wood-inhabiting organisms. Presenting a thorough introduction to biodiversity in decaying wood, the book studies the rich diversity of fungi, insects and vertebrates that depend upon dead wood. It describes the functional diversity of these organisms and their specific habitat requirements in terms of host trees, decay phases, tree dimensions, microhabitats and the surrounding environment. Recognising the threats posed by timber extraction and forest management, the authors also present management options for protecting and maintaining the diversity of these species in forests as well as in agricultural landscapes and urban parks.

'The book is richly illustrated, containing dozens of photographs, plots and diagrams … The authors succeed admirably in their aim of writing a book on dead wood ecology that is ‘accessible to readers without expertise in any particular discipline’ … [It] is a worthwhile investment for anyone interested in dead wood ecology … The book is heartily recommended …'

Source: Nordicum-Mediterraneum: Icelandic e-Journal of Nordic and Mediterranean Studies (nome.unak.is/nm-marzo-2012/)

'… the first ever whole book to attempt an introductory synthesis of all that is known about the wildlife associated with decaying wood … I discovered [I was] finding things previously unfamiliar to me in every chapter. A great strength is the combination of mycology and entomology …'

Source: British Journal of Entomology and Natural History