Ecological Methods, 4Th Edition

The first edition of this book was published in 1966 and became an instant classic text. The third edition was published in 2000 authored by Professors Southwood and Henderson.

 

The availability of computer programs for many aspects of analysis of ecological data has continued to transform the way ecologists work. This will result in some important changes in the next (4^th) edition. Many of the computational methods described in detail in the 3^rd edition will be omitted and replaced with a description of the available software with brief descriptions of use and where to obtain it. In particular, reference will be made to procedures available in R and other freely available software systems.

I would also like to add some photographs of equipment in use. This would avoid lengthy descriptions of apparatus.

There needs to be far more references to web resources including equipment suppliers, software downloads and detailed methodologies. I will also ensure reference is made to suppliers in non-western countries e.g. Japan.

Recent references will be added to all chapters. Generally, references to methodologies which are no longer used will be removed. However, older references to techniques still in use will be kept to ensure the work acts as a good reference to the development of ecological methods. I intend to ensure that the 4^th edition enables younger readers to access older literature, which is still invaluable though often ignored.

It is planned that there will be little increase in the overall size of the work.

Effort will be expended in making the text more accessible to advanced undergraduate and young post-graduate students. The first edition of this book was an undergraduate textbook (everyone on my course was expected to own their own copy). The 3^rd edition had become an advanced text for graduate students and experienced researchers. While aiming to keep the 4^th edition useful to experienced researchers, I aim to ensure that all chapters have text which is accessible and useful to students.

Praise for the previous edition of Ecological Methods:

`The publication of the third edition of Richard Southwood's Ecological Methods is an occasion for mutual back-slapping. Ecologists can observe that it confirms that their science is thriving and is certainly relevant to many of the world's most urgent problems -- poverty elimination, global warming and biodiversity conservation... In this new edition, Southwood has collaborated with Peter Henderson of Pisces Conservation Ltd. Henderson's input is evident in the more thorough treatment of, for example, fish-trapping techniques. At the same time, the subtitle of earlier editions "with special reference to insect populations" has been correctly jettisoned. This revised book has far more to offer... In summary, Ecological Methods remains the ideal starting point for anyone seeking guidance on the multiplicity of methods available for ecological sampling.'

M. de L. Brooke, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge in TREE, Volume 75, Issue 12 (2000)