Holocene rain-forest wilderness: a neotropical perspective on humans as an exotic, invasive species

Abstract

Large areas of lowland tropical rain-forests in the neotropics have been burned over the past 6,000 years, mostly by pre-Colombian agriculturists. This paper presents additional evidence of fires and other human impacts in neotropical forests, and considers the opportunities and limitations of different approaches to determining past land-use “signatures.” Knowledge of ancient land use practices may be used to advance an appreciation for the possible roles of past human disturbances in the suite of biological processes that promote diversity in lowland rain-forests. As wilderness designation becomes more common in the neotropics, an understanding of ancient land uses is essential for wilderness interpretation.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 3: Wilderness as a place for scientific inquiry; 1999 May 23-27; Missoula, MT

Citation

Sanford, Robert L., Jr.; Horn, Sally P. 2000. Holocene rain-forest wilderness: a neotropical perspective on humans as an exotic, invasive species. In: McCool, Stephen F.; Cole, David N.; Borrie, William T.; O’Loughlin, Jennifer, comps. 2000. Wilderness science in a time of change conference—Volume 3: Wilderness as a place for scientific inquiry; 1999 May 23–27; Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-15-VOL-3. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 168-173