Eurasian Steppes. Ecological Problems and Livelihoods in a Changing World

"This is a well compiled, readable book with a wealth of information. ... Having brought all these researchers from the numerous countries together in one volume, this can certainly be a major step towards a more consistent and integrated approach in the future. The presentation is very pleasant, with many coloured photos and maps, well-structured tables and diagrams." (Jurgen Dengler, Bulletin of the European Dry Grassland Group, Issue 21, December, 2013) "Part of the Springer Plant and Vegetation series, this volume covers one of the largest biomes in the world. ... the book is part of a series on vegetation, and certainly the field botanist or environmental scientist concerned with these steppe eco-systems or interested in their conservation will find a wealth of rich material. ... The bibliography thus represents an important and useful resource for regional studies on this biome." (Sarah Robinson, Pastoralism, Vol. 3, 2013)

• Preface.- Authors and Affiliations.- 1. Abiotic and biotic determinants of Steppe Productivity and Performance – a view from Central Asia.- 2. The Steppe Biome in Russia: Ecosystem Services, Conservation Status, and Actual Challenges.- 3. Steppes of Kazakhstan: Diversity and present State.- 4. The Central Anatolian Steppe.- 5. Ukrainian Steppes in the past, at present and in the future.- 6. Cessation of Traditional Management reduces the Diversity of Steppe-like Grasslands in Romania through litter accumulation.- 7. Past trends, present state and future prospects of Hungarian Forest-Steppes.-  8. The dry Grasslands in Slovakia: history, classification and managemen.- 9. Iberian steppes.- 10. Pastoral Degradation of Steppe ecosystems in Central Mongolia.- 11. Plant Functional Types across Dune Fixation Stages in the Chinese Steppe zone and their applicability for Restoration of the Desertified Land.- 12. Population Dynamics of a Key Steppe Species in a Changing World:  the critically endangered Saiga Antelope.- 13. The Przewalski’s horse and its reintroduction in the steppe of Hustai National Park, Mongolia.- 14. Transformation of Steppe communities of Yakutia due to Climatic Change and Anthropogenic Impact.- 15. Influence of Climate Change on Vegetation and Wildlife in the Daurian eco-region.-  16. Changes in the southern Siberian Forest-Steppes.- 17. Effects of Climate Warming and Vegetation cover on Permafrost of Mongolia.- 18. Degradation and Management of Steppes in China.- 19. Land Use Modernization and Agrarian and Conservation prospects in the Russian Steppe.- 20. Rethinking Pastoral Risk Management in Mongolia.-  21. Mongolian Nomads and Climate Change  – a herder’s view.