Paysages végétaux du domaine méditerranéen: bassin méditerranéen, California, Chili Central, Afrique du Sud, Australie Méridionale. 2012. 421 p. gr8vo. Hardcover.

Contrary to common sense, the Mediterranean environmentis not limited to the geographical area located around the Mediterraneanbasin. Characterized by hot, dry summers and wet winters, the Mediterranean area marks the transition between temperate and tropical areas. Although it most emblematic around the Mediterranean basin, this climate it is also found in California, Chile, South Africa and South Australia . To account for the diversity of Mediterranean landscapes in relation to altitude, exposure, and proximity to the sea, Paysages Végétaux du Domaine Méditerranéen presents the characteristics of the Mediterranean environment in these five areas: composition of vegetation cover , structure, altitudinal profile, dominant associations, and relations with other elements of the physical and human environment. While rural decline on the north shore of the Mediterranean basin emptied the countryside and an intense overfishing threatens southern and central Chile; California, South Australia and the Cape region have protected areas harboring an exceptional biodiversity. The management of this fragile environment is now recognized as a majorenvironmental issue. With a view to improving the management of the Mediterranean, Paysages Végétaux du Domaine Méditerranéen presents a remarkably well researched and richly illustrated biogeographical synthesis . Teachers, students, geographers, naturalists, researchers, policy makers, and officials in charge of environmental management will find in it both a reference book and an invitation to further explore the Mediterranean environment.