ECOLOGY SANS FRONTIERES

In recent years, ecology has benefited from a massive infusion of idea s and methods from neighbouring disciplines. This process has exacted a cost in terms of communication barriers and confused research object ives. As ecology matures into a science with integrated theory, a grea ter degree of independence is necessary and appropriate. Ecology's obj ectives are not identical with those of the sciences which have most i nfluenced it in recent times. Distinctively ecological initiatives are now required to address current gaps in our knowledge, to facilitate the interaction of specialists and to develop a predictive capability at larger temporal and spatial scales.