Geo-ecology and the conservation management of sensitive upland landscapesin Scotland

Assessing landscape sensitivity in the uplands is complex, given the spatia l and temporal changes in the nature and rate of landforming processes, and the variability of geomorphological and ecological responses. The concept of geomorphological sensitivity provides a useful starting point for identi fying sensitive upland landscapes. This paper develops a gee-ecological per spective which unites both habitat and ecological dependencies in fragile u pland environments, and provides a framework for developing conservation ma nagement. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.