This book provides in-depth information on Caatingäs geographical boundaries and ecological systems, including plants, insects, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. It also discusses the major threats to the region¿s socio-ecological systems and includes chapters on climate change and fast and large-scale land-use changes, as well as slow and small-scale changes, also known as chronic human disturbances. Subsequent chapters address sustainable agriculture, conservation systems, and sustainable development. Lastly, the book proposes 10 major actions that could enable the transformation of Caatinga into a place where people and nature can thrive together. ¿I consider this book an excellent example of how scientists worldwide can mobilize their efforts to propose sound solutions for one of the biggest challenges of modern times, i.e., how to protect the world¿s natural ecosystems while improving human well-being. I am sure this book will inspire more researchand conservation action in the region and perhaps encourage other groups of scientists to produce similar syntheses about their regions.¿ Russell Mittermeier, Ph.D. Executive Vice-Chair, Conservation International

José Maria Cardoso da Silva has a BSc. from Universidade Federal do Pará, MSc. from Universidade de Brasília and a PhD from the University of Copenhagen. He is currently Professor of the Department of Geography at the University of Miami. He has more than 15 years managing conservation programs and developing research on sustainable development around the world. Dr. Silva has published more than 100 papers and book chapters. He received several awards for his scientific accomplishments.

Inara R. Leal has the BSc from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina and a PhD from Universidade Estadual de Campinas. She is Adjunct Professor at the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. Her research is focused on how anthropogenic disturbances influence plant-animal interactions in Caatinga and Atlantic Forest. Dr. Leal has published more than a 100 papers and book chapters, and 6 books. 

Marcelo Tabarelli has a BSc in Agronomic Engineering from Universidade Federal de Santa Maria and a PhD from Universidade de São Paulo. Currently, he is Associate Professor at Universidade Federal de Pernambuco with research activities devoted to plant ecology and conservation, particularly tropical forests. Dr. Tabarelli has published over 100 papers and dozens of book chapters.