Hobbs, RichardLikens, Gene E.Krebs, C.J.Banks, SamuelLindenmayer, David B2015-12-100027-8424http://hdl.handle.net/1885/62561We describe the "landscape trap" concept, whereby entire landscapes are shifted into, and then maintained (trapped) in, a highly compromised structural and functional state as the result of multiple temporal and spatial feedbacks between human and natural disturbance regimes. The landscape trap concept builds on ideas like stable alternative states and other relevant concepts, but it substantively expands the conceptual thinking in a number of unique ways. In this paper, we (i) review the literature to develop the concept of landscape traps, including their general features; (ii) provide a case study as an example of a landscape trap from the mountain ash (Eucalyptus regnans) forests of southeastern Australia; (iii) suggest how landscape traps can be detected before they are irrevocably established; and (iv) present evidence of the generality of landscape traps in different ecosystems worldwide.en-AUAuthor/s retain copyrightKeywords: article; Australia; ecosystem restoration; environmental management; Eucalyptus; fire ecology; forest management; landscape trap; logging; positive feedback; priority journal; Australia; Conservation of Natural Resources; Ecosystem; Eucalyptus; Fires; For Altered ecosystem processes; Old growth201110.1073/pnas.11102451082016-02-24