Special issue: Applications of machine learning to ecological modelling - Preface

The paper provides a summary of paper presentations at the 2nd International Conference on Applications of Machine Learning to Ecological Modelling and a preview of forthcoming developments in this area. Artificial neural networks were demonstrated to be very useful for nonlinear ordination and visualization of ecological data by Kohonen networks, and ecological time-series modelling by recurrent networks. Genetic algorithms proved to be very innovative for hybridizing deductive models, and evolving predictive rules, process equations and parameters. Newly emerging adaptive agents provide a novel framework for the discovery and forecasting of emergent ecosystem structures and behaviours in response to environmental changes. © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.