Galapagos: A Natural History Second Edition

Description

A richly illustrated nature tour of Galapagos-now expanded, thoroughly updated, and with more than 650 color photographs. Galapagos is a comprehensive, up-to-date, and profusely illustrated natural history of this spectacular archipelago. Offering much more information than identification guides, the book provides detailed accounts and more than 650 color photographs of the islands' habitats, marine life, reptiles, birds, mammals, and plants, making the book a virtual nature tour of Galapagos. Galapagos experts John Kricher and Kevin Loughlin have thoroughly revised the original text, bringing all the taxonomy up to date and adding a wealth of new information. Individual chapters cover geology, ecology, human history, Darwin's finches and how Darwin came to his theory of natural selection from his visit to the islands, Galapagos tortoises, marine and land iguanas, mammals, seabirds, landbirds, marine life, and conservation challenges and initiatives. The concluding chapter covers each of the individual islands, including landing sites, unique plant and animal species, and points of interest, and serves as a wonderful guide for visitors as they move from island to island or plan a trip to Galapagos. With its combination of rich text and splendid photos, Galapagos is essential reading for the ecotraveler and nature enthusiast alike. Now with more than 650 color photographs, showing habitats, geology, marine life, and all the commonly encountered reptiles, birds, mammals, and plants Features a detailed island-by-island guide, including landing sites and what visitors can expect Essential reading for the ecotraveler and nature enthusiast

John Kricher is professor emeritus of biology at Wheaton College in Massachusetts and an internationally recognized ecologist, ornithologist, and author. His books include The New Neotropical Companion, Tropical Ecology, and The Balance of Nature (all Princeton). Kevin Loughlin is a nature photographer and tour guide who has led more than forty trips to Galapagos. His photos and writing have appeared in many magazines, including Living Bird and Birding.

"Nature lovers and eco-travellers alike will be drawn in to descriptions of this spectacular environment.."---Lorraine Connolly and Hadiyah Ilyas, The Countryman "[Galapagos] builds on what was already out there and makes it better. . . . It is a thorough and timely treatise on the flora, fauna and ecosystems of this archipelago."---Geoff Carpentier, North Durham Nature Newsletter