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Wildlife Book Reviews
September 2002
Reviews by Dan R. Kunkle unless otherwise noted.
2002. 614 pages. Cloth. Lynx Edicions.
This large-format book is the 7th of 10 volumes in the monumental Handbook of the Birds of the World (HBW), an unprecedented reference work that covers every bird on the planet. These are as spectacularly beautiful books as they are valuable references for ornithologists, naturalists, and anyone with an interest in birds.
This volume begins with a very interesting
introductory section on recently extinct
species that includes 21 plates depicting over 60 species. The remainder of the
book delves into the Galbuliformes (jacamars and puffbirds) and the Piciformes
(barbets, toucans, honeyguides, and woodpeckers). 49 expertly painted color
plates grace this section of the book along with hundreds of color photographs
depicting behaviors and adaptations. Each family is described in detail
regarding systematics, morphology, habitat, behavior, voice, feeding, breeding,
movements, status, conservation, and references. The species accounts follow,
filling in details of individual species and providing the Latin name of each
species along with its common names in English, French, and Spanish. The
families of this particular volume are quite colorful birds in appearance and
behavior.
HBW is much more
than a catalog of avian diversity and a magnificent reference work – it is also
a force for conservation of Earth’s biodiversity. If we come to know and
conserve birds, we will have conserved everything else with the birds. This
series is most highly recommended -- it is a great value and a terrific
investment, as these books can only become more valuable with the passage of
time.
2002. 455 pages. Flex cover. Houghton Mifflin Co,
While there has been a proliferation of field guides of all
types, this is the one that launched the modern field guide era back in 1934.
Through the years, Peterson continually improved and updated his guide. With
this, the fifth edition (published posthumously), I believe he has come as
close as possible to the perfect field
guide to the birds of the eastern half of
My
one quarrel with the Peterson guides has always been the placement of range
maps. I (and many others) prefer them with the plates and species accounts, but
Peterson always insisted that such placement would limit the size and therefore
detail of the maps that he wanted to portray. With this edition, Peterson hit
upon a compromise -- detailed larger range maps in the back of the book, and
(very small) thumbnail maps for quick reference next to the species accounts, with
the plates. Some prefer a guide that covers the entire continent, but that adds
to the confusion of inexperienced birders, while including only eastern birds
allows the book to remain a pocket-sized field guide rather than a reference
book that stays in the car or at home. The format, is slightly larger than
previous editions, but the guide will still fit in a generous sized pocket, and
the flex cover makes it field worthy. Finally, the introductory text is most
helpful to novice birders (Peterson never forgot the beginner).
Roger Tory Peterson was working on the final plate for the book the day he died in July, 1996. His wife Virginia brought the book to completion. I give my unqualified highest recommendation for the 5th and final edition of one of the most important books of the 20th Century. Every birder should own this book and every household in America should have one to help young and old alike answer a question that was very difficult to answer before 1934 -- “what bird is that?”
2002. 400 pages. Cloth.
First published in Swedish in 1999, this large-format book
is superb reference work on the birds of
2002. 144 pages. Paper.
This is an identification guide with tips on where to find each of the 100 species described in this small book that will be easy to carry along with you as you explore Voyageurs. The descriptions include a large, color photograph of the species, succinct identification and behavior information, as well as the locations where each can be found. This is a helpful book for beginners for identifying Voyageur’s birds, as well as for the accomplished birder who needs help locating specialties such as the Mourning Warbler or Three-toed Woodpecker.
2002. J.L. Darling Corporation,
This “Rite in the Rain” field journal is a spiral bound, all-weather notepad to be used in recording field observations of raptors. A one-page introduction and a checklist of North and Central American raptor species are followed by 64 logbook pages for hawk sightings. Weather and field data are recorded at the top of each page, with the remainder of the page lined for hawk observations. The exclusive paper works – you can dip it in water and still write on it with an ordinary pencil. The Field Journal is best suited for wintering or breeding raptor surveys (it doesn’t replace watch site data sheets and isn’t intended to do so). For more information, see www.RiteintheRain.com.
2002. 443 pages. Cloth.
Most observers of nature quickly move beyond naming
creatures to trying to understand their behaviors. This is especially true of
birds. Rylander here describes the behavior of
2002. 170 pages. Cloth. Smithsonian Institution Press,
In his latest book, the prolific Johnsgard documents the
rapid decline of
2002. 128 pages. Cloth.
The Purple Martin is a species that has become almost
totally dependant on its relationship with humans for survival. This book is
about this largest
2001. 436 pages. Paper.
2000. 260 pages. Paper.
Here is a one-volume, pocket-sized guide to the most common
birds, mammals, and other animals and plants of
2000. 260 pages. Paper.
Like the East Africa Guide described above, this pocket-sized guide gives you the key to identifying all the common species of the Galapagos. It is arranged in a similar fashion, but includes additional information about the islands and the strict rules that are needed to protect these fragile areas. In addition, each species is coded with a status symbol showing its abundance or occurrence. Final sections of the book on history, ocean currents, conservation, and visitor sites provide the visitor with a great deal of helpful information. The perfect guide for the general ecotourist.
2002. 312 pages. Paper.
2002. 234 pages. Paper.
This classic wildlife book is the popular summary of Chadwick’s seven-year scientific field research project in which he followed and studied Oreamnos americanus in its high alpine environment. These “white climbers,” often confused with mountain sheep to which they are not closely related, inhabit a world of cliffs and alpine meadows where the terrain is nearer vertical than horizontal – a world I love to visit. Chadwick’s account of mountain goat behavior, which he was the first to systematically observe, is full of interesting information about all aspects and phases of the goat’s life cycle, and includes a number of humorous or suspense filled anecdotes. When first published in 1983, this was ground-breaking science, but at the same time it is fun and easy to read. A bonus in this book is the chapter on the mountain goat’s neighbors – grizzlies, wolverines, bighorn sheep, and other high country wildlife. The final chapter is a plea for protection of the mountain habitat of these winter-colored beasts and their neighbors against the onslaught of resource extraction and housing developments. I have had this book on my reading list for a long time, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Most highly recommended for anyone who loves wildlife and natural history.
2001. 308 pages. Cloth.
Frontiers of Fear documents tiger-human relationships in
2002. 240 pages. Paper. The
This is the revised and updated edition of Herrero’s 1985 book, which explores the reasons for bear attacks on humans and the ways those attacks can be prevented. The book examines encounters with both Black and Grizzly Bears. Not written in a sensational style, although the accounts of the bear attacks will certainly get the adrenaline pumping, the book takes an evolutionary and behavioral perspective that helps us understand bears and avoid deadly encounters with them. In the event of an attack, the author provides what may be life-saving advice. One example – most Grizzly attacks are defensive and playing dead is the best defense, while most Black Bear attacks are predatory and the victim should fight back. This updated edition includes much new information (pepper spray and proper trail design for example) that makes it a valuable purchase, even for owners of the 1985 edition. Anyone living with bears or visiting bear country could save their own life by reading this book.
2002. 72 pages. Paper. Voyageur Press,
Five Rhinoceros (“nose horn”) species still exist, clinging to survival after decades of habitat loss and illegal trade in Rhino horn. The two most familiar are the African species – White and Black Rhino – while the three Asian species (Indian one-horned, Sumatran, and Javan) are even more endangered. Our second largest land mammals, rhinos have survived for 60 million years and provide us a glimpse into prehistoric times. The authors explore rhino natural history and their status as symbols of endangered species around the globe. The ground level photos are unique and stunning.
2002. 1466 pages. Cloth. Academic Press,
This one volume encyclopedia is a highly accurate and up-to-date single source reference work on marine mammals throughout the world. Hundreds of experts from more than 20 countries contributed to the text that is arranged in alphabetical order for easy reference. The entries include species accounts of all marine mammals (including characteristics, taxonomy, distribution, ecology, range maps, and line drawings), with other entries ranging from anatomy and physiology to behavior and evolution, reproduction and disease to conservation and ecology. The book is extensively illustrated with black and white photos, drawings, maps, tables, and charts. A small color photo section is included in the front of the encyclopedia. The 1000+ glossary entries will help students and general readers, and the 3000+ bibliographic references will be especially valuable to professionals and researchers. There is also an extensive index and a taxonomic list of the world’s marine mammal species. This is a valuable synthesis of our knowledge of marine mammals and a great value, even at this price. Very highly recommended for students, professionals, researchers, and lay people with an interest in marine mammals.
2002. 296 pages. Paper. The
In the past few years, shark attacks in
2002. 304 pages. Paper. The
Fernicola has been researching the 1916 shark attacks along
the
Editor’s Note: The
WorldLife Library Series from Voyageur Press includes introductory books about
the world’s wildlife and natural history for ages 10 and above. They are
written by experts and are lavishly illustrated with dozens of excellent color
photos. We highly recommend this series to families, young naturalists, and
adults who want to build an inexpensive, yet scientifically accurate natural
history library. Visit the web site http://www.voyageurpress.com/for
more information.
2002. 72 pages. Paper. Voyageur Press,
One of
2002. 72 pages. Paper. Voyageur Press,
While many people fear sharks, these ancient predators have
far more to fear from humans. Marine biologist and shark expert
Editor’s Note: The following three Firefly Guides are designed to be taken along in the field on a walk or vacation (5" x 7").
2002. 287 pages. Cloth. Firefly Books,
Reef Life is a comprehensive illustrated guide detailing the coral reef ecosystem and 400 species that live among the coral reefs of the world. It is illustrated with 550 color photographs, showing the various corals, fishes and other creatures of the reefs in beautiful detail. Most of the specific descriptions also include a range map. Coral colonies assume a great variety of shapes and colors, delighting those fortunate enough to enjoy this beauty first hand. Coral formations develop between the surface and 100 feet of water, in the tropical seas where the winter water temperature averages at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit. For those interested in learning about coral reefs and the "inexhaustible bustle of innumerable creatures in every shape and color," this guide is the ticket. Review by R. E. Hoopes.
2002. 256 pages. Cloth. Firefly Books,
Sharks details the appearance and behavior of 120 species of sharks and rays. It is illustrated with 450 color photographs, providing the reader with a detailed look at these magnificent creatures. Some sharks grow to only six inches in length, while others grow to more than 50 feet, with about half of the existing cataloged species measuring less then three feet. Some shark species are known for their predatory capacities (tiger and white sharks) while others feed exclusively on microscopic plankton. Astonishingly, present-day sharks have not changed much for the last 150 million years, suggesting evolutionary perfection. The reader will come away with an understanding and awe of these remarkable creatures. Review by R. E. Hoopes.
2002. 255 pages. Cloth. Firefly Books,
This Firefly Guide is a comprehensive illustrated guide describing 190 land, marine and freshwater turtles and tortoises. It is illustrated with 400 color photographs and 250 drawings of these survivors from the ancient world of reptiles. Laid out according to biogeographical regions including seas/oceans and six land areas, the guide provides a general overview of the species found in each region. It was interesting to learn that there are 36 different species of turtles/tortoises in North American and the Mexican high plateau. This is an excellent guide for young and old, that will solve the mystery of that turtle sunning itself. Review by R. E. Hoopes.
2002. 520 pages. Cloth.
This scholarly work describes all the native and introduced
fresh-water fished in
2002. 209 pages. Cloth. The
For the uninitiated, a gurnard is a bizarre-looking coastal
fish whose schools leap from the water at times. Waldman’s book is a catalog of
“
2002. 400 pages. Paper.
This revised edition covers an additional 44 species,
bringing the total covered to 2,118, with over 2500 color illustrations.
Following are excerpts from the review of the previous edition published in the
August, 1999 Wildlife Activist. “Any
experienced birder who ventures into the underwater world of the coral reef is
struck by the fact that reef fishes rival tropical birds for beauty, color, and
interesting behavior. ...Coral Reef
Fishes is a comprehensive and valuable field guide to the fishes divers are
likely to encounter associated with the coral reef systems of the
2002. 536 pages. Paper.
Butterflies have become quite popular with amateur
naturalists, as evidenced by a proliferation of regional field guides.
2002. 271 pages.
Over 700 flowering plants inhabit the beaches and islands of
the
2002. 340 pages. Cloth. North
Weidensaul takes us on an intrepid journey to every
continent except
2002. 254 pages. Cloth.
Beckoff is an ethologist, a student of animal behavior. But he brings to his work something that is shunned by many of his colleagues -- compassion and respect for his subjects. He and Jane Goodall (who wrote the forward) have founded Ethologists for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. In this wonderful book, Beckoff takes us into the lives of many individual animals of various species and provide anecdotes to illustrate the thinking, emotions, and spirit of these animals. He calls for a new paradigm for science and for society as a whole founded on “compassion, respect, and love for all animals and our wondrous planet.” Beckoff argues that by recognizing and treating animals as sentient beings whose lives are rich and varied, we will then go on to protect the earth upon which these animals live. While Beckoff is often criticized for loving the subjects of his research, it is precisely that love that is missing in our modern world. This book needs to be read widely (especially by aspiring biology majors) and will be of special interest to those who love and respect animals as other beings. Most highly recommended.
2002. 304 pages. Cloth.
The case of the Kaibab Plateau is a well-known anecdote in ecology used to illustrate the importance of predators in ecosystems, especially in controlling prey numbers, and poor wildlife science is often blamed for the failures. Young re-examines the historical record to show that in addition to the ecology lessons of the Kaibab – predators maintain balance in ecosystems, and human interference in natural systems often leads to disastrous, unintended consequences – there is a third lesson. The management of the Kaibab deer herd, which rose to great numbers then crashed after a predator eradication program was carried out, was a disaster caused by social forces and beliefs – not scientific ignorance. Wildlife management is always done in a political arena, and our knowledge of nature is entangled with beliefs and values, leading to demand for conflicting results and forcing unsound practices. Recognizing that those social interactions were an important part of the failure of management of the Kaibab deer in the early 1900s may help managers realize that those same forces are still at work.
2002. 442 pages.
This text was written to give students a historical perspective on conservation. It shows the evolution of conservation philosophy and practice from a strictly utilitarian (anthropocentric) approach toward an ecological (biocentric) framework. It explores the philosophy, techniques and limitations of each era, and includes an excellent summary of basic ecological principles. Recommended for resource managers, conservation professionals, and students of natural resource management.
2002. 280 pages. Cloth.
Terrestrial ecology has traditionally focused on simple trophic (feeding) interactions such as plant-herbivore or predator-prey. This scholarly book investigates tritrophic interactions – the complex interactions between plant, herbivore, and predator or parasite. It will serve as a guide and stimulus for future research, and is of interest to ecologists of all types as it raises our level of understanding of the complexities of ecosystems.
2001. 350 pages. Paper. W.W. Norton and Company,
Lester Brown has been one of the foremost environmental
thinkers of our time. As president of Worldwatch Institute, he authored or
co-authored numerous books and articles about building a sustainable society
and demonstrating the unsustainability of our current system. In Brown’s vision
of the new eco-economy, renewable energy will replace fossil fuels, recycling
and durable products will replace disposables, cities will be built for people,
not cars, and he has founded the new Earth Policy Institute to promote it. He
shows how this new economy can evolve, and indeed is already evolving. In this
economy, over-consumption and its attendant environmental impact will be reined
in and population growth will cease. With dramatic examples, Brown shows us the
true costs of our current economy, and that economic opportunities abound in
this eco-economy for those with a vision. Eco-Economy
should be required reading for all government and business leaders, who with
courage, could lead us to a sustainable future. Most highly recommended for
leaders and activists who love our fragile blue planet.
2002. 400 pages. Cloth. Stoddart Publishing,
Albert Einstein said of our nuclear weapons capabilities,
“The kind of thinking that got us into this situation is not the kind of
thinking that will get us out of it.” That quote can be applied to our
environmental problems as well. Fortunately, a new kind of thinking is already
out there in businesses, farms and ranches, in governments, and in communities.
Suzuki and Dressel have done us a great service by collecting examples of what
is being done now to live and make a living in a sustainable fashion. While the
very real threat of terrorism was brought into focus on
2001. 236 pages.
2002. 209 pages. Island Press, Covelo, CA. Cloth, $50; Paper, $25.
This is the first book in a new series called The Science and Practice of Ecological
Restoration. The future of many species lies on habitat restoration on an
overcrowded planet with overconsumptive people in the wealthy nations.
Restoration is happening at all levels from local organizations such as the
2002. 338 pages. Island Press, Covelo, CA. Cloth, $65.00; Paper, 32.50.
Terborgh’s last book lamented that parks were probably incapable of preserving tropical biodiversity because they could not be adequately protected. This is a more optimistic approach – a guidebook that collects practices from the field that are strengthening park protection in the tropics and “making parks work.” It presents case studies from three continents, then explores the role of overpopulation, ecotourism, politics, and finances in park management and protection. This blueprint for effective biodiversity protection should be read by park managers, public officials, funding agency officers, and NGO staffers who are involved in park management. Effective parks are the only hope for tropical conservation.
2002. 437 pages. Cloth. Island Press, Covelo, CA. $60.00.
Wildlife Responses is the result of a three-year study commissioned by the National Wildlife Federation on the effects of climate change on wildlife. The scientific debate is no longer whether or not global warming is a reality, but rather how quickly will it occur and how much will the earth warm. Schneider and Root, leading climate change scientists, lead us through eight case studies on species ranging from subalpine flowers and butterflies to whitebark pine and grizzly bears. This is an important contribution to wildlife science in a world of changing climate and will be useful and instructive to conservation biologists, managers, and students.
2001. 220 pages. Paper.
This is the sixth book in Pyne’s Cycle of Fire series. It traces the history of fire and serves as a kind of blueprint for his other five volumes. He helps us understand fire as “an environmental presence, and ecological process, and an evolutionary force.” Pyne traces human use of fire from a natural phenomenon, through agricultural, to the industrial and technological ages. For anyone wanting to understand the role of fire in ecosystems and human endeavor, here is the place to start before moving into the other, greatly more detailed volumes in the Cycle of Fire. As such, it seems as though Pyne has written the first book last, yet he needed to travel the detailed road he traveled to arrive back at the beginning. An interesting book that sheds light on an important ecological issue -- I found it quite interesting.
2002. 360 pages. Cloth.
This latest entry in the Weyerhaeuser Environmental Books
series explores the formation and evolution of the Wilderness Society from the
1930s to the passage of the Wilderness Act in 1964. That Act explicitly
prohibits roads and motorized transport of any sort and was written at a time
when
279 pages. Paper. Island Press,
In the Dust of
Kilimanjaro is autobiographical but is also the story of the evolution of
wildlife management in
2000. 360 pages. Paper.
Can we produce enough food to support healthy and vigorous life for ten million people without irreparably damaging the integrity of the biosphere? This is the daunting question tackled by Smil. He uses careful scientific analysis of food production capabilities, and most importantly, of food efficiencies to reach a cautiously optimistic conclusion that we can feed a world of ten billion, but not in the way affluent societies eat today. This blueprint to the future of food is an important book for the future of Homo sapiens and the species with which we share the planet.
2002. 544 pages.
This book is #6 in
2002. 357 pages. Cloth.
This book explores the interface between primatology and anthropology at a crucial time for both human and non-human primate species. Many primate species are endangered by human activity – from destruction of habitat to the bushmeat trade – and often the humans in these areas are likewise threatened by poverty and disease. This book is a call for a holistic treatment of the problems of the people and our primate kin in hopes of making this a better world for both.
2002. 600 pages.
It is sad that the human footprint is so large today that the survival of many species is in question. Like ethics students deciding who should get out of a sinking life raft, conservation biologists must decide how best to use limited resources to prevent extinctions and implement recovery strategies. Population viability analysis is a tool used to help professionals make the best choices, and this book is the new bible of the discipline. It is recommended for professionals and students of wildlife management, land managers, and policy makers.
2001. 360 pages. Cloth.
Edward Abbey, author of such books as Desert Solitaire and The Monkey Wrench Gang, is revered by many who want to protect the earth and who love wilderness, especially the American West. Yet we barely know “Cactus Ed” from his writings, and Abbey admirers may find things they dislike about their hero in this book. He was a flawed human being (by his own admission), but he may be one of the best writers of the our time. Cahalan, through an enormous amount of research and interviewing, seems to have tracked down the real Edward Abbey. He packed an unbelievable amount of detail in this biography -- more than I really wanted to know, but I relished it anyway. He reveals our hero as having a carefully crafted public persona -- he even invented (slightly) where he was born and where he lived, Home, PA and Oracle, AZ -- with a private reality that was quite different. Raucous, caustic, and iconoclastic in public, Abbey was often shy and gentle in private, even though he was ornery. We learn of four failed marriages with lots of infidelity before Abbey finally “grew up” and settled into a fifth and successful marriage before he died in 1989. Cahalan concludes that Abbey was not a nature or environmental writer (as Abbey had often complained), but rather one of our most talented and funny writers, period. His writing was mainly embellished autobiography, but this just plain writing managed to inspire two generations of environmentalists, from main stream, law abiding ones to the anarchists who formed Earth First! following publication of The Monkey Wrench Gang. And this writing has helped change the world! This excellent biography is highly recommended to Abbey fans who want to get to know their hero.
1982. 148 pages. Paper.
This is the paperback edition of Nabhan’s classic book about
his sojourn with the Papago Indians (now called Tohono O’Odham – Desert People)
who live in the
2002. 220 pages. Paper. Stackpole Books,
2002. 256 pages. Cloth. The
Author and environmentalist Rick Bass makes his home in the
2001. 232 pages. Paper.
The shrub-steppe lands of eastern
2000. 144 pages. Paper. Firefly Books,
If you enjoy woodworking and birds, this book offers you
plenty of projects, from basic bluebird boxes to log cabins, covered wagons,
and pagoda feeders. These are works of art as well as homes for out feathered
friends. This large-format book begins with an introduction to backyard bird
habitat, then describes the tools, techniques, and tricks of the trade for
building these avian abodes that will enhance your backyard as well as your
habitat. The remainder of the book includes plans and instructions (including
color diagrams and photographs) for construction of more than 30 kinds of
nesting boxes and feeders. Creative individuals will even be inspired to invent
their own designs.
2002. 156 pages. Firefly Books,
Weird Nature is the companion book for the Discovery Channel series of the same name. It catalogues strange and unusual animal behavior. Downer contends that nature has produced creatures and behaviors far more fantastic than our mythical unicorns and mermaids. He divides the book into seven sections: motion, breeding, feeding, defense, symbiotic relationships, and nature’s potions. The lively, entertaining text is richly illustrated with over 150 color photos, including many action shots and multiple exposures that show the animals in action. A fun and interesting book.
2002. 298 pages. Cloth. Hill and Wang,
Stoll examines the roots of the American conservation movement in declining soils of the Atlantic states in the early 1800s, and those who sought to use them sustainable.
2002. 635 pages.
As biological diversity diminishes in what the editors call the “6th extinction,” many animal and plant populations are decreasing dramatically. This conservation genetics textbook is for professionals and advanced students of conservation biology.
2002. 308 pages.
Primates must balance the need to forage with predator avoidance. This scholarly book brings together all the current research by ecologists working with a variety of primate species in this relatively new field of study.
2002. 460 pages. Cloth.
Exotic, invasive species threaten biodiversity and natural
systems around the globe. This book examines the threat of exotic species to
the deserts, grasslands, and riparian areas of the
2002. 600 pages. Paper. Globe Pequot Press,
Woodall’s directories, including this Tenting Directory, are indispensable guides in planning a tenting
or camping trip anywhere in
2002. 20 pages. Board. Tricycle Press, Berkeley, CA. $6.95 each.
These two durable books for toddlers use adorable photographs and rhymes to introduce young children to the lives of these wild animals. The children learn that wild animals do many of the same things they do. Cute books!