Product Description

The Galápagos is a truly special place. Unlike the rest of the world's archipelagoes, it still has 95 percent of its prehuman quota of species. Wildlife of the Galápagos is the most superbly illustrated and comprehensive identification guide ever to the natural splendor of these incomparable islands--islands today threatened by alien species and diseases that have diminished but not destroyed what so enchanted Darwin on his arrival there in 1835. Covering over 200 commonly seen birds, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and plants, it reveals the archipelago's striking beauty through more than 400 color photographs, maps, and drawings and well-written, informative text.

While the Galápagos Giant Tortoise, the Galápagos Sea Lion, and the Flightless Cormorant are recognized the world over, these thirty-three islands--in the Pacific over 600 miles from mainland Ecuador--are home to many more unique but less famous species. Here, reptiles well outnumber mammals, for they were much better at drifting far from a continent the archipelago was never connected with; the largest native land mammals are rice rats. The islands' sixty resident bird species include the only penguin to breed entirely in the tropics and to inhabit the Northern Hemisphere.

There is a section offering tips on photography in the Equatorial sunlight, and maps of visitors' sites as well as information on the archipelago's history, climate, geology, and conservation. Wildlife of the Galápagos is the perfect companion for anyone who wants to know what so delighted Darwin.

• Covers over 200 commonly seen species including birds, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, plants, and coastal and marine life
• Illustrated with over 400 color photographs, maps, and drawings; includes maps of visitors' sites
• Written by wildlife experts with extensive knowledge of the area
• Includes information on the history, climate, geology, and conservation of the islands
• The most complete identification guide to the wildlife of the Galápagos

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #56028 in Books
• Published on: 2002-07-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780691102955
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

Review
Well-organized, nicely illustrated and clearly written, it manages the delicate balance between breadth and depth. -- Adrian Barnett, New Scientist

Review
[Today] you'll find more than a dozen recent field guides to the wildlife of this most famous of archipelagos. But of the general guides, Wildlife of the Galápagos is by far the most complete and convenient. Well-organized, nicely illustrated and clearly written, it manages the delicate balance between breadth and depth, while covering all major groups of both land and marine animals and plants.
(Adrian Barnett New Scientist )

About the Author
Julian Fitter, vice-president of the Galápagos Conservation Trust in the UK, first visited the Galapagos in 1964 and went on to spend fourteen years there, establishing the islands' first charter yacht business. His son Daniel Fitter leads nature tours in the Galápagos and on mainland Ecuador. David Hosking, a Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, is the coauthor of "Wildlife of East Africa". A frequent visitor to the Galápagos for more than three decades, he has published in a wide range of magazines and books.

Customer Reviews

Well worth purchasing
This book is well organised, well written and beautifully illustrated. Written by people who truly know the Galapagos Islands and all that exists there, including landings and information on what one can expect to see on arrival at any one island. I actually used three other guides whilst in the Galapago this month and only accessed this one at the end of my trip. I have continued to read this book since arriving home and highly recommend it.

Wildlife of the Galapagos - A must have field guide
If you plan to visit the Galapagos Islands, this is the book to bring with you. This field guide covered all of the major highlights of the Galapagos (animals, plants, geology...) as well as give detail about everything you could possibly find on these islands. The entire book is printed on stury, glossy paper, with bright colorful pictures.

Overall this is a must have if you plan to go to the Galapagos. When I went I brought the book with me everywhere. It was small enough to fit in a big side pocket or a small bag. Everything about this book is just logical; the size, the order, and even the type of paper it is printed on. The only other thing you need after getting this book is a mechanical pencil & a geology field notebook (waterproof) - along with a ziplock bag for your field guide & camera (this is for when you go on the pangas).

A Life Changing Experience
Anybody planning a trip to the Galapagos Islands needs to have this book in their pocket while on the islands. The photographs of plants and animals alike are as realistic as you will see on the islands and such reality will allow one to easily identify the wealth of species you will encounter. Descriptions of individual species include a listing of which island(s) the plant or animal is typically found. Added features in this book include maps of the islands with trails and listings of what to look for; tips on photography; and guidelines for respecting the national park and being a responsible visitor to the islands.