Galapagos: A Natural History / Edition 2

by Michael H. Jackson

Overview

The Galápagos Islands are among the brightest jewels of the Pacific. Known for their unparalleled diversity of fearless, curious wildlife, the Galápagos famously inspired Charles Darwin’s theories of natural selection. A true bucket-list destination, the Galápagos Islands have captured the hearts and minds of travellers from around the world.

In Galápagos: A Natural History, Michael H. Jackson provides the essential guide to the flora and fauna of the Galápagos Islands. Beginning with a comprehensive history of the environment, colonization, evolution and ecology of the islands, Jackson details the plant life, reptiles, sea, coast, and land birds, native mammals, intertidal and marine life, and invertebrates native to the islands in richly illustrated, easily navigable chapters. An index and checklist of plants and animals make this an essential companion for ecological excursions.

Including detailed exploration of the management and conservation of Galápagos National Park and its rules and regulations alongside key information and tips for visitors, Galápagos: A Natural History is a necessary guide for every traveller embarking for, or planning to visit, one of the worlds most stunning natural wonders.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781895176407
Publisher:	University of Calgary Press
Publication date:	06/30/1994
Edition description:	REVISED
Pages:	336
Sales rank:	203,793
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.90(d)
Lexile:	1230L (what's this?)

About the Author

M.H. Jackson has worked in the Galápagos Islands as a naturalist guide and has done research and led tours to the islands for various organizations. His wife, Monica, prepared many of the drawings and maps for this book.

Table of Contents

Preface
Galápagos National Park Rules
Acknowledgements

1. Historical Background
2. Environmental Setting
3. Colonisation, Evolution, and Ecology
4. Plant Life
5. Reptiles
6. Seabirds
7. Coastal Birds and Migrants
8. Land Birds
9. Native Mammals
10. Terrestrial Invertebrates
11. Intertidal and Marine Life
12. Conservation in the Islands
13. Visiting the Islands

Selected Bibliography
Appendix 1: Checklist of Plants and Animals
Appendix 2: Glossary of Terms
Appendix 3: Units and Conversions
Appendix 4: Information for Supporters of Galápagaos Conservation
Index

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

El Trabajo de M. Jackson es un importante aporte al conocimiento de la historia natural de las Galapagos. Nos lleva a las islas de ayer, de hoy y esperemos que a las de siempre. Muestra las potencialidades y la fragilidad del archipielago. Nos invita a reflexionar sobre la responsabilidad que tenemos para asegurar su equilibrio natural a largo plazo." — Yolanda Kakabadse, Presidenta del Union Internacional para la Conservacion de la Naturaleza (UICN)

"El autor presenta abundante y enriquecedora informacion sobre las islas Galapagos. Las temas son tratados con profundidad, reflejando los anos de trabajo de M. Jackson y su larga vinculacion con las islas. Esta publicacion es de lectura obligada para todos quienes tenemos un compromiso con la conservacion de las islas." — Jorge Anhalzer, Presidente de la Fundacion Charles Darwin

Editorial Reviews

Jackson tells delightful little stories through this unusual natural history guide. This is unusual because it's so uplifting. The Galápagos Islands are a place of wonder, with such rich, abundant wildlife and natural history that readers will yearn to experience them first-hand and not just through a book. But this guide will do for a start. [Here] is the kind of book that belongs in every nature lover's library.

—Margaret Mironiwicz, The Globe and Mail

From the Publisher

The text details the natural history of the plants and animals found in the Galapagos Islands. Accented with numerous illustrations, it also provides an annotated list of the dominant plants according to vegetation zone. The discussion covers the problems of colonization by founding populations, biological evolution and ecology, and the evolutionary processes bringing about species diversity. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews