Nature of Arizona, 2nd Ed

by James Kavanagh Waterford Press, Raymond Leung (Illustrator), Waterford Press

Overview

A land of contrasts, Arizona’s diverse landscape encompasses habitats ranging from the subalpine meadows of the San Francisco Peaks, to sunbaked deserts, to the mile-deep recesses of the world’s greatest canyon. Native species include more than 475 birds, 130 mammals, 90 reptiles, 20 amphibians, 80 fishes and thousands of trees, shrubs and wildflowers. This beautifully illustrated field guide highlights more than 300 common and unique plants and animals and 100 of the state’s outstanding natural attractions. It is an indispensable single reference for amateur naturalists, students and tourists alike.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781583553008
Publisher:	Waterford Press Ltd.
Publication date:	11/15/2005
Series:	Waterford Press Field Guide
Edition description:	2nd Edition
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.46(d)
Age Range:	10 Years

About the Author

Zoologist James Kavanagh has made a career out of introducing novices to plants, animals, the sciences and world cultures. In addition to creating over 500 simplified nature guides, he has also authored guides to languages, cities and outdoor skills. An avid traveler and backpacker, Kavanagh's path has taken him around the world to many remote destinations including the upper Amazon, Africa, Australia and the Arctic Circle (and this is just the As). He is the author of field guides to the flora and fauna of some of the most ecologically diverse states, and whimsical children’s book on evolution.
www.waterfordpress.com

Read an Excerpt

PALMS, YUCCAS AND CACTI
These common desert plants are familiar sights since most have been widely transplanted in urban areas. All are evergreen and differ from other trees by having trunks that lack growth rings.
Saguaro, Carnegiea gigantean
Size: To 50 ft. (15 m)
Description: Upright, stout trunk is ribbed vertically. Trunk usually grows 'arms' when 50-100 years old. Waxy white flowers bloom in May and are succeeded by fleshy red fruits in June.
Habitat: Rocky desert soils in southern Arizona.
Comments: The symbol of southwestern deserts, the saguaro is an important food source and nesting site for desert animals including woodpeckers, martins, owls, lizards and wood rats, to name a few. The fruits are used to make jellies and wine.

Editorial Reviews

Avid naturalist James Kavanagh has written more than 200 North American nature and travel guides. That experience is evident on every page of this compact yet comprehensive color-coded, illustrated introduction to Arizona's plants, animals, and natural attractions. The more than 300 listings includes a detailed full-color drawing; the species' common and scientific name; its size; and a simple description and notation about its habitat.