Product Description

This is one of the first four in a new series of fabulously illustrated natural history travel guides, intended for the general reader with an interest in natural history, and for the growing numbers of 'ecotourists' who want to know where to see wildlife in the countries they visit. The books are designed to complement each other and to build into a nature library, together giving an introduction to the natural history of Europe. The Iberian peninsula harbours snow-capped mountains, ancient deciduous forests that are home to bear and capercaillie, the unique wood-pasture of dehesa and montado, arid 'pseudosteppes' populated by stately great bustards and whirring sandgrouse, mighty rivers terminating in coastal estuaries and deltas teeming with waterbirds, not forgetting the Balearic archipelago, adrift in the azure Mediterranean, harbouring a unique flora and prolific seabird colonies. The wealth of its flora and fauna is unrivalled in western Europe today. Essentially practical, the book first introduces the ecology, geology, and wildlife of Spain and the Balearic Islands, then goes on to describe where to see its natural history at its best. There are descriptions of a selection of some 300 sites to visit, each carefully chosen to show a range of habitats and fascinating wildlife. The entries are the personal choice of the authors and are based on intensive travel and research in the region. Described sites range in size from a few to thousands of hectares, be they National Parks, nature reserves, or simply common land. All are open to the public and accessible to the ordinary visitor. Full colour throughout, this book has stunning landscape photographs, line drawings and photographs of individual animals of plants and animals, colour region and site maps, and a splendid composite painting encapsulating typical habitats and their inhabitants.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #261355 in Books
• Published on: 2004-03-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 474 pages

Spanish, September 2004
A stylish and comprehensive guidebook.

About the Author
Teresa Farino has lived in Spain some ten years. She is the author of numerous travel and wildlife books and articles.

Customer Reviews

The best guide yet to all Spain's wildlife
If you are planning a wildlife viewing holiday in Spain, it's not always easy to find the best places to go. If you're into birds, there are a few specific guides available and the task is a little easier - though some are now rather dated. But for all other aspects of the fauna and flora, it's very difficult. This book fills that niche, and splendidly too. With a very wide range of sites in each of Spain's autonomous regions, it's easy to decide where to go and what you're likely to see. Accompanied by many photos and with access instructions, we found it really helpful in getting us to some great places, and information on the wildlife helped us identify and learn more about a wide range of species - some of which aren't easy to find in field guides. The overview chapter, describing Spain's natural history, was really interesting too. We think it is better than the equivalent volume on France. It's definitely an essential work for a rewarding trip to Spain!

Exactly the book I've been looking for
This excellent book describes a large and fascinating range of sites across Spain, with superb detail on the thousands of species likely to be encountered. I'm interested in all wildlife - not just birds - so this book plugs the many gaps that bird guides leave unfilled and is particularly rewarding if you appreciate wild plants. It is exceptionally well written, with lovely landscape descriptions that are both inspiring and tempting. The authors are not shy about ecology, either, referring to habitats by their proper names. There is a great range of photos, crisp black and white line drawings and the regional maps are simple and clear. Only the larger sites have individual maps, but every location has a clear explanation to help you find it. At a time when there are countless books about birds, it is so refreshing to open a book that's for naturalists of all persuasions, so that you can see the full picture. If you've thought about a wildlife holiday in Spain but never been, this book alone will persuade you to book your holidays there for the next decade.

Put it in your rucksack!
Good, broad introduction for the "ecotourist".
These people know what they are talking about. They live there and have written useful articles on the wild spain web site and in print already. The book is organised by region (and for once a book that actually mentions Murcia, shock, horror!). You'll find out about animals, birds, plants, geology, the lot.
Lots of colour pictures (photos, maps, etc.) - really a great investment if you have any kind of interest in the country. If all you are interested in is finding the best price for a pint of San Miguel to go with your full English breakfast on the costa, then this isn't the book for you. For the rest of us, pack this book, lots of water and pull your boots on.