Product Description

Until the discovery of the Islands in 1535, the flora and fauna of the Galapagos evolved in isolation, producing strange and marvellous island species, as Charles Darwin found when he visited 300 years later. Nowadays many people visit the islands to see the unique wildlife and still encounter almost all the species that were present when Darwin visited. This is in striking contrast to the chains of extinctions that have occurred in every other large oceanic archipelago following the arrival of man. This compact, well thought out and clearly presented book provides a comprehensive guide to the terrestrial vertebrates on Galapagos. It is simple to use, the text is concise and the innovative use of digital technology has produced a remarkable collection of plates. An informative guide of this kind will help everyone, from beginner to experienced naturalist.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #67522 in Books
• Published on: 2005-12-14
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 168 pages

Review
"The introduction and accompanying chapters are a 'must read' for all visitors to these islands. A wonderful boook, and complemented with the superb photographs of Rob Still, this is definitely a great guide to take with you if you ever have the chance to visit the Galapagos Islands. It is also small enough to fit into your back pack along with your essential water, binoculars and camera." Scottish Bird News (June 2006) "Any visitor to the Galapagos would benefit from having a copy of this fine guide". British Ornithologists' Union (2006)

About the Author
Andy Swash is a zoologist, ecologist and accomplished photographer. During his visits to the Galapagos he has obtained excellent photographs of most of the resident birds, mammals, and reptiles. Rob Still is an ecologist and widely travelled naturalist. The authors are partners in WildGuides, a publishing organisation established to support wildlife conservation.

Customer Reviews

This is the Galápagos wildlife guide you want
Andy Swash (photographer) and Rob Still (computer design wizard) have conspired to produce the handiest and most authoritative guide to the wildlife of these enchanted islands. They have pioneered the use of computer enhanced photographs, which combine the advantage of a photograph as an accurate record of an individual, with the artists ability to stress those features that are representative of the species. In one pocket-sized, 168 page, full-colour photographic guide you have all you need to identify almost all of the archipelago's wildlife including every living species of bird, mammal and reptile.

This second edition differs from the first as follows:-

* it includes new species for the islands, such as Green Heron and Grey-headed Gull
* all range maps have been revised and updated
* the cetaceans section has been completely revamped
* a new section on "electronic media" is provided
* the species checklist has been brought right up to date

And since WILDGuides are a non-profit organisation which supports conservation throughout the world, you are helping ensure that the wildlife you enjoy today will still be there for others to enjoy tomorrow. Check out their other titles on Amazon.co.uk, all of which share the enhanced photography approach.

The perfect guide for the curious visitor and expert alike. Look no further!

This is the Galápagos guide you want
Andy Swash (photographer) and Rob Still (computer design wizard) have conspired to produce the handiest and most authoritative guide to the wildlife of these enchanted islands. They have pioneered the use of computer enhanced photographs, which combine the advantage of a photograph as an accurate record of an individual, with the artists ability to stress those features that are representative of the species. In one pocket-sized, 168 page, full-colour photographic guide you have all you need to identify almost all of the archipelago's wildlife including every living species of bird, mammal and reptile.

And since WILDGuides are a non-profit organisation which supports conservation throughout the world, you are helping ensure that the wildlife you enjoy today will still be there for others to enjoy tomorrow. Check out their other titles on Amazon.co.uk, all of which share the enhanced photography approach.

The perfect guide for the curious visitor and expert alike. Look no further!

Essential Field Guide for Galapagos
This book was invaluable on my recent trip to the Galapagos Islands. The photographs are very good and the book is easy to follow with good referencing throughout. The section on identifying the differences between the Darwin finches is particularly good.
The only annoying issue I have is that the book includes too many photos of birds which are classified as vagrant, recorded once. I've more chance of winning the lottery than seeing any of these!
Overall the book is highly recommended and would appeal most to birders with around 90 out of approx 160 pages devoted to birds.