Product Description

Spain is one of the richest countries in Europe in terms of flora and fauna - its mammals include wolves, bears and the endemic Iberian Lynx, it has the highest number of breeding bird species in Europe, some of the best butterfly sites and an outstanding array of wildflowers. The range of habitats is vast, from the snow-capped mountain peaks of the Pyrenees through evergreen forests, olive groves and wood-pasture to freshwater wetlands and the arid sub-desert of the south. Few other European countries can rival its appeal to those interested in wildlife and the environment. "Wild Spain" celebrates the landscapes and natural history of this surprisingly diverse country, including the Canaries and Balearics. Expert naturalist and landscape historian Teresa Farino examines the geography and climate, the many different habitat types and the remarkable variety of wildlife, including the many endemic species and impressive list of rarities for which Spain is a last refuge. More than 230 superb colour photographs bring alive their dramatic world. The past 20 years have seen a revolution in Spain in terms of wildlife conservation and environmental awareness, and the final section of the book looks at the country's protected areas, the development of green tourism and where to watch wildlife.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #33671 in Books
• Published on: 2009-03-25
• Binding: Hardcover
• 176 pages

Review
(an) eye opening book --Wanderlust, April 2009

Spain is a prime destination for British birders, and this glossy coffee table volume serves as a reminder of its natural glories.
-- Bird Watching, June 2009

About the Author
Teresa Farino is a British-born field biologist and has lived in Spain for more than twenty years. She works as a wildlife tour leader and conservation consultant across Spain, and has published several books and many articles on the natural history and habitats of Iberia.

Customer Reviews

Wild Spain
A well produced, attractively illustrated and useful book complete with essential glossary, written in clear, concise, and engaging language. Chapter 1 "Habitats and Vegetation" comprises half the book and provides a wealth of information on general biology and ecology, of relevance to similar habitats worldwide. Descriptions of adaptations by plants and animals to the habitats in which they thrive will certainly enhance the experience of nature enthusiasts' visits to Spain.
The second chapter is a more in-depth read for the serious naturalist. Good quality photographs and snippets of fascinating facts enliven the inevitable "species list" paragraphs. Spain's management of conservation is covered in chapter 3, and in chapter 4 we finally get to wildlife sites. Brief information on "...Spain's most emblematic wildlife refuges..." is given, but if comprehensive information is sought then readers should refer to the thoroughly useful "Travellers' Nature Guide to Spain" co-authored by Teresa Farino and Mike Lockwood. Both these books will add real value to a wildlife trip to Spain and to similar habitats elsewhere.

An essential book!
This is a fabulous book, full of beautifully presented information, and accompanied by superb photography. It's not a practical book to have 'in the field' due to its size, but makes an excellent book for planning trips to specific sites.
Much more lavish than the other 'Wild Spain' book, which lacks the photography but is smaller and more practical to have in a rucksack on hikes.
In my opinion, this is the one book to have about Spanish nature above all others.

Wild Spain
Lovely book well written and photographed. For anyone interested in Spain a valuable addition.