Galápagos: A Natural History Second Edition

Review\n“This is an excellent book for the many ecotourists visiting the Galápagos who want an intelligent and stimulating account of the islands and their animals and plants. It is written in a clear, accessible, interesting, and yet scholarly style.”―Peter R. Grant, author of Ecology and Evolution of Darwin’s Finches\n“This great book, written by a leading naturalist and Darwin scholar, captures the nature of the Galápagos―its landforms, its flora and fauna, and its place in history. Within the book’s pages, one is taken on a tour that illuminates this enchanted archipelago. Having led twenty-five cruises to the Galápagos, I would suggest this as a delightful read on Darwin’s isles.”―Peter Alden, National Audubon Society\nA richly illustrated nature tour of Galápagos―now expanded, thoroughly updated, and with more than 650 color photographs\nGalápagos is a comprehensive, up-to-date, and profusely illustrated natural history of this spectacular archipelago. Offering much more information than identification guides, the book provides detailed accounts and more than 650 color photographs of the islands’ habitats, marine life, reptiles, birds, mammals, and plants, making the book a virtual nature tour of Galápagos.\nGalápagos experts John Kricher and Kevin Loughlin have thoroughly revised the original text, bringing all the taxonomy up to date and adding a wealth of new information. Individual chapters cover geology, ecology, human history, Darwin’s finches and how Darwin came to his theory of natural selection from his visit to the islands, Galápagos tortoises, marine and land iguanas, mammals, seabirds, landbirds, marine life, and conservation challenges and initiatives. The concluding chapter covers each of the individual islands, including landing sites, unique plant and animal species, and points of interest, and serves as a wonderful guide for visitors as they move from island to island or plan a trip to Galápagos.\nWith its combination of rich text and splendid photos, Galápagos is essential reading for the ecotraveler and nature enthusiast alike. Now with more than 650 color photographs, showing habitats, geology, marine life, and all the commonly encountered reptiles, birds, mammals, and plants Features a detailed island-by-island guide, including landing sites and what visitors can expect Essential reading for the ecotraveler and nature enthusiast