Birds, Mammals and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands

The first comprehensive guide to the birds, mammals and reptiles of the Galapagos, covering every living species recorded. Innovative, simple-to-use format will help beginners and experts alike to identify with confidence the striking and charismatic Galapagos fauna. Focuses on the key identification features of each species, highlighting the differences between similar species. Information on each species' status, habitat preferences, breeding seasons and significant behavioural characteristics is provided, along with 78 colour distribution maps for all resident species. 500 photographic images and 20 illustrations on 53 colour plates illustrate nearly every bird, mammal and reptile ever recorded on the Galapagos, including images of some species never previously published.

Until the discovery of the Islands in 1535, the flora and fauna of the Galapagos evolved in isolation, producing strange and marvellous island species. Many people visit the islands to see the unique wildlife. This book provides a comprehensive guide to the terrestrial vertebrates on Galapagos.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.