Wildlife of the Galapagos

Julian Fitter,

David Hosking

Daniel Fitter

4.24 · Rating details · 66 ratings · 4 reviews

The Gal�pagos is a truly special place. Unlike the rest of the world's archipelagoes, it still has 95 percent of its prehuman quota of species. Wildlife of the Gal�pagos is the most superbly illustrated and comprehensive identification guide ever to the natural splendor of these incomparable islands--islands today threatened by alien species and diseases that have The Gal�pagos is a truly special place. Unlike the rest of the world's archipelagoes, it still has 95 percent of its prehuman quota of species. Wildlife of the Gal�pagos is the most superbly illustrated and comprehensive identification guide ever to the natural splendor of these incomparable islands--islands today threatened by alien species and diseases that have diminished but not destroyed what so enchanted Darwin on his arrival there in 1835. Covering over 200 commonly seen birds, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and plants, it reveals the archipelago's striking beauty through more than 400 color photographs, maps, and drawings and well-written, informative text.

While the Gal�pagos Giant Tortoise, the Gal�pagos Sea Lion, and the Flightless Cormorant are recognized the world over, these thirty-three islands--in the Pacific over 600 miles from mainland Ecuador--are home to many more unique but less famous species. Here, reptiles well outnumber mammals, for they were much better at drifting far from a continent the archipelago was never connected with; the largest native land mammals are rice rats. The islands' sixty resident bird species include the only penguin to breed entirely in the tropics and to inhabit the Northern Hemisphere.

There is a section offering tips on photography in the Equatorial sunlight, and maps of visitors' sites as well as information on the archipelago's history, climate, geology, and conservation. Wildlife of the Gal�pagos is the perfect companion for anyone who wants to know what so delighted Darwin.

Covers over 200 commonly seen species including birds, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, plants, and coastal and marine life

Illustrated with over 400 color photographs, maps, and drawings; includes maps of visitors' sites

Written by wildlife experts with extensive knowledge of the area

Includes information on the history, climate, geology, and conservation of the islands

The most complete identification guide to the wildlife of the Gal�pagos

...more

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Paperback, 254 pages

Published July 21st 2002 by Princeton University Press (first published July 1st 2002)

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Aug 21, 2013 Rebecca rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A great generalized book about the Galapagos. It is THE book to take with you while traveling the islands.

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Nov 08, 2017 TanTan rated it really liked it

There was no sharks in the book and there is sharks there. A few actually. A family member was in Acudor . This is why I gave it 4 stars .

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Feb 26, 2013 Sheri Fresonke Harper rated it really liked it

Shelves: birds, science, travel-books

This is the best book about the vegetation on the Galapagos we found, it has great pictures of most of the animals, sealife, birds, insects etc. you'll find on the islands, including which island you'll likely to find which species.

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