WILDGuides – serie

A stunningly illustrated guide to the wonderful world of hummingbirdsWith their glorious colors, glittering iridescence, astonishing powers of flight, and many characteristics unique in the world of birds, hummingbirds are extraordinary—true jewels of nature. This beautiful book is a celebration of all aspects of hummingbirds and their world. It features hundreds of the most spectacular photographs of hummingbirds ever taken, exquisite illustrations, and a lively, readable text that presents the latest scientific information and includes up-to-date details about every species.A familiar sight across much of the Americas, hummingbirds have long captured the imagination and played an important part in myths, legends, and other aspects of human culture. Today, hummingbirds are among the most popular of all birds, sought after by serious and casual birders alike. They inspire questions in anyone lucky enough to see them. How can they fly like that? Why are they so colorful? How many are there? Where and how do they live? How do they survive? This book answers these and many other questions, providing an enlightening and enjoyable guide to hummingbirds that can only deepen their wonder.A definitive yet accessible account of all aspects of hummingbird lifeMore than 540 spectacular color photographs, illustrating all 101 hummingbird genera and over two-thirds of the world’s 369 speciesSpecially commissioned illustrations revealing details of anatomy and behaviorMeticulously researched facts and figures on status, population, distribution, and conservation designations of all the world’s hummingbirds

Home to the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania offers some of the finest big game watching in the world, from elephants and rhinos to chimpanzees and lions. This field guide covers all the larger mammals of Tanzania, including marine mammals and some newly discovered species. Detailed accounts are provided for more than 135 species, along with color photos, color illustrations of marine mammals, and distribution maps. Accounts for land species give information on identification, subspecies, similar species, ecology, behavior, distribution, conservation status, and where best to see each species. The guide also features plates with side-by-side photographic comparisons of species that are easily confused, as well as first-time-ever species checklists for every national park. * The definitive, most up-to-date field guide to the larger mammals of Tanzania, including marine mammals* Features detailed species accounts and numerous color photos throughout* Provides tips on where to see each species* Includes species checklists for every national park

Mainland Ecuador's spectacular wildlife makes it a magnet for nature tourists, but until now there hasn't been a go-to, all-in-one guide geared to the general reader. With this handy and accessible guide, visitors now have everything they need to identify and enjoy the majority of birds and animals they are likely to see. Written and illustrated by two of Ecuador's most experienced nature guides and photographers, this book covers more than 350 birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. It features over 400 stunning color photographs and includes a range map for each species, as well as a brief account of the country's natural history and biogeography. With its extensive coverage, attractive and easy-to-use layout, beautiful photographs, and nontechnical text, this is an essential guide for anyone who wants to explore the natural wonders of Ecuador.* An essential all-in-one guide to mainland Ecuador's amazing wildlife* Unique and attractive layout with more than 400 stunning color photographs* Covers more than 350 of the most frequently seen birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians* Uses a habitat-based approach to aid identification* Accessible text provides key information on identification, behavior, biology, and conservation* Photos, maps, and text are presented together for ease of use

A comprehensive photographic field guide to the butterflies and caterpillars of Britain and Western Europe—as well as the Canaries, the Azores, Madeira, and CyprusThis is the first field identification guide to the adult butterflies of Britain and Western Europe that also covers most of their caterpillars and egg types, providing all the tools needed for accurate identification. Comprehensive, practical, and easy to use in the field, this superb photographic guide covers all of the 472 species of butterfly found in Britain and Western Europe—as well as the Canaries, the Azores, Madeira, and Cyprus. Using the most recent taxonomy, it is also the first European butterfly field guide to use identification keys, including images of genitalia to distinguish between similar-looking species. The keys also include biogeographic and ecological identification criteria. Complete with an introduction on the biodiversity and biogeography of European butterflies, this is an essential guide for all lepidopterists and entomologists, from amateur enthusiasts to professionals.Features more than 1,500 color photographs and 300 distribution mapsIncludes identification keys for the top side and underside of adult butterflies and identification keys for most of their caterpillars and egg typesIncludes some 100 genitalia diagrams for difficult-to-identify speciesA highly visual presentation of the biological and ecological features of each speciesDesigned for lepidopterists and entomologists of every level

The first comprehensive guide to the aquatic plants of the regionBeneath the surface of bodies of freshwater—springs, streams, rivers, ponds and lakes—there is a world of plants of great variety and beauty, a realm that is often poorly known and understood. Correctly identified, these plants can tell us much about the character and condition of the habitats in which they live. A collaboration of Danish, German, and British field botanists specializing in freshwater plants, this guide presents all of the known aquatic plants of Northern and Central Europe, including Britain and Ireland, as well as many marginal and wetland species.This is the first comprehensive guide to the identification of the region’s 410 species and hybrids of both native and non-native ferns and flowering plants that are dependent upon freshwater wetlands. Following the latest taxonomy, the book features 358 plates in pen and ink, more than 1,400 colour photographs, illustrated keys, distribution maps and detailed descriptions. The introduction gives an overview of evolution, anatomy and morphology, ecology, eco-physiology, research traditions and more, and the book also includes guidelines for working with aquatic plants.The first comprehensive guide to the region’s aquatic plantsCovers all 410 known speciesFeatures 358 illustrated plates, more than 1,400 colour photographs, distribution maps, detailed descriptions and much more

This illustrated book vividly depicts the most endangered birds in the world and provides the latest information on the threats each species faces and the measures being taken to save them. Today, 571 bird species are classified as critically endangered or endangered, and a further four now exist only in captivity. This landmark book features stunning photographs of 500 of these species--the results of a prestigious international photographic competition organized specifically for this book. It also showcases paintings by acclaimed wildlife artist Tomasz Cofta of the 75 species for which no photos are known to exist. The World's Rarest Birds has introductory chapters that explain the threats to birds, the ways threat categories are applied, and the distinction between threat and rarity. The book is divided into seven regional sections--Europe and the Middle East; Africa and Madagascar; Asia; Australasia; Oceanic Islands; North America, Central America, and the Caribbean; and South America. Each section includes an illustrated directory to the bird species under threat there, and gives a concise description of distribution, status, population, key threats, and conservation needs.This one-of-a-kind book also provides coverage of 62 data-deficient species.

South Georgia is rich in wildlife and spectacular scenery, and it is a prime destination spot on most Antarctic tours. This beautifully illustrated field guide depicts the birds, mammals, insects, flowering plants, and other vegetation found in this unique part of the world. It features 368 full-color photographs of more than 180 species, including 65 species of birds, 20 species of sea mammals, nearly 60 species of insects, and more than 40 species of flowering and nonflowering plants. Detailed species accounts describe key identification features, with information on status, behavior, threats, and distribution. This one-of-a-kind photographic guide also includes introductory chapters on South Georgia's geography, climate, ecology, and conservation. * Features 368 photos of more than 180 species * Covers birds, sea mammals, insects, and plants * Provides detailed species accounts * Includes chapters on geography, climate, ecology, and conservation * The only photographic field guide to focus specifically on South Georgia

Kenya's Rift Valley includes four major national parks--Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, Mount Longonot, and Hell's Gate--as well as many smaller areas that are outstanding for wildlife. Birds of Kenya's Rift Valley features the 320 bird species that are most likely to be encountered on safari in this world-famous region, which runs from Lake Baringo in the north to Lake Magadi in the south. Featuring over 500 stunning color photos, this beautiful guide breaks new ground with its eye-catching layout and easy-to-use format. The book follows a habitat-based approach and provides interesting information about the ecology and behaviors of each species. Birds of Kenya's Rift Valley avoids technical jargon in the species descriptions, which makes the guide easily accessible to anyone. With it, you will be identifying birds in no time. * Stunning photos of 320 bird species* Major plumage variations depicted* Jargon-free text* Helpful notes on what to look and listen for, behavior, and why some birds are so named

Containing 146 stunning color photos, Animals of the Serengeti is a remarkable look at the mammals and reptiles most likely to be encountered in the world-famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. With an eye-catching layout, accessible text, and easy-to-use format, this detailed photographic guide includes 89 species of mammal and reptile. Useful "Top Tips"--shared by local Tanzanian guides that work in the region--provide visitors with insights into behavioral habits and how to locate specific animals. Filled with vivid anecdotes, Animals of the Serengeti will enable any safari traveler to identify the area's wildlife with ease. * Covers the 89 species likely to be encountered in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area * Features male and female variations* Accessible text aimed at safari visitors of all levels

Located in northern Tanzania, the Serengeti is one of the world's most famous wildlife regions. Birds of the Serengeti is a groundbreaking and essential photographic guide, featuring more than 270 bird species most likely to be encountered in the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This easy-to-use guide includes 480 dazzling color photos, an attractive and handy layout, and informative and accessible text that discusses interesting behaviors and provides insights into species background. Rich in detail, this indispensable volume uses a habitat-based approach, making it simple for everyone--from the novice to the experienced birdwatcher--to locate diverse birds in this fascinating area of the world. * Looks at more than 270 bird species most likely to be encountered in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Speke Gulf * Features major plumage variations * Habitat-based approach* Informative and accessible text

The Antarctic Dive Guide is the first and only dive guide to the seventh continent, until recently the exclusive realm of scientific and military divers. Today, however, the icy waters of Antarctica have become the extreme destination for recreational divers wishing to explore beyond the conventional and observe the strange marine life that abounds below the surface. This book is packed with information about the history of diving in Antarctica and its wildlife, and features stunning underwater photography. The Antarctic Dive Guide covers 31 key dive sites on the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia and includes maps and detailed guidance on how best to explore each site. Essential information is also provided on how to choose and prepare for travel to this remote region, and diving techniques for subzero waters. This book is an indispensable resource for anyone considering diving in Antarctica, and an exciting read for anyone interested in this little-explored underwater world.This fully revised and updated third edition: * Covers 4 new dive sites* Features revised and updated information for the other 27 sites covered* Includes new sections on the Sea Leopard Project and natural product chemistry from Antarctic marine organisms

The most comprehensive single-volume field guide to Madagascar’s unique birdsMadagascar supports six endemic bird families and over 100 endemic bird species, making the “eighth continent” a magnet for birders and naturalists from around the world. Birds of Madagascar covers every bird species ever recorded on the island and features previously unpublished photos that depict all the distinctive plumages. The text is written in an authoritative yet accessible style, and the detailed distribution maps are the most up-to-date available.For some difficult-to-identify species-groups, the book includes comparative plates illustrating many new and previously unpublished identification features. Subspecies, potential future splits, and other taxonomic issues are also addressed.The most comprehensive single-volume guide to the island’s birds, featuring every species ever recorded: the 266 residents and regular migrants, 39 recorded vagrants, and 16 potential vagrantsFeatures more than 1,300 stunning colour photographs and accessibly presents key information for quick field identificationAccounts include all essential information, including size, colouration, distribution, behaviour, vocalizations, favoured habitats, and key sites for observationGives a thorough overview of Madagascar’s habitats and birding spotsThe first field guide to include Malagasy as well as French names

The definitive comprehensive photographic field guide to the larger mammals of continental South AmericaSouth America’s wide range of habitats support a tremendous diversity of plants and animals, including more than 400 species of larger mammals—those the size of a guinea pig or bigger. Many are truly iconic: Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot and numerous other beautiful cats; the fantastic Maned Wolf; the incomparable Giant Anteater; and an incredible variety of extraordinary primates. This groundbreaking guide provides detailed coverage of these and many other wonderful mammals, including porcupines and peccaries; squirrels, sloths, skunks and seals; opossums, olingos and otters; armadillos, agoutis and Andean Bear; and viscachas and Vicuña—not to mention tapirs and river and estuarine dolphins.The species accounts include a description of key features and information on subspecies, comparisons with similar species that overlap in range, details of the habitats in which the species occurs, a summary of its distribution in South America and information on its conservation status. Each species is illustrated with carefully selected photos, or artwork where suitable photos were not available.Detailed coverage of 420 speciesShowcases over 550 stunning photos, many of rarely photographed speciesFeatures specially commissioned artwork for almost 100 species, including comparative plates of all marmosets and titi monkeysIncludes up-to-date distribution maps

Britain is home to fifteen species of breeding birds of prey, from the hedgerow-hopping Sparrowhawk to the breathtaking White-tailed Eagle. In this handsomely illustrated book, acclaimed British filmmaker and naturalist David Cobham offers unique and deeply personal insights into Britain's birds of prey and how they are faring today. He delves into the history of these magnificent birds and talks in depth with the scientists and conservationists who are striving to safeguard them. In doing so, he profiles the writers, poets and filmmakers who have done so much to change the public's perception of birds of prey. There are success stories--five birds of prey that were extinct have become reestablished with viable populations--but persecution is still rife. Featuring drawings by famed wildlife artist Bruce Pearson, this book reveals why we must cherish and celebrate our birds of prey, and why we neglect them at our peril.

The first guide to urban birding in the UK, from The Urban Birder himself, David LindoUrban birding is fast becoming ornithology’s new rock ’n’ roll. Birds and birding have never been cooler—and urban birding is at the cutting edge.How to Be an Urban Birder is the world’s first guide to the art of urban birding—which is so easy and great fun! Here, urban birding pioneer David Lindo tells you everything you need to know about birds and birding in towns and cities in the UK.Includes a brief history of urban birding in the UKCovers the best places to look for birds in towns and citiesHelps you get to know your urban birdsGives useful tips on how to attract birds to your gardenExplains what gear you need and how to go about being an urban birderFeatures hundreds of cool images and illustrations of birds in urban settings

The only comprehensive photographic guide to the ferns, clubmosses, quillworts and horsetails of BritainThis is a comprehensive, lavishly illustrated and user-friendly photographic identification guide to the fifty-seven ferns and seventeen other pteridophytes that occur in Britain. It is the perfect companion for botanists, naturalists, professional ecologists and anyone else with an interest in this fascinating group of non-flowering vascular plants. Designed to appeal to beginners and experts alike, this authoritative book includes novel identification keys and comparison tables that have been carefully devised to present only essential, easily understood technical terms and descriptions, avoiding jargon as much as possible. Cross-referenced throughout to facilitate the comparison of similar species, this definitive field guide is the go-to source for identifying these species with confidence.Features hundreds of stunning colour photographsComprehensive coverage of Britain's 57 species of ferns, 6 clubmosses, 3 quillworts and 8 horsetailsIncludes novel, easy-to-use, jargon-free identification keys and comparison tablesBeautifully designed, user-friendly and accessible

A carefully designed and lavishly illustrated photographic guideThis innovative and carefully designed photographic guide provides a concise introduction to the identification of the 246 birds most likely to be seen in Great Britain and Ireland. It is the perfect book for anyone wanting to put a name to the birds in their garden, local area or on visits farther afield. Packed with hundreds of stunning photos showing the birds in their many variations, and written and designed by a team of experienced birdwatchers, this is the ideal companion for anyone interested in learning more about the wild birds around us.Covers the 248 birds most likely to be seen, plus another 30 or so scarce but regular migrantsCarefully designed to be user-friendly and accessibleLavishly illustrated with more than 1,600 stunning colour photographsEasy to use and written in plain English

A comprehensive and lavishly illustrated photographic guide—now in a handy field-guide formatThis lavishly illustrated photographic guide provides a comprehensive overview of the natural history of wildlife habitats in Britain and Ireland. Now completely redesigned in a handy field-guide format, and featuring revised and updated text throughout, this new edition of Britain’s Habitats guides readers through all the main habitat types, presenting information on their characteristics, extent, geographical variation, key species, cultural importance, origins and conservation. It aims to help visitors to the countryside recognize the habitats around them, understand how they have evolved and what makes them special, and imagine how they might change in the future. This new edition includes updated maps and additional photographs throughout, and covers a new habitat—gardens. The perfect companion for anyone travelling in Britain and Ireland, the book is essential reading for all wildlife enthusiasts, professional ecologists and landscape architects.Individual sections on all the main habitat types found in Britain and IrelandMore than 680 evocative colour photographs, including images from around Britain and Ireland in all seasonsDetails and photographs of key species and features associated with the different habitatsUp-to-date information—including maps—on the distribution, extent and importance of all habitat typesFeatures new to this edition include a field-guide format, updated maps, more photographs throughout and coverage of an additional habitat—gardens

An authoritative photographic guide to Europe’s spectacular Alpine floraEurope’s Alpine Flowers covers the flowering plants and conifers that occur regularly on mountains and in Arctic areas north of a line that runs from the Pyrenees to Southern Romania. For many botanists—and gardeners—the alpine flora is the best it gets. There are many species adapted to a harsh climate of extreme winter cold and strong winds, including some of our most beautiful rock plants, such as gentians, saxifrages, and crocuses. These also include subtle and rare flowers that require care to discover and identify. With outstanding photographs and concise text that covers key features, this guide enables confident identification in the field.Covers the plants most likely to be seen above an elevation of 1,000 metres, concentrating on plants confined to high mountain areas of Europe and to the ArcticMore than 1,800 color photographs illustrating almost 1,800 speciesConcise, descriptive species accounts including details of habitat, altitudinal range, flowering period, and distributionFeatures easy-to-use text with minimal botanical jargon and illustrations of essential biological termsWith sections on flower identification, the alpine and Arctic environments and their habitats, and the best places to see alpine flowersComprehensive index including synonyms

A fully revised and updated edition of the bestselling photographic guideHoverflies of Britain and Ireland is a beautifully illustrated photographic field guide to this increasingly popular group of insects, focusing on the species that can be most readily identified. It is the perfect companion for wildlife enthusiasts, professional ecologists and anyone with an interest in this fascinating group of insects, and is designed to appeal to beginners and experts alike. This updated third edition covers 13 additional species and offers a host of improvements to aid reliable identification.Accessible, authoritative and easy-to-use, this book features an essential guide to hoverfly tribes and presents hundreds of remarkable photographs of hoverflies in their various life stages, including images of at least one representative from each of the British and Irish genera. The species included are mainly those that can be identified by eye or using a magnifying glass. Individual species accounts highlight key identification features, provide information on behaviour and habitat requirements, status, population trend and flight-period, and include an up-to-date distribution map covering Britain and Ireland. Sections on hoverfly biology, where and when to find hoverflies, legislation and conservation, recording, putting data to good use and gardening for hoverflies are also included.Features 1,048 stunning photographs, 400 more than in the previous editionProvides detailed information on 177 species, including at least one from each of the 69 genera recordedUpdated taxonomy, nomenclature and information on status and population trendsIncludes a complete list of the 285 species recorded to date, with an indication of how difficult each is to identify in the field and from photographs

The most detailed and best-illustrated photographic field guide to all the insect orders of Britain and EuropeFeaturing more than 3,000 species and 5,500 colour photographs, Insects of Britain and Europe is the most detailed and exquisitely illustrated photographic field guide to cover all the insect orders of Europe. Easy to navigate, clear, accessible and authoritative, the guide focuses on the species most likely to be encountered and the easiest to identify. It pairs more than 300 state-of-the-art colour plates with concise information on diagnostic features, habitat, distribution and flight periods, helping lead any reader toward identification. It also offers insights into the amazing life history of the different insect groups. The result is a go-to guide for everyone interested in Europe’s insects, from garden insect watchers and entomologists of all experience levels to field naturalists and wildlife photographers.Features more than 5,500 clear colour photographs illustrating 3,000 speciesAids species identification with photo annotations and clear, concise descriptionsNotes the habitat where each species is likely to be foundIncludes up-to-date distribution maps and flight-time graphics

Britain is home to fifteen species of breeding birds of prey, from the hedgerow-hopping Sparrowhawk to the breathtaking White-tailed Eagle. In this handsomely illustrated book, acclaimed British filmmaker and naturalist David Cobham offers unique and deeply personal insights into Britain's birds of prey and how they are faring today. He delves into the history of these magnificent birds and talks in depth with the scientists and conservationists who are striving to safeguard them. In doing so, he profiles the writers, poets and filmmakers who have done so much to change the public's perception of birds of prey. There are success stories--five birds of prey that were extinct have become reestablished with viable populations--but persecution is still rife. Featuring drawings by famed wildlife artist Bruce Pearson, this book reveals why we must cherish and celebrate our birds of prey, and why we neglect them at our peril.