WILDGuides – serie

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

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

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

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

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

South Africa's Kruger National Park is one of the largest and most iconic conservation areas in Africa. Habitats range from wide-open savannah and rugged thornveld to broadleaved mopani woodland. This microhabitat variation gives Kruger a phenomenal diversity of some 520 bird species, half of which are resident. From Africa's most extraordinary eagles, like the scarlet-faced Bateleur, to electric-colored glossy-starlings and jewel-like finches, Kruger offers an avian celebration of form and color. It is also a crucial conservation area, supporting South Africa's largest viable populations of vultures, eagles, and large terrestrial birds. This field guide offers a unique window into the world of Kruger's birds. More than 500 stunning color photographs illustrate the 259 most frequently encountered species, and a habitat-based approach assists in identification. The authoritative text provides key information about identification, habitat, behavior, biology, and conservation. The guide contains information likely to be new to even the most experienced birders, but is written in a nontechnical style that makes it accessible to anyone.* An essential guide to Kruger's birds* Perfect for new and experienced birders alike* Small, portable format ideal for field use* Unique attractive layout with more than 500 stunning color photographs* Covers the 259 most frequently seen species* Uses a habitat-based approach to aid identification* Authoritative and accessible text provides key information about identification, behavior, biology, and conservation Distributed by Princeton University Press

The Indian Ocean island of Madagascar is one of the world's great natural treasures and ecotourism destinations. Despite being an island, it is home to nearly an entire continent's variety of species, from the famous lemurs to a profusion of bizarre and beautiful birds, reptiles and amphibians. Wildlife of Madagascar is a compact and beautifully illustrated photographic guide, and an essential companion for any visitor or resident. With an eye-catching design, authoritative and accessible text and easy-to-use format, it provides information on identification, distribution, habitat, behaviour, biology and conservation for all the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies likely to be seen. * The most comprehensive single-volume field guide to Madagascar's wildlife * Attractive layout features more than 900 stunning colour photographs * Covers the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and butterflies, and some of the other invertebrates and plants, most likely to be seen * Provides key information about identification, distribution, habitat, behaviour and conservation * Introductory sections provide background information on Madagascar and its unique environments

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

Britain's Hoverflies is a beautifully illustrated photographic field guide to the hoverflies of Britain, focusing on the species that can be most readily identified. It is the perfect companion for wildlife enthusiasts, professional ecologists and anyone else with an interest in this fascinating group of insects, and is designed to appeal to beginners and experts alike. Accessible, authoritative and easy to use, this book contains hundreds of remarkable photographs of the various life stages of those species that can be identified by eye or with a magnifying glass, with coverage of at least one representative from each of the British genera. It also features an essential guide to the hoverfly tribes. Detailed species accounts summarize the species' status, highlight the key identification features, provide notes on behaviour and habitat requirements and include flight-period charts and up-to-date distribution maps. Sections on hoverfly biology, where and when to look for hoverflies, legislation and conservation, photographing hoverflies, recording hoverflies and gardening for hoverflies are also included.This fully revised and updated second edition: * Features more than 650 stunning colour photographs* Provides detailed information for the 167 species that can be most readily identified, including at least one species from each of the 68 genera recorded in Britain* Includes a complete list of the 283 hoverfly species recorded in Britain to date, with an indication of how difficult each is to identify

The go-to photographic guide to all the damselflies and dragonflies recorded in Europe, including the Macaronesian Islands and western TurkeyEurope's Dragonflies is a comprehensive, lavishly illustrated and beautifully designed photographic field guide to the damselflies and dragonflies of Europe. Written by two well-travelled experts, the book covers all 140 resident and vagrant species recorded, focussing on the field identification of adult insects. Concise species profiles highlight key identification features and provide information on behaviour, habitat preferences, distribution, flight periods, status and conservation. Other sections cover identification tips, conservation status and legislation. Presenting an unsurpassed selection of images of the highest quality, this is the go-to guide for anyone wishing to know more about these amazing and fascinating insects.Comprehensive coverage of every species of damselfly and dragonfly recorded in EuropeStunning colour plates showing males, females, immatures, colour forms, subspecies and typical habitat for every speciesOver 1,200 superb photographs, supplemented with illustrations of fine detailsDetailed profiles for the 140 resident and vagrant speciesUnique comparison plates for difficult groupsEasy to use by beginners and experts alike, avoiding technical terms

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.

An accessible, comprehensive and beautifully illustrated guide—the only one to cover all the orchids found in Britain and IrelandCovering all fifty-one native species and twelve of uncertain origin, as well as hybrids and variants, Britain’s Orchids is an engaging, intuitive and in-depth identification guide to all the orchids of Britain and Ireland at all stages of development, from first emergence to setting seed. Drawing on the authors’ extensive field experience and the latest scientific research, the book uses multiple techniques to help both beginner and more advanced orchid enthusiasts to identify even the most difficult plants. It is beautifully illustrated with watercolour paintings by talented artist Sarah Stribbling, and features more than 1,200 evocative, instructive and detailed photographs. Orchids have long fired the imagination with their beauty and rarity. This book aims to ignite or increase your passion for these special plants, and for the conservation of their varied habitats—from remote mountaintops to urban wild spaces.The first book to cover all the species at all stages of development, as well as all subspecies, varieties and confirmed hybridsLavishly illustrated with 98 beautiful watercolour platesMore than 1,200 stunning photos showing the orchids in their natural settings and highlighting key identification featuresSimple, step-by-step system for identifying almost any orchid you encounterUp-to-date distribution maps and seasonal charts showing when each species can be seen in its various stages of developmentSean Cole is a field naturalist who has been studying orchids for more than twenty years, with special interests in identification, taxonomy and pollination. He has published many articles on British orchids, including his specialty, the Ghost Orchid. Mike Waller is an ecologist and botanist who specializes in European orchids. He has worked for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Natural History Museum in London, the London Wildlife Trust and Plantlife.

The most comprehensive single-volume photographic guide to Europe’s birds ever produced—from the authors of the acclaimed Britain’s BirdsCovering more than 900 species, and illustrated with 4,700 photographs, Europe’s Birds is the most comprehensive, authoritative and ambitious single-volume photographic guide to Europe’s birds ever produced. Easy-to-use, practical and accessible, this guide provides the information necessary for birdwatchers of all abilities to name any bird they see. Detailed descriptions cover the birds in all their plumages—male, female, breeding, non-breeding, adult and immatures, as well as distinctive subspecies. The clear text covers all aspects of identification, including moult and vocalizations, and provides details on range, status and habitat. An unrivalled selection of photographs, chosen to be as informative as possible, makes this a beautiful book to enjoy, as well as an up-to-date and essential source of identification knowledge.Europe’s Birds is produced by the same team that created Britain’s Birds, which has been described as “without doubt the best photo guide on the market” (Andy Stoddart, Rare Bird Alert). The authors include top-class wildlife photographers, writers and editors, and an imaginative, highly skilled designer. All are experienced birdwatchers themselves, who know what is needed in an identification guide for birdwatchers living or travelling in Europe.Illustrates all 928 species recorded in Europe, including established introductionsFeatures 4,700 stunning photographs showing the birds as you really see themFocuses on identification, covering all plumages and subspeciesProvides detailed comparison of similar and difficult speciesIncludes details of moult, vocalizations, status and favoured habitatsContains 540 maps, prepared in association with BirdLife International

The go-to photographic guide to Britain and Ireland’s insectsBritain’s Insects is an innovative, up-to-date, carefully designed and beautifully illustrated field guide to Britain and Ireland's twenty-five insect orders, concentrating on popular groups and species that can be identified in the field. Featuring superb photographs of live insects, the guide covers the key aspects of identification and provides information on status, distribution, seasonality, habitat, food plants and behaviour. It also offers insight into the life history of the various insect groups, many of which are truly amazing. This is the go-to guide for entomologists, naturalists, gardeners, wildlife photographers and anyone else interested in insects, whatever their level of knowledge.More than 2,600 stunning photographs, carefully selected to show key identification featuresPhoto guides to every insect order, covering 316 families and almost 850 generaCovers 1,653 species, of which 1,476 are illustratedDesigned to allow easy, accurate comparison of similar speciesUp-to-date distribution maps and charts summarizing adult seasonalityQR codes that link to sound recordings of grasshoppers and cricketsInformation on photographing and recording insects to help conservation

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

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 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

A carefully designed and beautifully illustrated photographic guide to the moths you are most likely to see during the dayThis concise photographic field guide helps you to identify the day-flying moths most likely to be seen in Great Britain and Ireland. It combines stunning photographs, clear and authoritative text and an easy-to-use design to increase your knowledge and enjoyment of these intriguing and often colourful insects. Like butterflies, some moths fly regularly in sunshine, whereas others that usually fly at night are readily disturbed from their resting places during the day. This guide describes all of these species and features at least one photograph of each in its natural, resting pose. A brief description of each moth covers the key identification features and when and where to look for it, and includes information on its status, life history, special features and caterpillar food plants. Other sections explain how to distinguish moths from butterflies, and also provide essential information on biology, classification, habitats, gardening for moths, conservation and legislation and recording and monitoring.Individual accounts for 158 species and photos of 28 othersMore than 320 stunning photos, with every moth shown as you see itBeautifully designed, easy to use and clearly written

A new, improved and thoroughly updated edition of the bestselling photographic guide—the only one to cover every bird, in every plumage, ever recorded in Britain and IrelandA bestselling guide since it was first published, Britain's Birds has quickly established itself as the go-to photographic identification guide to the birds of Great Britain and Ireland—the most comprehensive, up-to-date, practical and user-friendly book of its kind. Acclaimed by birdwatchers of all kinds, from the beginner to the most experienced, the guide has now been thoroughly revised and updated to make it even better than before. Combining the finest of identification guide content and presentation, this eagerly awaited second edition preserves the best of the first edition while covering twelve newly recorded species and offering a host of improvements that make identification easier.Provides comprehensive coverage of all the birds ever recorded in Britain and IrelandDescribes and illustrates all plumages likely to be encounteredFeatures more than 3,200 stunning photographs carefully selected to show the birds as you really see themOutlines simple steps to help you identify any bird you seePresents simple and accurate comparisons of similar and difficult speciesNew features include:Coverage of 12 new species recorded since the first edition plus revisions to reflect the latest taxonomyCoverage of all subspeciesImproved identification aids, including more than 400 new photos, enhanced photo annotations and many redesigned platesFully revised species accounts, including the latest information on identification features, status, numbers, geographical range and date ranges for all plumages that may be seen during only part of the year

A new and improved edition of the popular photographic field guideBritain’s Butterflies is a comprehensive and beautifully designed photographic field guide to the butterflies of Britain and Ireland. Containing hundreds of stunning colour photographs, this extensively revised and updated new edition provides the latest information on every species ever recorded. It covers in detail the identification of all 59 butterfly species that breed regularly, as well as four former breeders, 10 rare migrants and one species of unknown status. The easy-to-use format will enable butterfly watchers—beginners or experts—to identify any species they encounter. Produced in association with Butterfly Conservation, this edition features new introductory sections to the main "types" of butterflies; updated distribution maps; a revised species order reflecting the latest taxonomy; revised sections on recording and monitoring, and conservation and legislation; and a new section on climate change.Stunning colour plates show typical views of each butterfly species, including the various forms and common aberrationsDetailed species profiles provide information on status and distribution, including up-to-date maps, and cover adult identification; behaviour; breeding habitat requirements; population and conservation; egg, caterpillar and chrysalis; and caterpillar foodplantsPhotographs of the egg, caterpillar and chrysalis for every breeding speciesSections on biology, where to look for and how to identify butterflies, and other essential information

A comprehensive photographic identification guide to all of the native trees and shrubs of Great Britain and Ireland and many of the common non-native speciesTrees of Britain and Ireland is packed with practical information, photos and illustrations that will help you identify trees throughout the year. It covers all of Great Britain and Ireland’s native trees and shrubs as well as a range of ornamental and widely planted trees from other areas of the world. This guide also offers an overview of tree biology and ecology, describes the importance of trees as habitats and presents a brief history of British and Irish treescapes.Includes more than 3,000 photographs and 270 illustrations showing key identification features of each tree and highlighting some of the animals, plants, fungi and lichens that depend on itCovers all 113 native trees and shrubs, including all 42 currently recognised Whitebeam species, as well as 190 common non-native species and subspeciesFeatures keys that allow easy, accurate comparison of similar species, up-to-date distribution maps and charts that summarise when trees flower, fruit and leafExplains how you can help with practical tree conservation

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 highly illustrated and portable identification guide to the most common wild flowers and other plantsThis innovative photographic guide covers the most common wild flowers and other plants found in Britain and Ireland, as defined by the very latest distribution maps. It is designed so that anyone faced with an unfamiliar wild plant can confidently put a name to the species or recognise that it is a less common plant needing further investigation. The identification process is based on standard botanical features that are straightforwardly described, clearly illustrated and supported by a simple visual key to families. This book can be your springboard into the wider world of botanical identification, wherever you are, and of plants both common and rare.Covers the plants most likely to be seen, including those in coastal areasIncludes more than 3,800 colour photographs, with macro images of key features when neededFeatures a friendly, easy-to-use design and text written in plain English, with essential botanical terms described and illustrated

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