This new, thoroughly updated and lavishly illustrated fourth edition of Bradt's Galapagos Wildlife is packed with information and magnificent pictures to aid in identifying key species, all in an easy-to-carry format that covers everything from the wildlife that you're likely to encounter, whether flying in the air, running along the ground or swimming underwater, to a succinct history of the islands, their habitats and volcanic origins. This guide includes the most detailed descriptions and maps of the main visitor sites of any book in print, so you can see where a boat will land and what can be seen there - enabling you to plan effectively for a rewarding visit. An overview of conservation efforts is also included, as are unique island trail plans for those looking to explore.
Written and illustrated by two expert-naturalist guides, who have both been visiting the islands for decades, this new edition covers all the latest information, from the discovery of an 'extinct' tortoise species not seen for over 100 years on Fernandina island and the discovery of new rare 'pink iguanas' on Isabela island's Wolf volcano (the highest point on the Galapagos), to the change in taxonomy of 'Darwin's finches' and the new species status of the almost-extinct little vermillion flycatcher. Snorkelling with sea lions, penguins and sharks at Devil's Crown, Floreana is included, as is kayaking in pristine locations such as Espanola's Gardiner Bay.
Travelling to the Galapagos is a rite of passage for serious wildlife enthusiasts. Now with more detailed descriptions, more photos, and updated information on conservation efforts, Bradt's Galapagos Wildlife is the perfect companion for this once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Galapagos Wildlife
Description
Table of Contents
PART 1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Chapter 1 An Introduction to the Galapagos
Chapter 2 Habitats
Chapter 3 Plants
Chapter 4 Invertebrates
Chapter 5 Reptiles
Tortoises
Turtles
Lizards and Snakes
Chapter 6 Birds
Land Birds
Seabirds
Shore Birds
Chapter 7 Mammals
Sea Lions
Whales and Dolphins
Land Mammals
Chapter 8 The Seashore
Chapter 9 Underwater
Bony Fishes
Sharks and Rays
Chapter 10 Island Landings and Visitor Sites
Chapter 11 Conservation
Appendices Glossary
Further Reading
Index
Author Description
David Horwell first went to the Galapagos in 1978 and became a licensed naturalist guide. He has been involved with the islands' tourism and conservation ever since. Today, he is a tour operator, photographer and writer who specialises in the Galapagos and all Latin America. A fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, his photographs have been published in magazines from The Sunday Times to Wanderlust. He has travelled extensively throughout South America, both alone and leading special-interest groups. Based in Britain, David now runs Select Latin America (www.selectlatinamerica.co.uk), frequently taking small groups to Galapagos and Ecuador, and offers advice to independent travellers.
Pete Oxford, a professional naturalist and photographer, first visited the Galapagos in 1985. He became a licensed guide in 1987, while living in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. After 35 years residing in Ecuador he has recently moved to South Africa but still regularly visits the islands. His photographs have appeared in all the major magazines in his field including National Geographic, BBC Wildlife, Geo, International Wildlife and Smithsonian. He has featured ten times in the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. He has written fourteen books, four of them on the Galapagos Islands. Pete is a founding fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers (www.ilcp.com). Oxford and his wife are co-owners and operators of Pete Oxford Expeditions (www.peteoxfordexpeditions.com), leading responsible travel to some of the world's richest cultures and most biodiverse and pristine areas of our planet.