Antarctic Wildlife: A Visitor's Guide (Wildguides) - Softcover

Lowen, James

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1903657326 ISBN 13: 9781903657324

Publisher: Princeton University Press, 2011

Synopsis

Antarctic Wildlife is the definitive identification guide to the birds and marine mammals of the Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, and Beagle Channel. This easy-to-use photographic field guide enables visitors to this unique region of the world--newcomer and seasoned traveler alike--to identify with confidence the penguins, whales, seals, seabirds, and other stunning wildlife they encounter on their journey. Full-color photographs show typical views of each species of bird or marine mammal, together with the terrestrial plants likely to be seen. Detailed species accounts describe key identification features, give tips on where to look, and highlight interesting facts. This one-of-a-kind guide also includes introductory chapters that cover the wildlife of each Antarctic environment by season, as well as information on tourism and Antarctic cruising that will help visitors get the most from their trip.

Antarctic Wildlife is a must-have photographic guide for travelers taking the standard cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina, to the great white continent, and for anyone interested in the diverse wildlife found in this remote part of the world.

• Covers the wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, and Beagle Channel
• Features full-color photographs throughout
• Describes key identification features and gives tips on where to look
• Includes an introduction to Antarctic environments and information on Antarctic cruising

About this title

About the Author

James Lowen is a wildlife writer, photographer, and lecturer. He is the author of Pantanal Wildlife: A Visitor's Guide to Brazil's Great Wetland. An Antarctic naturalist guide for Polar Star Expeditions, he lived in Argentina for a number of years before moving back to the United Kingdom.

Review

"A must have guide for those visiting Antarctica!"---Ian Paulsen, Birdbooker Report

"An eminently practical, accurate, useable and indispensable field guide perfect to bring on your Antarctic cruise. Or even just to keep on your bedside table. . . . There's a lot of information effortlessly packed into this little powerhouse of a guide. . . . When it comes time to cruise, though, Antarctic Wildlife, A Visitor's Guide is the one to grab."---Cathy Taibbi, Examiner.com

"It's difficult to appreciate far off consequences of things like melting polar ice-caps, rising ocean levels, and other effects that happen far away or too slowly for the eye to see. That's one reason why I think books like James Lowen's Antarctic Wildlife, A Visitor's Guide are so important. They help provide context for and appreciation of the Antarctic as more than an abstract concept. . . . Antarctic Wildlife is a window offering a view of the southern end of the world. . . . By revealing its treasures, Lowen reminds us why even the most remote places on Earth are worth defending."---Brad Sylvester, Yahoo! News

"Spectacular. It covers all wildlife within Antarctica, not just birds. But for the birders reading this, the section on birds is done well."---Jerry Liguori, Utah Birders blog

"The identification text is split into two sections, one basic summary for the amateur and beneath this a more detailed description for the avid enthusiast. The supporting images are excellent, chosen for clear field identification, and it's impressive to note that the author took many of them himself. . . . This is an excellent field guide, well laid out with photos and easy-to-access information. . . . It will definitely accompany me on my next trip to Antarctica." (Luxury Travel Review)

"Thanks to this book, I now want to go to Antarctica more than ever! And if (hopefully, when) I go, it will not be without this book. Antarctic Wildlife: A Visitor's Guide should be required for any cruise-based visitor to the great white continent. And if you want to risk being compelled to pay big bucks to go on such a cruise, I'd also recommend it to anyone even slightly interested in the wildlife of Antarctica."---Grant McCreary, Birder's Library

"Recommended for either the real-world or armchair traveler interested in the natural history of the Antarctic. . . . Portable and approachable."---Jean E. Crampon, Library Journal

"With a soft flexible binding perfect for thrusting into a knapsack, this book is a primer for all manner of wildlife one might encounter on the seventh continent. . . . Features glorious full-color photos and is chocka­block with charts and indices, tips on choosing a cruise and the best spots to seek out wildlife, as well as an examination of the environmental threats to the region's indigenous residents. With a lively map as end papers, this book works just as well for the armchair traveler as for the hearty explorer."---Christopher Schoppa, Washington Post

"This handy ID guide comes as a timely aid to anyone venturing into the Southern Oceans. It covers the areas usually included in tour itineries, from the southern Tip of Argentina to Antarctica proper. The book uses a photo-montage style for the illustrations, an increasingly popular method, which works well here and covers everything from lichens through to whales and birds, so a truly comprehensive guide. Essential for anyone visiting the area." (About Birds)

"Ideal guide for the first-time visitor. . . . The moment you pick up this book it feels good . . . exceedingly well-chosen images. . . . Buy it and then start saving for your trip!" (Birdwatch)

Edition details

• Publisher: Princeton University Press
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1903657326
• ISBN 13: 9781903657324
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 240