Wildlife Spectacles

by Mittermeier, Russell; Mittermeier, Cristina; Brooks, Thomas; Hoffmann, Michael; Konstant, William

• ISBN13: 9789686397727
• ISBN10: 9686397728
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-02-28
• Publisher: Univ of Chicago Pr

Summary

Thousands of migratory birds' wings silhouetted against a setting sun; vivid monarch butterflies draped over forest grove branches as living leaves of autumn hue: the mass gatherings of animal species are a powerful and all-too-rare sight. "Wildlife Spectacles captures here in brilliant full-color photographs the force and mystery of these exceptional assemblages that have inspired and fascinated us throughout history. The volume features thirty-six chapters written by some of the world's most distinguished biodiversity scientists that engagingly explain the history, geographic distribution, and daily functions of various animal species, as well as the conservation efforts employed today to ensure their survival. The compelling core of the volume, however, lies in the wealth of beautiful and breathtaking images that documents these vast and magnificent gatherings and the raw power of the animals' daily fight for survival. From thousands of penguins congregating on a rocky Antarctic beach to the brutal attack of a wildebeest by a Nile crocodile, the visual sequences here are a moving testament to the dramatic wonder of the natural world. Continuing the successful tradition of "Megadiversity, "Hotspots, and "Wilderness, Wildlife Spectacles presents an accessible and visually stunning examination of critical conservation issues today.

Author Biography

Russell A. Mittermeier is president of Conservation International, and has published ten books and over 400 scientific and popular articles. He has also received many international awards. Patricio Robles Gil is founder and president of Agrupación Sierra Madre and Unidos para la Conservación. Christina Goettsch Mittermeier is a marine biologist, photographer, and director of communications at Nature's Best Photography magazine. Thomas Brooks is the head of the Conservation Synthesis Department at Conservation International's Center for Applied Biodiversity Science. Michael Hoffman is a biologist based at the Center for Applied Biodiversity Science. William R. Konstant is a biologist with Conservation International. Gustavo A.B. da Fonseca is executive vice-president for Programs and Science at Conservation International. Roderic B. Mast is vice president of Conservation International and cochair of the IUCN-SSC Marine Turtle Specialist Group.