From Scientific American
From Botswana to the Camargue, from Denali to Komodo Island, this book covers more than 600 reserves in over 80 countries. The authors, long-time nature writers and conservationists, have included information on how to visit these extraordinary sites, their ecological significance and some historical background. Most of the world's charismatic and endangered species--many depicted here in gorgeous color photographs--owe their continued existence to such reserves, the last places on earth where nature remains more or less intact. The volume itself is a terrific resource.
Editors of Scientific American
Wildlife Conservation
"You'll have information on each reserve's historical and ecological significance at your fingertips".
Linda Bates, The Vancouver Sun
"If you can't afford a real-life wildlife safari, you can enjoy an armchair adventure with this sumptuous 600-plus page book".
Betty Prettyman, The Salt Lake Tribune
"The writing is clear, concise and meaningful, with details on the best time to visit each destination".
Onearth
"In it you'll find contact information for notable parks and preserves, rainfall and temperature charts, and other helpful tips."
Book Description
Bengal tigers in the jungles of India. Birds of Paradise in the wilds of New Guinea. Penguins on frozen beaches in Antarctica. These and other charismatic and endangered species find homes within the world's great wildlife reserves. Only a few persons have had the opportunity to visit many of these wildlife sanctuaries and witness these magnificent animals firsthand. Now, for the first time, the splendor of the world's most impressive wildlife reserves is captured on the printed page in this gloriously illustrated book by naturalists Laura and Bill Riley. The Rileys, who received Pulitizer Prize nominations for their book on American wildlife refuges, spent ten years researching this book, visiting reserves on every continent. The 600 sanctuaries featured were chosen on the basis of exhaustive on-scene reports, interviews, and personal experiences. From Ecuador's Gálapagos Islands to Tanzania's renowned Serengeti, they represent the last places on earth where the natural world remains intact. Some of the reserves are as large as European countries, others the size of small farms. Many are growing as people everywhere become aware of their beauty and importance. The book includes information on each sanctuary's historical and ecological significance, details about how to visit and what to see, and a comprehensive index for locating individual species. A feast for the eyes, Nature's Strongholds offers a magical excursion into these majestic-and seldom seen-paradises. Anyone who has ever dreamed of taking such a journey will long to have this book. Includes:150 color photographs Information on each reserve's historical and ecological significance details on best times to visit as well as monthly temperature and rainfall descriptions of habitats 75 detailed maps
From the Inside Flap
A splendid book. Nature's Strongholds is one of the best travel books ever written, filled with exciting information and certain to boost global ecotourism and conservation."--Edward O. Wilson, biologist, educator, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author "Nature's Strongholds is a well-designed, comprehensive compilation of critical information for all eco-inclined travelers, field researchers, and wildlife safari-goers--an exceptionally interesting and useful book."--Peter Matthiessen, author and naturalist "The Rileys' new book captures the essence of spectacular wildlife reserves around the world. I immediately pulled out my calendar to plan returns to much-loved parks and explorations of others I've yet to see. Each visitor to these places will not only take away life-long memories, but will also contribute economically to their long-term survival. I know of no other book like this."--Kathryn Fuller, President, World Wildlife Fund-U.S. "The Rileys have reminded us of precious landscapes that endure despite the intrusions of modern life, and of the importance of natural beauty in our lives. It is as close as one can get to a life list of places to be . . . at least once."--Steve Sanderson, President, Wildlife Conservation Society
About the Author
Laura Riley is a writer and photographer specializing in the natural world. William Riley is a conservationist, writer, and businessman. The Rileys coauthored the "Guide to the [U.S.] National Wildlife Refuges", a Pulitzer Prize nominee.
Nature's Strongholds: The World's Great Wildlife Reserves FROM THE PUBLISHER
"Nature's Strongholds: The World's Great Wildlife Reserves covers more than 600 reserves in over 80 countries on all the continents and numerous offshore islands. It describes in detail these best places for wildlife throughout the world. No other book offers such a comprehensive view." "Great reserves, such as America's Yellowstone and Tanzania's Serengeti, are covered along with reserves for pandas in China, orangutans in Borneo, jaguars and giant anteaters in Central and South America, koalas and kangaroos in Australia, and birds-of-paradise in New Guinea. Some are presented in book form for the first time: reserves set aside in Russia not only for Siberian tigers and Amur leopards but also for endangered honeybees, in Ghana for sacred snails, and in Asia for the legendary Abominable Snowman." "Most of the world's charismatic and endangered species owe their continued existence to these reserves, the last places on earth where nature remains largely intact. Here for the first time in one place are the best of these extraordinary sites around the world, based on hundreds of on-site reports, interviews, and personal experiences. Information is included on how to visit them, what to see, their ecological significance, and often their historical background and details of the lives of their inhabitants. This book is a resource not only for wildlife students, visitors, and those who organize trips, but also for armchair travelers who may never see these places but enjoy reading about them." Ten years in the making, Nature's Strongholds contains more than 150 color photographs of wildlife on every continent and maps showing the location of principal reserves in every country covered. Graphs show average temperature and rainfall for each month in each country's principal "gateway" city or cities, usually one with an international airport.
Art & Photography
Book Info
