Ferns occur in great abundance in New Zealand - there are nearly 200 native species alone occurring everywhere from the coast through to the country's alpine regions. Then there are the fern allies - including clubmosses and forkferns that have an even longer fossil history than ferns. However, most of the ferns and fern allies described in this guide are the commoner species that are more likely to be seen when journeying around the New Zealand countryside. all species described are listed according to their scientific names so that their affinities with related species may be seen more easily.
From the Kermadecs to Campbell Island, beloved endemics to passing vagrants, albatrosses and shearwaters to kiwi and kaka, Birds of New Zealand is the ultimate guide to this countrys extraordinary avian life. It is illustrated with almost 1000 new photographs and uses the latest information from birders and biologists to draw a definitive introduction to bird identification and behaviour. Includes expert information on the 345 bird species found in New Zealand; key identification characteristics and variation by age and sex; authoritative texts covering behaviour, distribution and taxonomy; and Maori, English and scientific names. A copy of this must-have guide belongs in every bach and backpack. The author of Albatrosses, Petrels and Shearwaters of the World, Paul Scofield is a leading New Zealand ornithologist. Brent Stephenson is a New Zealand bird photographer and tour leader.
In this text, fact-filled descriptions highlighting key identification features of New Zealand trees are supported by distribution maps and colour photographs of over 100 species. Compact and easy to use, this text should appeal to those interested in natural history.
As well as the known uses of each fern, from food and medicine, to perfume, making tools, mattresses and track markers, it also explains how to grow each fern in your own garden. The new ecological edition also identifies the insect and bird life to look for in each fern and includes details on the origins of Maori names.
This pocket-sized photographic guide to the birds of East Africa features 296 birds likely to be spotted in the region. Colourful photographs illustrate diagnostic features and plumage differences between male and female or breeding and non-breeding birds. Comparative photographs help differentiate between confusing species. Important distinguishing characteristics are highlighted in the text. Distribution maps and Swahili common names for all species are included. Introduction features a labelled bird diagram, habitat map, glossary and useful advice to birdwatchers. An invaluable guide for visitors to national parks and the many areas in East Africa that are rich in birdlife.
A practical field guide to New Zealand's native edible plants. Over 190 trees, shrubs, herbs, ferns, mushrooms, lichens and seaweeds are described in detail in this useful and attractive book, with information on which part is edible and when, how plants have been utilised, particularly by Maori, their nutritional value, and where they can be found. In a separate section, Andrew Crowe also describes important poisonous plants that are native to New Zealand or are likely to be confused with the edible plants. Illustrated with line drawings and colour photographs, this informative book will be of interest to trampers, botanists and all who appreciate New Zealand's native flora.
A portable, photo-packed guide for all visitors to the country. New Zealand's dramatic scenery is home to some equally dramatic wildlife, featuring a host of endemics found nowhere else in the world. From giant wetas and the ancient Tuatara to a suite of beautiful birds, including flightless wonders such as the Kiwi and Kakapo, these animals help make New Zealand one of the world's greatest wildlife-tourism destinations. Although there have been severe losses due to introduced predators, the country has a fiercely determined conservation sector, and the future looks bright. This fully revised and updated second edition of Julian Fitter's classic photographic field guide illustrates most of the vertebrate species to be found on the islands, there, as well as a large number of typical invertebrates and flora, with the photography accompanied by concise species texts. Reader-friendly and portable yet covering everything the visitor is likely to see, this book is an invaluable companion for anyone visiting these biodiverse Pacific islands.
A Photographic Guide to Mammals of New Zealand delves into a fascinating field of New Zealand's natural history. In prehistory, only a few bats, marine mammals and odd quadrupeds constituted our local land-breeding mammals; but today these have been joined by a throng of colonisers. These include several carnivores, rodents, and hoofed mammals from Europe and North America, as well as a few marsupials from Australia. Many are unwelcome: some have decimated native bird and reptile populations, while others attack the bush: but all are now here to stay and are worthy of study for their interesting habits and ecological impact. In addition to these land mammals are more than two dozen native species of marine mammal, including seals, dolphins and whales. This account from one of New Zealand's premier mammalogists fills a gap in the market.
Significant refinements of biogeochemical methods applied to mineral exploration have been made during more than twenty years since the last major publication on this technique. This innovative, practical and comprehensive text is designed as a field handbook and an office reference volume. It outlines the historical development of biogeochemical methods applied to mineral exploration, and provides details of what, how, why and when to collect samples from all major climatic environments with examples from around the world. Recent commercialization of sophisticated analytical technology permits immensely more insight into the multi-element composition of plants. In particular, precise determination of ultra-trace levels of 'pathfinder' elements in dry tissues and recognition of element distribution patterns with respect to concealed mineralization. Data handling and interpretation are discussed in context of a wealth of previously unpublished information, including a section on plant mineralogy, much of which has been classified as confidential until recently. Data are provided on the biogeochemistry of more than 60 elements and, by case history examples, their roles discussed in assisting in the discovery of concealed mineral deposits. A look to the future includes the potential role of bacteria to provide new focus for mineral exploration. - Describes the practical aspects of plant selection and collection in different environments around the world, and how to process and analyze them - Discusses more than 60 elements in plants, with data interpretation and case history results that include exploration for Au, PGEs, U, base metals and kimberlites
France boasts an amazing diversity of habitats and wildlife, from Ibex and Chamois scaling the cliff faces of the Alps and colonies of Puffins and Gannets on the rugged coasts of Brittany to one of the last western strong-holds of the European Mink on the Atlantic coast and flocks of Flamingos shimmering in the heat as they feed in the wetlands of Camargue. France is one of the richest countries in Europe in terms of flora and fauna - its mammals include Wolf, Lynx and the remarkable Pyrenean Desman. It also boasts one of the highest totals of breeding bird species in Europe, some of the best butterfly sites, and an outstanding array of wildflowers. "Wild France" celebrates the landscapes and natural history of this surprisingly diverse country. Expert naturalist Bob Gibbons examines the geography and climate, the many different habitat types and the remarkable variety of wildlife, while 250 superb colour photographs dramatically illustrate the species and places mentioned in the text.
