A Complete Guide to Arctic Wildlife

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 400 pages
• Published by: Firefly Books October 20, 2006
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 155407178X
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-1554071784
• Book Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.1 x 1.3 inches
• Weighs: 3.4 pounds

From Booklist
This field guide to Arctic wildlife is a thorough examination of the territory, with emphasis on habitat. In the introductory pages, the author defines the region and then discusses its geology, climate (including such unique phenomena as aurora borealis, parhelia, mirages, ice blink, water sky, and whiteout), exploration, and habitats and what it takes for organisms to survive the harsh conditions. The introduction concludes with a look at threats, including global warming.

Following all the background information is expansive coverage of the wildlife, divided into separate sections for birds and mammals. Arrangement is by major taxonomic groupings, and for each grouping, there is an overview followed by species accounts. For example, the section on loons includes the common loon, the yellow-billed loon, the Arctic loon, the Pacific loon, and the red-throated loon. Each account provides identifying characteristics, confusion species (other species for which the one in question can be mistaken), size, voice (an interesting detail), distribution, diet, breeding, and variations. Range maps denoting location are provided, as are full-color photographs showing birds in their habitats. In addition, color plates illustrate the species in each taxonomic group. "A Visitor's Guide to the Arctic" and an index listing the common, alternative common, and scientific names of wildlife complete the volume.

It is obvious that this book was carefully researched and that the author has strong sentiment for the animals of this environmentally fragile area. Large public and academic libraries considering this purchase should find readership among those researching the Arctic or simply wanting to browse a lovingly presented guide. cheryl ward
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Review
[A] richly illustrated, fact-packed celebration of the Arctic. (Wildlife Conservation 200710)

The overall quality of this book is excellent; it has very sharp, well-reproduced color photographs, great illustrations, and concise, well-written text. I strongly recommend it. (Stephen R. Johnson Arctic 200703)

A thorough examination expansive coverage. carefully researched A lovingly presented guide. (Cheryl Ward Booklist 200703)

This is a gorgeously done field guide on the Arctic A great reference book! (Wildlife Activist 2007)

Blend[s] a field guide to Arctic birds and mammals with a mini travel guide to the Arctic. (Diane C. Donovan The Midwest Book Review 20061209)

Defines terms and retraces history with such lucid style one cannot put the book down. (Diane M. Calabrese American Reference Books Annual 20061125)

A richly illustrated and fact-packed celebration of the Arctic's mammals and birds, with each species annotated in meticulous details. (Globe and Mail 200701)

A comprehensive guide replete with vivid full-color photographs. (Science News )

This is every bit a reference book, illustrated by over 450 high quality colour photographs plus art renderings (Joy McDonell Canadian Camera )

This gorgeous, useful book is a must for any library covering animal life, geography, or the Arctic. Summing Up: Essential. (B. Galbraith, Washington State University Choice )

Reader Reviews
This book is one of the best wildlife guides I have ever seen and by far the best wildlife guide of the arctic regions. I can recommand this book to anyone going (or living) there. The book starts with about 50 pages of introduction. In this part of the book different aspects of the region are described, such as geology, climate and a history of humans in the arctic. After that it really starts: some 300 pages filled with information of all kind of birds followed by another 100 pages about arctic mammals. Altogether this is a very complete, well illustrated guidebook. A "must have" for everyone interested in arctic wildlife!