Publisher Description

Updated throughout, the 7th edition of Bradt's Antarctica: a Guide to Wildlife is the most practical guide to the flora and fauna available for those 'going south'. Celebrating the amazing and often unique species of this spectacular environment, the title features chapters on the region's famous whales and penguins, and also on lesser known species such as skuas and sheathbills, with full coverage of plumage and identification. Each chapter is accompanied by vibrant illustrations from Dafila Scott to help bring species to life. Tony Soper's immaculate and engaging text remains the indispensible choice for the intrepid wildlife enthusiast. Antarctica's wildlife is under threat. The Southern Ocean is warming and the most obvious effect is on the continental ice shelves. Spectacular retreats and monster carvings from the west coast of the peninsula have been seen in recent decades. Less ice means fewer krill, which depend on the ice-edge for the algae which nourish them. In turn, this will impact on seal and whale numbers. In the case of penguins, while kings and macaronis, for instance, are doing well, the magnificently adapted and truly Antarctic species, Adélies and emperors, are in decline. In the case of emperors, maybe by as much as 50%. Bradt's Antarctica not only helps you to identify and understand species and habitats, it also explains the issues faced by this extraordinary continent, regarded by many as one of the most precious places on the planet.

Notes

Now in its seventh edition, Bradt's Antarctica: A Guide To Wildlife offers a practical guide to the flora and fauna that can be observed in the planet's southernmost region, featuring full coverage of penguin plumage for quick investigation, and attractive yet informative illustrations from Dafila Scott.

Author Biography

Tony Soper was first bowled over by Antarctica when he sailed the furious fifties as lecturer in the pioneer tourist vessel World Discoverer in 1992. After upgrading his ship job to become Expedition Leader for subsequent seasons, sailing in Russian research vessels, designed for work in ice-infested coasts and manned by men with unrivalled experience of ice navigation. 

Dafila Scott is an artist and zoologist, member of the Society of Wildlife Artists and 'Scott of the Antarctic's' grand-daughter.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTIONDISCOVERY AND EXPLOITATIONExplorers, Sealers and WhalersTERRESTRIAL PLANTS AND INSECTSMARINE INVERTEBRATESFISHBIRDSPenguinsAlbatrossesPetrels and ShearwatersCormorantsSheathbillsSkuasGullsTernsMAMMALSSealsWhalesAPPENDICESSouth Georgia, Terrestrial and Freshwater SpeciesThe Falkland IslandsGlossary of Snow and IceGuidelines for Visitors to the AntarcticUseful WebsitesFurther ReadingAuthor and illustrator acknowledgements

Review

'Here, at last, is the book wehave been waiting for.'Sir David Attenborough'Recommended reading'Wanderlust Travel Magazine

Promotional

.Supplement on the species most likely to be seen in the Falkland Islands is included.The southern regions now attract 30,000 visitors a year.Contains practical information on when to go, what to take, and photographic tips.A handy, portable size ensures it complies with tour operators' weight restrictions.Text and illustrations from renowned experts Tony Soper and Dafila Scott

Long Description

Updated throughout, the 7th edition of Bradt's Antarctica: a Guide to Wildlife is the most practical guide to the flora and fauna available for those 'going south'. Celebrating the amazing and often unique species of this spectacular environment, the title features chapters on the region's famous whales and penguins, and also on lesser known species such as skuas and sheathbills, with full coverage of plumage and identification. Each chapter is accompanied by vibrant illustrations from Dafila Scott to help bring species to life. Tony Soper's immaculate and engaging text remains the indispensible choice for the intrepid wildlife enthusiast.Antarctica's wildlife is under threat. The Southern Ocean is warming and the most obvious effect is on the continental ice shelves. Spectacular retreats and monster carvings from the west coast of the peninsula have been seen in recent decades. Less ice means fewer krill, which depend on the ice-edge for the algae which nourish them. In turn, this will impact on seal and whale numbers. In the case of penguins, while kings and macaronis, for instance, are doing well, the magnificently adapted and truly Antarctic species, Ad

Review Quote

'Here, at last, is the book we have been waiting for.'Sir David Attenborough 'Recommended reading'Wanderlust Travel Magazine

Description for Sales People

. Supplement on the species most likely to be seen in the Falkland Islands is included. The southern regions now attract 30,000 visitors a year. Contains practical information on when to go, what to take, and photographic tips. A handy, portable size ensures it complies with tour operators' weight restrictions. Text and illustrations from renowned experts Tony Soper and Dafila Scott

Details