Download or read book Golden Bats and Pink Pigeons written by Gerald Durrell and published by Open Road Media. This book was released on 2017-02-21 with total page 124 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Travel to Mauritius on a quest to save endangered species with the British naturalist whose work inspired Masterpiece production The Durrells in Corfu. The green and mountainous island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean was once the home of the ill-fated dodo. The island saw many other animals vanish from its soil, and by the 1970s, numerous species were close to being eliminated. Enter Gerald Durrell. Durrell sets out on a search for bats and pink pigeons, climbing near-vertical rock faces to find Telfair’s skinks and Gunther’s geckos, and swimming about coral reefs with multicolored marine life. But rounding up a collection to take back with him to his animal sanctuary in the English Channel won’t be easy: There are many dangers awaiting him. Golden Bats and Pink Pigeons is a delightful and inspiring adventure by the author of My Family and Other Animals, among other much-loved memoirs. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Gerald Durrell including rare photos from the author’s estate.
Download or read book Golden Bats and Pink Pigeons written by Gerald Durrell and published by . This book was released on 1982 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Golden Bats and Pink Pigeons written by Gerald Malcolm Durrell and published by . This book was released on 1985 with total page 157 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Golden Bats and Pink Pigeons written by Muḥammad ibn Ibrāhīm Ibn ʻAbbād and published by . This book was released on 1979 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book The Birds World written by Nicolae Sfetcu and published by MultiMedia Publishing. This book was released on 2014-11-27 with total page 1478 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Birds are among the most extensively studied of all animal groups. Hundreds of academic journals and thousands of scientists are devoted to bird research, while amateur enthusiasts (called birdwatchers or, more commonly, birders) probably number in the millions. Birds are categorised as a biological class, Aves. The earliest known species of this class is Archaeopteryx lithographica, from the Late Jurassic period. According to the most recent consensus, Aves and a sister group, the order Crocodilia, together form a group of unnamed rank, the Archosauria. Phylogenetically, Aves is usually defined as all descendants of the most recent common ancestor of modern birds (or of a specific modern bird species like Passer domesticus), and Archaeopteryx. Modern phylogenies place birds in the dinosaur clade Theropoda. Modern birds are divided into two superorders, the Paleognathae (mostly flightless birds like ostriches), and the wildly diverse Neognathae, containing all other birds.
Download or read book Rewilding written by Paul Jepson and published by MIT Press. This book was released on 2022-04-05 with total page 225 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How rewilding has transformed the conservation movement, combining radical scientific insights with practical innovations. Progressive scientists and conservation professionals are pursuing a radical new approach to restoring ecosystems: rewilding. By recovering the ripple effect generated by the interactions among plant and animal species and natural disturbances, rewilding seeks to repair ecosystems by removing them from human engineering and reassembling guilds of megafauna from a mix of surviving wild and feral species and de-domesticated breeds, including elk, bison, and feral horses. Written by two leaders in the field, this book offers an abundantly illustrated guide to the science of rewilding. It shows in fascinating detail the ways in which ecologists are reassembling ecosystems that allow natural interactions rather than human interventions to steer their environmental trajectories. Rewilding looks into a past in which industrialization and globalization downgraded grasslands, describes current projects designed to recover self-willed ecosystems, and envisions the future with ten predictions for a rewilded planet. It shows how rewilding is shaking up conservation science and policy, bringing new hope and renewed purpose to efforts to revive essential ecological processes. Color illustrations capture moments of beauty in nature and offer enlightening infographics and visualizations.
Download or read book Bat written by Tessa Laird and published by Reaktion Books. This book was released on 2018-05-15 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Bats have been maligned in the West for centuries. Unfair associations with demons have seen their leathery wings adorn numerous evil characters, from the Devil to Bram Stoker’s Dracula. But these amazing animals are ecological superheroes. Nectar-feeding bats pollinate important crops like agave; fruit-eating bats disperse seeds and encourage reforestation; and insect-eating bats keep down mosquito populations and other pests, saving agricultural industries billions of dollars. Ranging in size from a bumblebee to creatures with a wingspan the length of an adult human, found on all continents except Antarctica, and displaying extraordinary abilities like echolocation—a built-in sonar system that enables many bats to navigate in the dark—these incredibly diverse mammals are as surprising as they are misunderstood. In Bat, Tessa Laird challenges our preconceptions as she combines fascinating facts of bat biology with engaging portrayals of bats in mythology, literature, film, popular culture, poetry, and contemporary art. She also provides a sobering reminder of the threats bats face worldwide, from heatwaves and human harassment to wind turbines and disease. Illustrated with incredible photographs and artistic representations of bats from many different cultures and eras, this celebration of the only mammals possessing true flight will enthrall batty fans, skeptics, and converts alike.
Download or read book Dodo written by Jeremy JC Mallinson and published by Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. This book was released on with total page 138 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Pigeon written by Barbara Allen and published by Reaktion Books. This book was released on 2009-10-15 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Our frequent urban companion, cooing in the eaves of train stations or scavenging underfoot for breadcrumbs and discarded French fries, the pigeon has many detractors—and even some fans. Written out of love for and fascination with this humble yet important bird, Barbara Allen’s Pigeon explores its cultural significance, as well as its similarities to and differences from its close counterpart, the dove. While the dove is seen as a symbol of love, peace, and goodwill, the pigeon is commonly perceived as a filthy, ill-mannered flying rodent, a “rat with wings.” Readers will find in Pigeon an enticing exploration of the historical and contemporary bonds between humans and these two unique and closely related birds. For polluting statues and architecture, the pigeon has earned a bad reputation, but Barbara Allen offers several examples of the bird’s importance—as a source of food and fertilizer, a bearer of messages during times of war, a pollution monitor, and an aid to Charles Darwin in his pivotal research on evolutionary theory. Allen also comments on the literary love and celebration of pigeons and doves in the work of such writers and poets as Shakespeare, Dickens, Beatrix Potter, Proust, and Isaac Bashevis Singer. Along the way, Allen corrects the many stereotypes about pigeons in the hope that the rich history of one of the oldest human-animal partnerships will be both admired and celebrated.
Download or read book Lost Land of the Dodo written by Anthony Cheke and published by A&C Black. This book was released on 2009-01-01 with total page 824 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Mascarene islands in the southern Indian Ocean - Mauritius, Réunion and Rodrigues - were once home to an extraordinary range of birds and reptiles. Evolving on these isolated volcanic islands in the absence of mammalian predators or competitors, the land was dominated by giant tortoises, parrots, skinks and geckos, burrowing boas, flightless rails & herons, and of course (in Mauritius) the Dodo. Uninhabited and only discovered in the 1500s, colonisation by European settlers in the 1600s led to dramatic changes in the ecology of the islands; the birds and tortoises were slaughtered indiscriminately while introduced rats, cats, pigs and monkeys destroyed their eggs, the once-extensive forests logged, and invasive introduced plants from all over the tropics devastated the ecosystem. The now-familiar icon of extinction, the Dodo, was gone from Mauritius within 50 years of human settlement, and over the next 150 years many of the Mascarenes' other native vertebrates followed suit. The product of over 30 years research by Anthony Cheke, Lost Land of the Dodo provides a comprehensive yet hugely enjoyable account of the story of the islands' changing ecology, interspersed with human stories, the islands' biogeographical anomalies, and much else. Many French publications, old and new, especially for Réunion, are discussed and referenced in English for the first time. The book is richly illustrated with maps and contemporary illustrations of the animals and their environment, many of which have rarely been reprinted before. Illustrated box texts look in detail at each extinct vertebrate species, while Julian Hume's superb colour plates bring many of the extinct birds to life. Lost Land of the Dodo provides the definitive account of this tragic yet remarkable fauna, and is a must-read for anyone interested in islands, their ecology and the history of our relationship with the world around us.
Download or read book Insight Guides Mauritius R union Seychelles Travel Guide eBook written by Insight Guides and published by Apa Publications (UK) Limited. This book was released on 2019-05-01 with total page 931 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Insight Guides: all you need to inspire every step of your journey. From deciding when to go, to choosing what to see when you arrive, this is all you need to plan your trip and experience the best of Mauritius, Réunion & Seychelles, with in-depth insider information on must-see, top attractions like the volcano of Piton de la Fournaise, Réunion; Anse Lazio beach in the Seychelles and Black River Gorges National Park, Mauritius, as well as hidden cultural gems like the Musée de Villèle, Réunion, and the Vieux Grand Port of Mauritius. · Insight Guide Mauritius, Réunion & Seychelles is ideal for travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences, from exploring nature reserves and botanical gardens, to discovering some of the best beaches in the world · In-depth on history and culture: enjoy special features on the cuisine of the Mascarens, the underwater world of the Seychelles and the volcanic habitats of Réunion, all written by local experts · Invaluable maps, travel tips and practical information ensure effortless planning, and encourage venturing off the beaten track · Inspirational colour photography throughout - Insight Guides is a pioneer of full-colour guide books · Inventive design makes for an engaging, easy reading experience About Insight Guides: Insight Guides is a pioneer of full-colour guide books, with almost 50 years' experience of publishing high-quality, visual travel guides with user-friendly, modern design. We produce around 400 full-colour print guide books and maps, as well as phrase books, picture-packed eBooks and apps to meet different travellers' needs. Insight Guides' unique combination of beautiful travel photography and focus on history and culture create a unique visual reference and planning tool to inspire your next adventure.
Download or read book Rewild the World at Bedtime written by Emily Hawkins and published by Wide Eyed Editions. This book was released on 2024-03-05 with total page 98 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A beautiful keepsake collection of calming wildlife stories to read at bedtime. Learn all about the projects that are rewilding the world with animals and saving our environment. More than 40,000 unique species are currently threatened with extinction. From Colombia to Indonesia, and everywhere in between, animals are facing environmental changes caused by human activity. It’s never been a better time to teach kids all about the power of conservation. This enchanting read soothes little ones with 20 bedtime stories about rewilding projects from across the globe that are bringing animals back to the wild. And when these animals are rewilded, nature starts to heal itself, giving us all hope for a brighter future ahead. The animals re-introduced to the wild include: The plucky Eurasian beaver, reintroduced to a river in the UK The magnificent tiger, saved with animal dung stoves in Nepal The peaceful water buffalo, donated to a Ukrainian restoration project The adorable lynx, released from captivity in the Iberian Peninsula The majestic humpback whale, banned from being hunted and now increasing in numbers along Australia’s coastline These inspirational stories show how animals contribute to ecosystems and make positive impacts around the world. This soothing illustrated book makes learning about the environment engaging and fun. It supports a healthy curiosity and interest in animals and the natural world, and its positive, hopeful message makes it perfect for children at bedtime. The perfect gift for Easter, Earth Day, or simply as a touching gesture for springtime.
Download or read book The Rough Guide to Mauritius written by Rough Guides and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2015-03-02 with total page 174 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Rough Guide to Mauritius includes Port Louis, the northern islands, Black River Gorges National Park, Mahébourg, Blue Bay, Île aux Aigrettes, Le Morne Peninsula, and Rodrigues. The Rough Guide to Mauritius is the ultimate travel guide to this idyllic tropical island. It leads you through the country with reliable information and insightful coverage of all the main attractions, from the bustling capital of S.t Louis and its photogenic historic counterpart, Mahébourg, to the famed beaches of the north and forested slopes of Black River Gorges National Park. Detailed maps and up-to-date listings pinpoint the best cafés, restaurants, hotels, shops, bars and nightlife, ensuring you make the most of your trip. Packed with pre-departure advice, and practical tips, the Basics section contains all the information you need to travel around Mauritius, including transportation, accommodation, food, drink, costs and health, while Contexts fills you in on history, beliefs, and music and includes a handy Language section. Full coverage: Port Louis, Turtle Bay, Trou aux Biches, Grand Baie, Grand Gaube, the northern islands, Pamplemousses, Trou d'Eau Douce, Île aux Cerfs, the Bambous Mountains, Vieux Grand Port, Tamarin Falls, Curepipe, Le Pouce and the Moka Mountains, the Black River Gorges National Park, Mahébourg, Blue Bay and Pointe d'Esny, Île aux Aigrettes, La Vanille Réserve des Mascareignes, Souillac, Bel Ombre, Flic en Flac, Tamarin, Chamarel, La Gaulette, Le Morne Peninsula and Rodrigues and its offshore islands.
Download or read book The Song of the Dodo written by David Quammen and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2011-03-15 with total page 706 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Compulsively readable—a masterpiece, maybe the masterpiece of science journalism.” —Bill McKibben, Audubon A brilliant, stirring work, breathtaking in its scope and far-reaching in its message, The Song of the Dodo is a crucial book in precarious times. Through personal observation, scientific theory, and history, David Quammen examines the mysteries of evolution and extinction and radically alters our understanding of the natural world and our place within it. In this landmark of science writing, we learn how the isolation of islands makes them natural laboratories of evolutionary extravagance, as seen in the dragons of Komodo, the elephant birds of Madagascar, the giant tortoises of the Galapagos. But the dark message of island studies is that isolated ecosystems, whether natural or human-made, are also hotbeds of extinction. And as the world’s landscapes, from Tasmania to the Amazon to Yellowstone, are carved into pieces by human activity, the implications of this knowledge are more urgent than ever. An unforgettable scientific adventure, a fascinating account of an eight-year journey of discovery, and a wake-up call for our time, David Quammen’s The Song of the Dodo is an exquisitely written book that takes the reader on a globe-circling tour of wild places and extraordinary ideas.
Download or read book The Evolution of Gerald Durrell written by Mary Sanders Pollock and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2024-05-30 with total page 246 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In The Evolution of Gerald Durrell: A Naturalist's Critical Biography, Mary Sanders Pollock revisits the life and work of Gerald Durrell, one of the most significant environmentalist figures of the 20th century. This new biography tracks Durrell's evolution from a free-range childhood on Corfu through his time in Africa, South America, and the islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Durrell's early work is described in his numerous travel narratives, but his conservation activities culminated in “the stationary ark,” a conservation zoo on the Isle of Jersey which still plays an important role in global wildlife conservation efforts. This biography situates Durrell's writing, collecting, and conservation practices within the frameworks of animal studies, conservation biology, and postcolonial history. Familiarizing readers with the broad range of his cultural impact, from The Corfu Trilogy to his BBC television specials, Pollock shows how Durrell's approach offers models for how life on earth is to thrive and survive: scientists must make greater efforts to touch hearts and minds, and cultural workers must communicate more about science and the perilous existence of other species.
Download or read book Wilder written by Millie Kerr and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2022-08-18 with total page 369 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A global rewilding journey, exploring innovative and eye-opening projects led by passionate conservationists. Rewilding is a radical new approach to wildlife conservation that offers remarkable potential. If conservation seeks to preserve what remains and stave off further decline, rewilding goes further, seeking to restore entire ecosystems. It involves a spectrum of conservation options; at one end is a 'passive' approach prioritising ecological restoration – in essence, leaving land to recover naturally. At the other is what might be termed 'active' rewilding, where habitats are actively restored and keystone species reintroduced to quicken the process of recovery. The stakes are high in active rewilding. Large mammal translocations and wildlife corridors running through densely populated areas are high-risk, high-reward initiatives. In this timely and exciting contribution to a wider conversation about our relationship with the natural world, wildlife journalist Millie Kerr takes readers on a global journey of discovery. She considers the practicalities and possibilities of ecological restoration around the world, while exploring first-hand some of the most ambitious undertakings occurring today, many of which involve species reintroductions in the Global South. Wilder details the return of jaguars to an Argentinian national park, the first-ever pangolin reintroduction project in South Africa, and the ways in which giant tortoises are aiding the recovery of ecosystems throughout the Galápagos Islands, among many others. At an urgent moment in the international fight against biodiversity loss, Wilder's message is one of innovation and optimism. By focusing on conservation success stories and showing that there are bands of determined conservationists fighting for a better future, Wilder inspires us all to become part of the solution.
Download or read book A Zoo in My Luggage written by Gerald Durrell and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2005-06-28 with total page 209 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Fans of Gerald Durrell’s timeless classic My Family and Other Animals, the inspiration for The Durrells in Corfu on Masterpiece PBS, will love this hilarious tale, which finds the author as an adult still charmed by his beloved animals. A Zoo in My Luggage begins with an account of Durrell’s third trip to the British Cameroons in West Africa, during which he and his wife capture animals to start their own zoo. Returning to England with a few additions to their family—Cholmondeley the chimpanzee, Bug-eye the bush baby, and others—they have nowhere to put them as they haven’t yet secured a place for their zoo. Durrell’s account of how he manages his menagerie in all sorts of places throughout England while finding a permanent home for the animals provides as much adventure as capturing them. For animal lovers of all ages, A Zoo in My Luggage is the romping true story of the boy who grew up to make a Noah’s Ark of his own.