Download or read book The Desert Islands of Mexico s Sea of Cortez written by Stewart Aitchison and published by University of Arizona Press. This book was released on 2021-11-23 with total page 120 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The desert islands in the Sea of Cortez are little known except to a few intrepid tourists, sailors, and fishermen. Though at first glance these stark islands may appear barren, they are a refuge for an astounding variety of plants and animals. While many of the species are typical of the greater Sonoran Desert region, some are endemic or unique to one or two islands. For example, Isla Santa Catalina is home to the world’s only rattlesnake that has lost its ability to grow a rattle. Other islands host nesting birds, such as Isla Rasa, a tiny, flat flow of basalt lava that attracts nearly half a million elegant and royal terns and Heermann’s gulls each spring. The Desert Islands of Mexico’s Sea of Cortez is one of the few books devoted to the biogeography of this remarkable part of the world. The book explores the geologic origin of the gulf and its islands, presents some of the basics of island biogeography, details insular life—including residents of the intertidal zone —and provides a brief outlook for preserving this area. More than a simple guidebook, Aitchison’s writing will take both actual and armchair travelers through a gripping tale of natural history. Like the rest of our fragile planet, the Sea of Cortez and its islands are threatened by humans. Overfishing has eliminated or greatly diminished many fish stocks, and dams on rivers that once flowed into the gulf prevent certain nutrients from reaching the sea. The tenuousness of this area makes the book’s extraordinary photographs and the firsthand descriptions by a well-known teacher, writer, and photographer all the more compelling.
Download or read book Diving and Snorkeling Baja California s Sea of Cortez written by Susan Speck and published by AuthorHouse. This book was released on 2006-11 with total page 93 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: -91 dive sites described in detail - Depth range and conditions of the sites - Full color photos throughout - Marine life descriptions and behavior - Getting there; driving and flying - Dive facilities - Accommodations; hotels and campsites - Launch ramps - Easy to read Maps - History of the areas This book is the most complete and user friendly guide to diving and snorkeling along Baja California's Sea of Cortez. Covering the terrain and marine life of 91 of Baja's best dive sites, some of them little known, are described in detail. They include sites throughout the offshore islands along Baja's peninsula and also shore diving along its coastline. Whether you are a serious diver or a holiday snorkeler, Diving and Snorkeling the Sea of Cortez will prove an invaluable reference book. The 1000 mile Sea of Cortez hugs the Baja peninsula. Known for its desolate offshore islands and incredible marine life, it lures divers and snorkelers from all over the world. This great sea along with the Revillagigedos give divers chance encounters with the giant manta rays, hammerhead sharks, playful sea lions, wrecks and marine life endemic only to the Sea of Cortez. Accommodations along this great stretch of land range from luxury resorts to campsites with huge stretches of sparkling deserted beaches and unspoiled reefs. The Sea of Cortez is unique. It is a place where once you visit; you know you'll be back. -REVISED SECOND EDITION-
Download or read book Telling Our Way to the Sea written by Aaron Hirsh and published by Macmillan + ORM. This book was released on 2013-08-06 with total page 401 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A luminous and revelatory journey into the science of life and the depths of the human experience By turns epic and intimate, Telling Our Way to the Sea is both a staggering revelation of unraveling ecosystems and a profound meditation on our changing relationships with nature—and with one another. When the biologists Aaron Hirsh and Veronica Volny, along with their friend Graham Burnett, a historian of science, lead twelve college students to a remote fishing village on the Sea of Cortez, they come upon a bay of dazzling beauty and richness. But as the group pursues various threads of investigation—ecological and evolutionary studies of the sea, the desert, and their various species of animals and plants; the stories of local villagers; the journals of conquistadors and explorers—they recognize that the bay, spectacular and pristine though it seems, is but a ghost of what it once was. Life in the Sea of Cortez, they realize, has been reshaped by complex human ideas and decisions—the laws and economics of fishing, property, and water; the dreams of developers and the fantasies of tourists seeking the wild; even efforts to retrieve species from the brink of extinction—all of which have caused dramatic upheavals in the ecosystem. It is a painful realization, but the students discover a way forward. After weathering a hurricane and encountering a rare whale in its wake, they come to see that the bay's best chance of recovery may in fact reside in our own human stories, which can weave a compelling memory of the place. Glimpsing the intricate and ever-shifting web of human connections with the Sea of Cortez, the students comprehend anew their own place in the natural world—suspended between past and future, teetering between abundance and loss. The redemption in their difficult realization is that as they find their places in a profoundly altered environment, they also recognize their roles in the path ahead, and ultimately come to see one another, and themselves, in a new light. In Telling Our Way to the Sea, Hirsh's voice resounds with compassionate humanity, capturing the complex beauty of both the marine world he explores and the people he explores it with. Vibrantly alive with sensitivity and nuance, Telling Our Way to the Sea transcends its genre to become literature.
Download or read book A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert written by Steven J. Phillips and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 2000 with total page 676 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert provides the most complete collection of Sonoran Desert natural history information ever compiled and is a perfect introduction to this biologically rich desert of North America."--BOOK JACKET.
Download or read book Island Biogeography in the Sea of Cort z written by Ted J. Case and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 1983-01-01 with total page 536 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Amphibians and Reptiles of Baja California Including Its Pacific Islands and the Islands in the Sea of Cort s written by L. Lee Grismer and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 2002-09-16 with total page 416 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Baja California peninsula is home to many forms of life found nowhere else on earth. This, combined with the peninsula's rugged and inaccessible terrain, has made the area one of the last true biological frontiers of North America. L. Lee Grismer is not only the foremost authority on the amphibians and reptiles of Baja California, but also an outstanding photographer. He has produced the most comprehensive work on the herpetofauna of the peninsula and its islands ever published. With its stunning color images, detailed accounts of many little-known species, and descriptions of the region's diverse environment, this is the definitive guide to the amphibians and reptiles of a fascinating and remote region. The culmination of Grismer's quarter century of fieldwork on the Baja peninsula and his exploration of more than one hundred of its islands in the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortés, this book gives information on the identification, distribution, natural history, and taxonomy of each species of amphibian and reptile found there. Preliminary accounts of the life history of many of the salamanders, frogs, toads, turtles, lizards, and snakes are reported here for the first time, and several species that were almost unknown to science are illustrated in full color. The book also contains new data on species distribution and on the effect of the isolated landscape of the peninsula and its islands on the evolutionary process. Much of the information gathered here is presented in biogeographical overviews that consider the extremely varied environments of Baja California in both a contemporary and a historical framework. An original and important contribution to science, this book will generate further research for years to come as it becomes a benchmark reference for both professionals and amateurs.
Download or read book The Gulf of California written by Richard C. Brusca and published by University of Arizona Press. This book was released on 2010-04-15 with total page 384 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Few places in the world can claim such a diversity of species as the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), with its 6,000 recorded animal species estimated to be half the number actually living in its waters. So rich are the Gulf's water that over a half-million tons of seafood are taken from them annuallyÑand this figure does not count the wasted by-catch, which would triple or quadruple that tonnage. This timely book provides a benchmark for understanding the Gulf's extraordinary diversity, how it is threatened, and in what ways it isÑor should beÑprotected. In spite of its dazzling richness, most of the Gulf's coastline now harbors but a pale shadow of the diversity that existed just a half-century ago. Recommendations based on sound, careful science must guide Mexico in moving forward to protect the Gulf of California. This edited volume contains contributions by twenty-four Gulf of California experts, from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. From the origins of the Gulf to its physical and chemical characteristics, from urgently needed conservation alternatives for fisheries and the entire Gulf ecosystem to information about its invertebrates, fishes, cetaceans, and sea turtles, this thought-provoking book provides new insights and clear paths to achieve sustainable use solidly based on robust science. The interdisciplinary, international cooperation involved in creating this much-needed collection provides a model for achieving success in answering critically important questions about a precious but rapidly disappearing ecological treasure.
Download or read book Plant Life of a Desert Archipelago written by Richard Stephen Felger and published by University of Arizona Press. This book was released on 2013-01-31 with total page 623 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The desert islands of the Gulf of California are among the world's best-preserved archipelagos. The diverse and unique flora, from the cardón forests of Cholludo to the agave-dominated slopes of San Esteban remain much as they were centuries ago, when the Comcaac (Seri people) were the only human presence in the region. Almost 400 plant species exist here, with each island manifesting a unique composition of vegetation and flora. For thousands of years, climatic and biological forces have sculpted a set of unparalleled desert worlds. Plant Life of a Desert Archipelago is the first in-depth coverage of the plants on islands in the Gulf of California found in between the coasts of Baja California and Sonora. The work is the culmination of decades of study by botanist Richard Felger and recent investigations by Benjamin Wilder, in collaboration with Sr. Humberto Romero-Morales, one of the most knowledgeable Seris concerning the region's flora. Their collective effort weaves together careful and accurate botanical science with the rich cultural and stunning physical setting of this island realm. The researchers surveyed, collected, and studied thousands of plants—seen here in meticulous illustrations and stunning color photographs—providing the most precise species accounts of the islands ever made. To access remote parts of the islands the authors worked directly with the Comcaac, an indigenous community who have lived off marine and terrestrial life in this coastal desert region for centuries. Invaluable information regarding indigenous names and distributions are an intrinsic part of this work. The flora descriptions are extraordinarily detailed and painstakingly crafted for field biologists. Conservationists, students, and others who are interested in learning about the natural wealth of the Gulf of California, desert regions, or islands in general are sure to be captivated by this rich and fascinating volume.
Download or read book A New Island Biogeography of the Sea of Cort es written by Ted J. Case and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2002-11-21 with total page 690 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This updated and expanded A New Island Biogeography of the Sea of Cort'es, first published nearly 20 years ago, integrates new and broader studies encompassing more taxa and more complete island coverage. The present synthesis provides a basis for further research and exploration in upcoming years of the biologically fascinating Sea of Cort'es region. The Gulf region is increasingly being exploited, for its natural resources by way of marine fisheries, and for its stunning natural beauty by way of a burgeoning tourism industry. Further, the region's human population is increasing apace. It is appropriate, therefore, that this volume discusses these evolving circumstances, and the efforts of the Mexican government to regulate and manage them. The new Biogeography includes a section on the conservation issues in the Sea of Cort'es, past accomplishments and conservation needs as yet outstanding. This book should be of strong interest to conservation biologists, ecologists, and evolutionary biologists more generally.
Download or read book Baja Legends written by Greg Niemann and published by Sunbelt Publications, Inc.. This book was released on 2002 with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The author of Baja Fever shares his extensive knowledge of the peninsula, its colorful past and booming present, in this fascinating reference book. History, lore, and amazing stories make it a "must-have" for Bajaphiles as well as armchair travelers.
Download or read book Epic Journeys written by National Geographic and published by National Geographic. This book was released on 2019 with total page 420 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With more than 300 vivid photographs, this inspirational guide reveals the planet's best destinations for hikers, skiers, divers, rafters, and more. Combining adventure with cultural experiences, this one-of-a-kind collection leads readers to new heights of exploration.
Download or read book Todos Santos and Baja Bcs Mexico written by John P. Cross and published by iUniverse. This book was released on 2017-09-12 with total page 73 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Todos Santos is a tiny coastal town at the foothills of the mountains on Mexicos Baja California Peninsula that is encircled by the Pacific Ocean on the west and Mar de Cortez on the east. Embraced by an artistic community, Todos Santos offers discoveries at the end of each road, a rich history, and exquisite natural beauty. In a comprehensive travel guide, seasoned traveler John P. Cross shares personal experiences while delving deep into the history and culture of Mexico in order to provide both intrepid and novice travelers with inspiration to seek adventure inside the borders of an inviting country known for its friendly residents and gorgeous scenery. Cross offers a plethora of information regarding Todos Santos and the Peninsula that include a planning and packing guide, a Spanish travel dictionary, a list of hotels and restaurants in a variety of price ranges, budget tips, and helpful hints on where to bird watch, whale watch, and observe the release of ocean turtles. Through it all, Cross encourages travelers to follow their dreams and find adventures that create lasting memories. Todos Santos and Baja BCS Mexico shares advice and tips that will help travelers adhere to a budget and find adventure while exploring one of Mexicos most inviting areas. This book shows you exotic world travel is possible for everyone if you plan and budget carefully. Ted Jenkins, CEO of Oxygen Financial, Atlanta, GA
Download or read book 438 Days written by Jonathan Franklin and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2015-11-17 with total page 288 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The miraculous account of the man who survived alone and adrift at sea longer than anyone in recorded history. For fourteen months, Alvarenga survived constant shark attacks. He learned to catch fish with his bare hands. He built a fish net from a pair of empty plastic bottles. Taking apart the outboard motor, he fashioned a huge fishhook. Using fish vertebrae as needles, he stitched together his own clothes. Based on dozens of hours of interviews with Alvarenga and interviews with his colleagues, search and rescue officials, the medical team that saved his life and the remote islanders who nursed him back to health, this is an epic tale of survival. Print run 75,000.
Download or read book Off Trail Adventures in Baja California written by Markes E. Johnson and published by University of Arizona Press. This book was released on 2014-03-13 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Off-Trail Adventures in Baja California describes--and maps and illustrates--nine hikes on islands, along coastal outcrops, and other special places where geography, geology, and ecology meet in singular ways"--Provided by publisher.
Download or read book Sailing Wondertime A Family Voyage from Seattle to New Zealand written by Sara Dawn Johnson and published by Sara Dawn Johnson. This book was released on 2018-05-31 with total page 317 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "People have told us how lucky we are, to get to sail far away. My typical response is to say luck has little to do with it, that we've worked so very hard, made many difficult decisions, and given up so much for so many years to get to this place on the Earth. But on nights like this, under a sky full of stars and our spinnaker full of warm trade wind pulling us deeper into the South Pacific Ocean, I see how very lucky we truly are to be here together." In 2011, the Johnson family of four left their comfortable home in the Pacific Northwest, trading it in for a life of unpredictability, adventure, and joy aboard their 38-foot sailboat, Wondertime. With their two young daughters, Sara and Michael sailed north to Canada, south to Mexico, then west across the Pacific, eventually landing in New Zealand. All along the way, Sara kept an online journal of their travels and trials, her stories followed by hundreds of friends and family members. Now, the best of her stories, essays, and voyage logs are collected in this freshly-edited volume for all to enjoy. Much more than a typical travel log, this is the story of a family's journey into uncertainty, and coming out on the other side knowing that the only thing that's truly certain is the importance of treasuring time with the ones you love.
Download or read book People of the Desert and Sea written by Richard Stephen Felger and published by . This book was released on 1991 with total page 438 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Singing the Turtles to Sea written by Gary Paul Nabhan and published by Univ of California Press. This book was released on 2003-06-26 with total page 362 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Through stories, songs, photographs, illustrations of Comcaac arts, and discussions of Sonoran ecology, Nabhan demonstrates the irreplaceable value of this knowledge for us today.".
