Synopses & Reviews
This book is a major publication on the natural history of southern New Zealand making, up-to-date, scientific information available to a general audience in an acessible way. With color illustrations, maps, and diagrams The Natural History of Southern New Zealand covers the area south of the Waitaki River on the east coast, and Haast on the west coast, including Stewart Island but not the sub-antarctic islands. It focuses on exploration and conservation of the biodiversity of the region. The chapters cover: geology, geomorphology, fossils, climate, vegetational history, humans and ecosystems, forest and shrublands, tussock grasslands and mountains, inland waters and wetlands, the coast, open seas, and conservation issues.
Synopsis
In this major work, published in association with the Otago museum, scientists from Southern New Zealand guide the reader through their home region, combining hundreds of years of collective expertise and research. Profusely illustrated in color, the book considers geology, landforms, fossils, climate, biogeography, environmental change and the impact of human beings, before taking the reader through a series of habitat-based chapters. Forests and shrublands, tussock grasslands and mountainlands, inland waters and wetlands, the coast and the open sea are explored. The closing chapter looks at conservation issues. Illustrations include photographs, satellite images, paintings and drawings, as well as diagrams.
Synopsis
Bringing together this environment and the scientists who study it, The Natural History of Southern New Zealand is a major new book published by Otago University Press in association with the Otago Museum. Fifty-three authors, most from scientific disciplines and leaders in their specialist fields, combine hundreds of years of collective expertise and research to describe the nature of the region in thirteen chapters.
About the Author
John Darby is a retired Assistant Director, Otago Museum. Ewan R. Fordyce is an Associate Professor in Geology, University of Otago. Alan Mark is an Emeritus Professor of Botany, University of Otago. Keith Probert lectures in Marine Science, University of Otago. Colin Townsend is Professor of Zoology, University of Otago.