A Photographic Guide to Mammals of New Zealand delves into a fascinating field of New Zealand's natural history. In prehistory, only a few bats, marine mammals and odd quadrupeds constituted our local land-breeding mammals; but today these have been joined by a throng of colonisers. These include several carnivores, rodents, and hoofed mammals from Europe and North America, as well as a few marsupials from Australia. Many are unwelcome: some have decimated native bird and reptile populations, while others attack the bush: but all are now here to stay and are worthy of study for their interesting habits and ecological impact. In addition to these land mammals are more than two dozen native species of marine mammal, including seals, dolphins and whales. This account from one of New Zealand's premier mammalogists fills a gap in the market.

From the Kermadecs to Campbell Island, beloved endemics to passing vagrants, albatrosses and shearwaters to kiwi and kaka, Birds of New Zealand is the ultimate guide to this countrys extraordinary avian life. It is illustrated with almost 1000 new photographs and uses the latest information from birders and biologists to draw a definitive introduction to bird identification and behaviour. Includes expert information on the 345 bird species found in New Zealand; key identification characteristics and variation by age and sex; authoritative texts covering behaviour, distribution and taxonomy; and Maori, English and scientific names. A copy of this must-have guide belongs in every bach and backpack. The author of Albatrosses, Petrels and Shearwaters of the World, Paul Scofield is a leading New Zealand ornithologist. Brent Stephenson is a New Zealand bird photographer and tour leader.

A portable, photo-packed guide for all visitors to the country. New Zealand's dramatic scenery is home to some equally dramatic wildlife, featuring a host of endemics found nowhere else in the world. From giant wetas and the ancient Tuatara to a suite of beautiful birds, including flightless wonders such as the Kiwi and Kakapo, these animals help make New Zealand one of the world's greatest wildlife-tourism destinations. Although there have been severe losses due to introduced predators, the country has a fiercely determined conservation sector, and the future looks bright. This fully revised and updated second edition of Julian Fitter's classic photographic field guide illustrates most of the vertebrate species to be found on the islands, there, as well as a large number of typical invertebrates and flora, with the photography accompanied by concise species texts. Reader-friendly and portable yet covering everything the visitor is likely to see, this book is an invaluable companion for anyone visiting these biodiverse Pacific islands.

A portable guide on the mammals of Sri Lanka A compact, easy-to-use mammal identification guide for any nature watcher on a visit to Sri Lanka. More than 40 species are described here in detail, from the Grey Slender Loris to the Giant Squirrel and the Fishing Cat. All of these animals are clearly illustrated in a collection of specially commissioned colour photographs. With more than 130 full-colour photographs, a regional distribution map and handy tips on the best localities for spotting animals. Illustrated with clear colour photography and brief but authoritative descriptions the Pocket Photo Guides highlight the species of animals from each region that the traveller is most likely to see, as well as those that are truly endemic (only to be seen in that country or region) or special rarities. The genuine pocket size allow the books to be carried around on trips and excursions and will take up minimal rucksack and suitcase space.

"This new guide to the spiders of New Zealand introduces over 90 species, focusing on the more commonplace introduced spiders but also featuring some of our rare native species. It gives details on their taxonomy, geographical origins, range and preferred habitat, plus special notes on behaviour, life cycle or diet"--Publisher information.

-- Distinctive thumbnail tabs outlining each family group to enable quick identification -- Compact, easy-to-use format, the ideal pocketsize travelling companion -- Authoritative text describing key identification features -- Full-color photographs illustrating key species

" New Zealand is home to an amazing and distinctive flora and fauna, most of it found only in this country. This fully revised field guide covers most of the birds, mammals and reptiles that you are likely to see, as well as a good selection of invertebrates and a large numbers of trees, shrubs and other plants" -- provided by publisher.