Natural History of the Islands of California / Edition 1

by Allan A. Schoenherr, C. Robert Feldmeth, Michael J. Emerson, David Mooney

Overview

Islands have always been fascinating places, their separateness evoking a sense of mystery and inspiring a yearning for exploration. California's islands are unique evolutionary laboratories, places where plants and animals have grown and interacted in isolation for millions of years. This comprehensive book discusses both the human and the natural history of the islands of California, including all eight Channel Islands, Año Nuevo, the Farallons, and the islands of San Francisco Bay. It is also useful as a field guide for visitors, and details on reaching the islands are contained in the first chapter.

The authors explore the formation of the islands; discuss the history of human habitation, beginning with the Native Americans who first visited the islands 12,000 years ago; and provide a thorough introduction to the marine and terrestrial biotas of the islands. The authors also discuss past damage and ongoing threats to island ecosystems, including devastation caused by the introduction of non-native animals and plants. Large herbivorous animals in particular have caused considerable damage, since island plants evolved in the absence of herbivores and therefore have no defenses against them.

At present all of California's islands are managed by conservancies and public agencies such as the National Park Service and State Park system, and various environmental organizations are working with them to return the islands to their original condition.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780520239180
Publisher:	University of California Press
Publication date:	07/10/2003
Series:	California Natural History Guides , #61
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	502
Sales rank:	1,043,957
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Allan A. Schoenherr is Professor of Ecology at Fullerton College and author of A Natural History of California (California, 1992). C. Robert Feldmeth was Professor of Biology at The Claremont Colleges until his death in 1994. Michael J. Emerson (1954-1989) studied with Robert Feldmeth and wrote his master's thesis on the Channel Islands. David Mooney is a San Diego artist specializing in wildlife art and illustration.

Table of Contents

Preface 
Acknowledgments 
INTRODUCTION 
1 ISLAND ECOLOGY AND BIOGEOGRAPHY 
2 GEOLOGICAL HISTORY OF THE ISLANDS 
3 EARLY HUMAN POPULATIONS ON THE CALIFORNIA ISLANDS 
4 MARINE LIFE 
5 SANTA CATALINA ISLAND 
6 THE NORTHERN CHANNEL ISLANDS 
7 THE OUTER SOUTHERN CHANNEL ISLANDS:SAN CLEMENTE, SAN NICOLAS, AND SANTA BARBARA 
8 AÑO NUEVO ISLAND 
9 THE FARALLON ISLANDS 
10 THE ISLANDS OF SAN FRANCISCO BAY 
EPILOGUE 
Selected References 
Index 

Editorial Reviews

My favorite field guides are actually works of natural history, published by the University of California Press. As if to compensate for their bulk and weight, the titles in the California Natural History Guides offer an abundance of illuminating information about what can be glimpsed from the paths and trails of our state parks. [Natural History of the Islands of California] is a kind of homage to its original authors-and, thanks to its sweep and grandeur, its detail and practicality, a magnificent one.

LA Times

This wonderfully illustrated book is an extraordinary guide for visitors to these islands and a fascinating work of natural history for those limited to an armchair view.

Audubon Magazine

An excellent book.

Orange County Register