Amazon.com
Oh, to go on safari in Africa. Nolting can't assure you vacation time or airfare, but he's done his part with the definitive guide to viewing wildlife in Africa. He covers driving, flying and walking safaris, elephant-back, balloon, and canoe safaris, photo safaris, game drives, and bird-watching safaris. He tells where to see elephants and when the tree leaves won't obscure your view. Helpful even if only to flesh out your safari daydreams, it's an impressively straightforward, informational, necessary item to choose, prepare, and actually go on safari.
Book Description
Starting from scratch, Africa's Top Wildlife Countries answers such questions as: What safari options are available? What countries offer the kind of experience I am seeking? When is the best time to go? Covering Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Burundi, Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Rwanda, Swaziland, Mauritius, and the Seychelles Islands, this is a complete guide for anyone planning a trip to Africa. Its user-friendly format makes planning a safari easy by highlighting and comparing wildlife reserves, depicting and describing types of accommodations and other major attractions. Jam-packed with information essential for the successful safari, this edition has been completely revised, and includes over 50 maps detailing countries and major wildlife reserves (including a new two-page Eco-Map depicting the primary vegetation zones, country, and park locations), 32 pages of color photographs, more than 125 black and white photos, 11 charts, and numerous illustrations. "A must for all safari goers traveling in any part of Africa." -- R. Michael Wright, President, African Wildlife Foundation
Customer Reviews:
book review.......2007-06-25
Great book. Only resource that we could find that covered all of Africa for determining where and when to go on safari in Africa. If you are trying to determine what country and the best time to go look no further than this book.
A must read for those going to Africa.......2006-11-03
A good review of the various wildlife camps, lodges in Africa as well as highlights of each of the major National Parks and Game Reserves. It included quite reliable descriptions of camps based upon the many we visited. It is a much better purchase than similar books we looked at in terms of useful information.
Useful when planning a packaged tour.......2005-06-12
We found this book helpful to plan our luxury independent travel African safari trip for four. Although we would have liked more practical information on Internet sites and hotels, it had plenty of information on weather, facilities, shopping suggestions and maps for most of the game viewing countries. The Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa sections were the largest.
Dreaming of Romantic Safaris in Africa.......2003-09-19
"One morning I just woke up and realized I wanted to travel around the world. And I decided, if I don't go, I'll always regret it, and if I don't go now, I never will." ~Mark Nolting
After traveling all over the world, Mark Nolting decided to return to Africa and travel from Cairo to Cape Town. He has been researching travel on the African continent for over 25 years and has even climbed to Uhuru Peak on Mt. Kilimanjaro.
To get the most out of any trip overseas, a travel book is essential. It is even more important when traveling in Africa, since a safari can be rather expensive. Especially if you want to stay in private lodges with swimming pools.
Do you want a private safari or would you rather travel with a group? Are you looking for gourmet European cuisine, local dishes or just wholesome fare? Are you looking for a romantic trip while staying in luxury tented camps or do you want to stay at a five-star lodge like Singita near Kruger National Park in South Africa.
In this new edition there are over 50 maps, helpful charts and over 32 pages of color photographs.
You will discover:
Where and when to see the best wildlife.
Where to enjoy boat safaris, night drives, hot-air balloon safaris, horeseback safaris, walking safaris, photo safaris and even canoe safaris.
The rainfall and temperature for different regions throughout the year
What to wear - very important to get a pair of earth-colored boots and a high-quality pair of binoculars.
Each chapter has a map of the area and a "facts at a glance" section. You will find information on the size of the country, population, capitals and official languages. Detailed information of each country is followed by information on the accommodations which range from deluxe to tourist class. There are pictures so you know what to expect. If you are looking for fields of flowers, you might want to head to Namaqualand from August to September. If you are looking for a dreamy tour along one of the most beautiful drives in Africa, you might choose the "Garden Route." You can stay in huge resorts or find isolation in a game reserve.
Once you decide what you want and where you want to stay, you can look up further information and plan a safari with The African Adventure Company.
The author dispels myths about travel in Africa and says one of the safest places in the world has to be in the African bush. You can also go to Africa for the mountain climbing, fishing, star gazing, scuba diving, snorkeling, whale watching and even white-water rafting.
You will find information on Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia, Malawi, Swaziland, Lesotho, Seychelles and Mauritius.
Additional features include information on the Latin/Scientific names of Mammals & Reptiles, Suggested Reading Lists, Places and People Index, Animal and Plant Index, List of Maps, List of Charts and a List of Animal Profiles.
Mark Nolting is also the author of "African Safari Journal." He gives you all the secrets for enjoying your trip all the more. If you are looking for luxury, you might not want to make the mistake of booking a "full participation mobile tented camp safari." If you are honeymooning, your trip could turn into the ultimate Out of Africa experience complete with eating outdoors. I was impressed with the pictures of "Dining on a deck at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge."
After living in South Africa for 12 years, I can tell you Africa is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Everyone seems to speak at least three or four languages and everyone seems to speak English and Afrikaans. The food is also incredible with added variety and exotic flavors like guava and granadilla.
Being a "cat lover" at heart, we used to visit the game parks just to see the lions. This book brought back many memories and even the "memory" scent of the ocean. The areas around the South Coast (Coastal Forest) and Cape Town (Heathland) were our favorite holiday escapes from the area around Johannesburg, which is a Grassland (veld). A part of my heart will always be watching sunsets from the deck of a house at Cyara in Hekpoort, South Africa near the Magaliesberg Mountains where the Jacaranda trees burst with lilac blossoms.
If you are dreaming of an adventure in Africa, this book will be essential. Mark Nolting has written a beautiful book based on his own exploration of Africa. He has also helped travelers plan the safari of a lifetime. After reading "Africa's Top Wildlife Countries," I'm convinced traveling with "The Africa Adventure Company" is the way to go! I was worried about traveling in Africa again, but after reading this book, I was very encouraged and have started dreaming of returning to my childhood home.
~TheRebeccaReview.com
Also look for the "African Safari Journal" to take with you on safari. It contains valuable information including a phrase book, safari diary, map directory, wildlife checklist and trip organizer. You can record the key events of your safari.
What You Need to Plan the Trip You'll Love!.......2003-08-29
Mr. Nolting correctly assumes that wildlife will be one reason to visit Africa. So he has organized his book so that you can find how when and where you can see wildlife under conditions that match what you want to know and experience. For example, inside the front cover you can cross-check a month and location to find out when it is best to see animals. Inside the back cover, you can check the frequency of animal viewing by animal type, location and month. On page 43, you can see what types of safari activities are available where (type of driving, walking, canoeing and boats. On pages 58-59, you can see what the temperature and rainfall are like in those months. Elsewhere, you can find out which sleeping and traveling arrangements are less expensive, and what you get for paying more. So, if you know what wildlife you want to see, you can narrow down your interests into a few locations and times of the year very quickly. Then, you can focus your reading on what the locales, accommodations, and experiences are like there. Although Mr. Nolting offers safari planning services, you could use his book to work with someone else . . . or to arrange your own trip.
Each wildlife locale is filled with information about the topography, weather, people, wildlife, and personal safety issues.
I especially liked how Mr. Nolting included descriptions of his own wildlife viewing experiences in the places where he has visited.
There's also lots of good information about accommodations, and explanations about the pros and cons of various types. You can have luxury there (for a luxury price), or you can rough it like you would on a camping trip in the U.S. for very little money (after the air fare is covered).
I found the general health information helpful too. Where is malaria a problem? Where do you need a yellow fever vaccination?
What if you don't want to go on safari? No problem! The book describes beach resorts, scuba diving choices and how to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
There's even a bit of history.
I was especially interested to learn about places I had not heard about before that are not crowded with tourists.
I have read guide books to many other wildlife destinations, and I found this one to be the best I have seen for completeness and ease of use. It made me feel confident that I could put together a wonderful trip to Africa. I'm going to start saving my pennies now.
After you read this book, I encourage you to also dip into the bibliography to read some of the more than 100 books that can help you develop more specialized knowledge about your areas of interest.
Enjoy your safari, even if it's just one you dream about!
Book Description
Oregon Washington
With southern British Columbia, western Idaho, and northern California
In this practical, informative, richly illustrated guide, National Geographic takes you to the best nature sites in the Pacific Northwest and tells you what you need to know -- about the landscape, plants, animals, activities, and recreation -- to experience them fully.
* Over 55 major sites, plus numerous smaller ones, grouped by bioregion, including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges; state parks; conservation areas and preserves; and wild and scenic rivers.
* Guided hikes and drives.
* Suggestions of where to hike, bike, camp, kayak, fish, see wildlife, and more.
* Detailed resource listings.
* 150 vivid, color photos and 25 detailed, full-color maps.
Book Description
Award-winning photographer David Muench captures the well-visited park icons that millions of Americans love and cherish as well as the lesser-known and seldom seen wilderness areas of the park?the untouched gems where few traveler's venture. Ruth Rudner's moving essay coupled with Muench's visual celebration of these great lands, brings to life everything from the Great Smokies to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, to Bryce Canyon and hundreds of other unique images.
Customer Reviews:
Master of landscape photography.......2006-04-13
Another stunning book of American Landscape!!
He never cease to amaze me after so many years.
Bob Kim
wonderful photos.......2006-03-24
After seeing these photos, I'm further inspired to visit all the national parks!
The essays were unnecessary and took space away from additional photos.
First class tribute to our parks.......2006-02-15
What a beautiful book! Covering all of our nation's National Parks, David Muench's photography is incredible. From the Great Sand Dunes to Canyonlands, from Carlsbad to Glacier, he's captured our nation's most beautiful land. Great quality book--I immediately wanted to hike up a mountain.
Book Description
A celebration in full colour of Madagascar's wildlife. Key parks and reserves, features on evolution, camouflage, wildlife at night, conservation, wildlife watching and photography.
Customer Reviews:
I Need Another!!.......2007-10-13
Fabulous, novice handbook! Great photographs with basic but very purposeful text. My only problem is the owner of the "hotel" in Andisibe, down the street from the main restaurant, enjoyed the book so much I felt compelled to give it to him as a gift!
Good but not grate.......2007-10-11
What it lacks is maps where to find each animal. Layout of the book is a little bit confusing (pictures are put on pages in chaotic manner) but otherwise a good book. It does what is supposed to: inform about different animals species, not only mammals. There is nothing better on the market right now.
Beautiful but Basic Overview.......2007-06-01
This book is certainly very pretty, with excellent photographs.
It is also thin and light-weight, and does cover a little bit of everything: habitats, recommended sites to visit, mammals, birds, reptiles and insects.
As such, it is an inspiring read, and probably the best single-volume book to carry for those who only have a superficial interest in Madagadcar's unique wildlife.
However, for more serious naturalists the information it offers is far too limited. Even mammals, the best detailed group, are only discussed down to genus level, neither mentioning nor illustrating all or even most species. Birds receive a token coverage of 10 pages, and reptiles fare little better.
Even the descriptions of nature reserves can be found in the more recent, excellent and complete field guides like the Mammals of Madagascar: A Complete Guide which actually tells you where to spot every single species separately, and the similarly brilliant Birds of the Indian Ocean Islands which not only covers all the birds of Madagascar, but those of neighbouring islands too, along with recommended birdwatching sites. Fans of herpetofauna should try and get hold of A Field Guide to the Amphibians & Reptiles of Madagascar.
If you buy any of the above field guides, you will find this book a waste of money - I did.
Very helpful.......2005-09-24
I am planning a trip to Madagascar and found this book a very helpful review of the various parks in the country. The photos are excellent and the discussion of the various mammals are readable but provide enough information to be interesting. This is not a technical book on either mammals or ecosystems, but is a good review of both. Perhaps I was looking for too much from this book, but I would have liked more maps and a bit more guidance on how to combine trips to different ecosystems in one trip. I combine it with the Lonely Planet and can cobble together the information, but it requires quite a bit of work. I also liked the sections on reptiles and insects - many books neglect the little creatures, which can be far more interesting than mammals in some ecosystems. Overall highly recommended.
Terrific!.......2004-08-02
Took this book along with me to Madagascar & was very glad I did. I was able to identify many lemur species I came upon throughout the country from the beautiful, close-up photographs in this book. The descriptive of each species is written in layman's terminology along with scientific names for the more biologically erudite. This really is a terrific book.
Amazon.com
In the early 1980s, working at the behest of the noted biologist George Schaller, Alan Rabinowitz traveled to the newly independent Central American nation of Belize to study jaguars, once extensive throughout the Americas, in a remote, densely forested part of that country. ("If the world had any ends, [Belize] would surely be one of them" Aldous Huxley once wrote.) There, deep within mountainous jungle, Rabinowitz conducted a thorough study of the jaguar's natural history, studying its diet (made up, he writes, of a surprising quantity of armadillos), movements, and territories, and learning the ways of the much-feared cat. He also learned a little something about himself--discovering, he writes, that "once I had overcome my initial fears of this dense, dark green world, I started to enjoy it."
Over his two-year stay, Rabinowitz developed plans to establish a forest sanctuary that would be free of the jaguar's principal enemies--not deadly fer-de-lance snakes or other large predators, but loggers, poachers, and cattle ranchers, all of whom had their reasons for wanting to see jaguars disappear from the region. Although he was successful in convincing the Belizean government to authorize the Cockscomb preserve, Rabinowitz writes in the afterword to this revised edition of Jaguar (first published in 1986), the jaguar haven came at a cost to Mayan people who lived in the area and were forced to relocate. His memoir will be of great interest not only to admirers of the jaguar, a magnificent animal by any measure, but also to students of international ecological issues. --Gregory McNamee
Book Description
In 1983, zoologist Alan Rabinowitz ventured into the rain forest of Belize, determined to study the little-known jaguar in its natural habitat and to establish the world's first jaguar preserve. Within two years, he had succeeded. In Jaguar he provides the only first-hand account of a scientist's experience with jaguars in the wild. Jaguar presents an irresistible blend of natural history and adventure; intensely personal, it is a portrait of an elusive, solitary predator and the Mayas with which it shares the jungle. Strong and sensitive, the book excitingly describes the rewards and hardships of fighting to protect this almost mythical cat." - George Schaller, author of The Last Panda and Wildlife of the Tibetan Stepp.
"The glimpse which Rabinowitz's painstaking and careful research gives us of the world of the mysterious jaguar is tantalizing ....... Packed with interest and adventure." - Jane Goodall, author of Reason for Hope and In the Shadow of Ma.
"An intimate look at the lives of rural Central Americans. At times Rabinowitz resembles a character from Joseph Conrad ... the tension between man and beast becomes startlingly vivid." - The Washington Pos.
"A jungle adventure story in the classic mold, of a daredevil westerner who penetrates the deepest jungles of Belize in search of his quarry. There are thrills and chills aplenty in this quest for the mighty feline." - Kirkus Review.
Originally published in 1986, this edition includes a new preface and epilogue by the author that bring the story up to date with recent events in the region and around the world.
Customer Reviews:
The Heart of the Jungle.......2004-11-29
"Jaguar" is the fascinating story of one scientist's journey to study and protect the elusive jaguar, the third largest cat in the world.
Written like a book of fiction, "Jaguar" reads smoothly, capturing your attention and curiosity with its first-person portrayal of life in an alien world: the jungles of Belize. It is peopled with the Maya, a culture rich in history yet suffering poverty, disease, and insignificance in modern times. And in this world exists the jaguar, a powerful cat who is rarely seen and is not a man-eater, yet is hunted almost to extinction for its exquisite spotted fur and because, quite simply, people fear it.
I read "Jaguar" in about 2 days, and fell completely in love with its spirit. The author, a young scientist, struggled hard to successfully understand the lives of these cats within its world and to keep it alive, often to his own personal tragedies. His description of the jungle is unromantic and riveting, as are the terrible hardships that go with it. I will never forget all the diseases, snakes, and parasites than run amok in this story, practically characters of their own. One lesson I came back with is how thankful I am to live in a country with exceptional sanitation and medical care.
"Jaguar" is haunting. You can't finish it without wishing to enter that dark, dangerous jungle of the majestic jaguar. It draws out the adventurer in you. It stirs your compassion.
Review of "Jaguar"".......2004-03-24
This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the Central American Rainforest. It has a little bit of everything..field notes, natural history, local culture, paranormal experiences, adventure, and romance. The book was engaging and easy to read. I learned a lot about jaguars and the struggle to protect them. The only drawback was Rabinowitz's negative portrayl of the present day Mayans. Undoubtedly, the author is a scientist and not an anthropologist, but i do feel that he should have shown more respect for their culture and more understanding of their situation.
I reccomend this book, and then i reccomend traveling to Cockscomb Basin in Belize to fully appreciate the conservation effort. Even if you can't get there, you will feel like you have been there after reading this book.
An excellent book for everyone!.......2002-12-10
My boyfriend had read "Beyond the Last Villiage" (also by Rabinowitz) and really enjoyed it so when we saw this one I figured I would see if I liked it. I am into nature and wildlife and this book is filled with all the goodies. I couldn't put down the book, I read it in 2 days! I wanted to see what happened to the jaguar that he caught and find out what happened to it.
I highly reccommend this book to anyone that is interested in our environment and wildlife. Now from reading this book I am planning my next vacation to Belize. I am in Thailand now and plan on visiting the National Park that he studied tigers and jaguars at...SO...my reccommendation is buy this book you won't regret it!
Armchair adventure and hair-raising thrills, jaguar style........2002-08-21
I never would have chosen this book, but it showed up in my mail and, well, what else is there to do but read it? I'm so glad I did.
This is a fascinating story of a zoologist who, in 1983, went into the rain forest of Central America to study the jaguar in its native habitat.
"On Dec. 2, 1984, the Cockscomb Basin was declared a National Forest Reserve, with a no hunting provision for the protection of the jaguar. This made Belize the first country in the world to protect jaguars."
This book tells an utterly fantastic tale -- sometimes terrifying -- of how that came to be. It portrays a world most safely enjoyed from the comfort of an armchair; a very personal story that is a combination of natural history and hair-raising adventure in the Stanley Livingston tradition.
An excellent read.......2002-03-21
This book will appeal to readers who have a specific interest in jaguars and those with more overall conservation leanings. Dr. Rabinowitz is a pioneer in research on this elusive animal and his groundbreaking work shows just how vital the jaguar is to rainforest ecologist, and the devestating impact man has had on this magnificent species. The book is also a remarkable story about the animals and people of the rainforest, who we get to know through Dr. Rabinowitz's exciting narrative. I found myself laughing and crying all at once and was not able to put this book down!
Book Description
This is a revealing and beautiful new look at the history and future of game preservation in East Africa, enlivened with large-format photographs and maps. Paradise Lost focuses on the development of policies affecting and influencing the creation of game reserves and the preservation of flora and fauna in East Africa from the time of colonial rule to the present.
Customer Reviews:
nice overview of competition between wildlife and man.......2007-05-24
This book does a nice job providing an overview of competition between wildlife and humans in 3 east African countries. Using 3 case studies, Ofcansky provides a context for the colonial decisions that shaped game preservation. The book is a fast read and provides a stimulant for future exploration into the topic.
Book Description
"The definitive account of the status and protection of cetaceans -- a well-written and interesting work on an important subject, accessible to both experts and general readers." -- Edward O Wilson, Harvard University, and winner of the Pulitzer Prize
'Multiple strategies are needed to reverse the decline of whales and dolphins, and one of these is creating protected areas for them. Renowned writer and leading authority on whale watching Erich Hoyt takes us on a fascinating journey across the complex and uncharted world of protected areas for cetaceans. This highly informative book will become a source of inspiration and understanding for the decision-maker as well as for the layperson, and an exhaustive repository of information and references for the specialist' Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, IUCN/SSC Cetacean Specialist Group and ICRAM, Rome
This definitive handbook launches a new chapter in cetacean conservation with its investigation into the habitat needs and protection requirements of some 84 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises. This is the first work to bridge the separate disciplines of marine protected areas (MPAs) and cetacean conservation.
The first part of the book outlines the principles for creating the best possible MPAs for cetaceans, stemming from the identification of critical habitat and through an inclusive process involving all stakeholders – local community, NGOs, researchers, the fishing and tourism industries, along with government planners and wildlife managers.
The second part covers each of the 18 marine regions around the world. Included are marine region maps and tables outlining proposed and existing MPAs, detailed checklists for creating and implementing MPAs, an explanation of biosphere reserves, and relevant international legislation. The book also looks at regulation of international trade and hunting, fisheries agreements and promotion of whale watching, ecotourism and other non-consumptive economic policies.
Customer Reviews:
My Bible for MPA for cetacean management!.......2005-03-16
I received this book almost a month ago, and ever since I've been using it to write my paper on MPA. My masters thesis is about marine mammal management in Indonesia, and this book helps me put many things in perspective.
I even recommend this book to my supervisor (she will buy it from Amazon as well!) and the uni library for collection. My friend in the next room is borrowing the book for a while for her thesis as well.
I say Hoyt has done a good job. This might be the first comprehensive book about MPA for cetaceans, and it sure worth 5 stars!
Recommended reading.......2004-11-29
In this excellent and definitive book, the author makes clear that Marine Protected Areas, even in the earliest stages of full evaluation, offer a realistic and informed approach to immediate and future marine conservation. Whilst the science and logisitcs are complex, the theory behind MPAs is simple. Its an holistic approach to conservation in which single factors are considered cumulatively, rather than individually. So for example, the effects of all human activities in one area (say, fishing, recreational boating and waste management) are considered all together, not just for one particular species but on the entire ecosystem in question, from whale to coral reef to microorganism. The emphasis is strongly on the management of human activities. Truly effective MPAs require difficult and unpopular decisions, such as the zoning of areas where human presence is limited and, in some cases, prohibited. We are accustomed to plundering the seas without thought, for economic and recreational benefit. For the world in general to embrace MPAs to their fullest extent will require a huge shift in thinking and greater cooperation between nations and understanding between cultures.
This book cuts through the multiplicity of labels attached to areas of protection for marine life and lays bare the precise meaning of each. Such labels generally make it easy for us to imagine that, in those protected sanctuaries at least, cetaceans are saved. But large whales being protected from commercial hunting in one area does not necessarily mean they will not be killed in the name of science or suffer a fatal strike from a ship, and goes absolutely nowhere towards protecting smaller cetaceans from dying in a fishing net.
Land-based conservation has the advantage of being relatively stable and focused on discreet areas. To paraphrase the author, one can't simply erect a fence at sea and put up a Keep Out sign. Marine protected areas need to be fluid to take into account the fact that critical habitats for cetaceans change with the season, their migratory movements and the dispersal of their prey. Further, our very definition of critical habitat must be questioned and expanded: what good a protected area for calving if there is no safe area for socialising and mating?
This is an exhaustively researched, fascinating, thought-provoking and hugely useful book. It is both reference and reading material in one. For those involved in the conservation of cetaceans it must already be a compulsory handbook and for the layreader it is a revealing and readable account of the considerable progress of our conservation experts and of the huge task still ahead. A massive achievement marking a milestone in marine protection.
Average customer rating:
- Essential study of wildlife policies in the national parks, but recommendations are weak
|
Wildlife Policies in the U.S. National Parks
Frederic H. Wagner ,
Ronald Foresta ,
Richard Bruce Gill ,
Dale Richard McCullough ,
Michael R. Pelton ,
William F. Porter , and
Hal Salwasser
Manufacturer: Island Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Real Estate
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Public Policy
| Government
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Wildlife
| Animals
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Biology
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Ecology
| Biological Sciences
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Science
| Subjects
| Books
Conservation
| Environment
| Outdoors & Nature
| Subjects
| Books
General & Anthologies
| Hunting & Fishing
| Outdoors & Nature
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Conservation
| Outdoors & Nature
| Subjects
| Books
Wildlife
| Conservation
| Outdoors & Nature
| Subjects
| Books
Ecology
| Biological Sciences
| Professional Science
| Professional & Technical
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1559634049 |
Book Description
This volume presents the results of a five-year study of wildlife-management policies in national parks. It synthesizes interviews with individuals inside and outside the National Park Service, provides a comprehensive review of published and unpublished literature, and draws on the collective experience of the authors with various units of the system over the past three decades. Among the topics examined are:
- the structure and history of the National Park System and Service
- wildlife "problems" in the parks
- the role of science in formulating policies and in management
- recommendations for changes in policy formulation, management, and scientific research procedures
Customer Reviews:
Essential study of wildlife policies in the national parks, but recommendations are weak.......2007-09-06
This report was originally commissioned by The Wildlife Society to make recommendations for managing wildlife in the national parks. TWS was disappointed with the result, and the authors decided to publish it on their own instead of trying to satisfy them.
It's an excellent review of the history of wildlife management in the national parks. Originally, wildlife were an afterthought because the parks were built around monumental scenery. After that, many people started to think of some species of wildlife as part of the scenery too, such as bears in Yellowstone or Yosemite. Eventually, wildlife became a featured part of some parks such as Isle Royale or the Everglades. In all parks, wildlife faces threats external to the park such as pollution or exotic species, as well as internal threats from tourism and other national park service goals.
The authors review these issues very well, and this book is one of the central texts for any review of wildlife in the parks. However, they shrink back from making any strong recommendations. As scientists, they tend to feel more comfortable with recommendations of the form, "If your goal is X, then your policy should be Y." They are less comfortable talking about what the policy goals should be, and the authors did not see this book as the place to make radical recommendations about decommissioning roads, removing tourists, or the like.
They also don't really confront the political problems involved in park policy. These include the interests of concessionaires and gateway communities, hunters in the region around each park, congressional pork, the political interests of the National Park Service, and the self-interest of scientists who work in parks (such as the authors!). While they mention these issues, they don't really confront them as either obstacles or opportunities to their preferred policy, in large part because their policy recommendations are pretty weak themselves.
Though this book is essential if you want to understand wildlife in parks, those limitations are an important weakness. It deserves 4.5 stars but I'll round up because I'm in a good mood.
Customer Reviews:
Keeping It Wild.......2007-02-13
Black and Brown Faces in America's Wild Places is an excellent book to share with young people. It lets young people see people of color participating in actitivies and careers in the great outdoors. These actitivies and careers are open for all to enjoy. I purchased several books to share with the young people in my life and have received very positive feedback. One young man was very proud to share his book with his class for Black History Month.
Keeping It Wild
An important book for outdoor recreationists.......2006-11-03
Dudley Edmondson uses the personal comments and profiles of 20 black and brown Americans to make observations on the participation of minorities in outdoor pursuits. The "whiteness" of many of these activities is obvious. Without pointing fingers, the book makes clear the importance of drawing minority populations into activities such as birding, hiking, camping, etc. As the population of this country grows more diverse, as faces of color appear more often on city councils, county boards, and in legislative positions, an appreciation of the value of natural resources by these people will become important. As the saying goes, we protect what we understand and appreciate. Edmondson's book offers personal experiences and observations that make the point that the outdoors and its pleasures are for everyone. The book is illustrated with the author's excellent photographs. This is a book to be shared with anyone who enjoys outdoor activities.
Amazon.com
A park lover's must-have, the information provided in this behemoth of a book is almost as impressive as the redwoods that grace its cover. With a focus on helping visitors avoid the crowds, National Parks of the American West provides painstakingly researched details on more than 40 national parks, monuments, seashores, and preserves.
Frommer's explains their intent in the introduction: "Our authors have talked to the rangers, hiked the trails, and taken the tours, all the while asking, 'How can our readers avoid the crowds?' In each of following chapters you'll find a section giving you straightforward, practical advice on just how to do this.... We've searched for secluded trails that can be hiked by the average person, scenic drives where you won't get caught in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and points where, with only a minimum of effort, you'll be afforded spectacular views without feeling as if you're packed into Times Square on New Year's Eve."
There is probably not a question you have that this book doesn't answer: each park listing includes tips from park rangers, ideas especially for kids, excellent maps, entrance fee information, the best driving and walking tours, campground overviews, food and other lodging, contacts for activities and recreation, and interesting sidebars. --Kathryn True
Book Description
All the Details on 49 National Parks, Monuments, Preserves, and Seashores
- The best strategies for seeing the parks—so you can make the most of your time and avoid the crowds
- Complete campground guides, from car-accessible campsites to backcountry spots—plus park lodges, gateway motels, and nearby B&Bs and inns
- Adventures for everyone: easy day hikes, backpacking trips, wildlife watching, guided mule and horseback rides, rafting trips, sea kayaking, and biking
- Where to eat and stock up on supplies, both in the parks and in gateway towns
- Everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip—plus detailed maps, advice for families traveling with kids, and more
Coverage of each and every park reviewed for accuracy by local National Park Service personnel. Frommer's. The Name You Can Trust.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Choice! .......2007-08-03
This is a pretty hefty book! And it's a great thing to have. I've utilized the book in planning and visiting 15+ parks/sites and don't have any huge complaints about it.
The only things I can think of is that the maps are no different - except smaller and less convenient to use - than the ones they give you when you enter the parks. Maps of the surrounding areas would have been more helpful. I also find I use a lot of post-its and folding down of pages to figure out where I am in the book as it's a pretty bare-bones newsprint-type kind of a guide . There are also no pictures, but that's OK with me - not for some maybe, but like I said, it's kind of no-frills design-wise. My biggest problem is that it is not a comprehensive guide to all of the US parks . . . I'm not sure how many parks are not considered "of the West," but I don't think it's that many. Since I haven't been able to find this same guide/Frommer's for those parks considered "of the East." Also, even though the guide is about the US, a small section about traveling to Banff/Jasper in Alberta would have been appreciated as it is convenient to visit when seeing US sights like Glacier, Yellowstone, etc since it's kind of on the same route.
I like that they're pretty straight forward about what to do and how to do it if you have limited time and list the types of accommodations in the parks. Additionally, I appreciate being able to read about the history of the parks and sites. I'd say, along with a National Parks Pass ($80 from www.nps.gov), this book is the 2nd best thing to take with you on your next trip!
A good road trip guide........2007-01-05
I bought this book in order to have an informational book about all the National Parks along my road trip from Seattle to San Diego. I have used several guide books and mostly purchase hiking, camping, climbing and fishing books. This was a guide book like those I purchase for international travel and I felt that it served it's purpose well. It gave me the basic rundown on each park, the highlights and where all the important sights were, which is perfect for roadside National Park visiting. It includes maps (although not detailed if you want to do more extensive hiking), lists of campgrounds, some highlight hikes and locations, places to stay and some extra stuff around the park (i.e. towns, eating, hotels).
It seemed to be just enough to get us by and the only time I wished there was more was when I wanted to do backcountry hiking/camping but that isn't something you get in an all around National Park book unless you want it to to be 1,000 pages long with topo maps to boot! I suggest going to the Visitor Centers for more indepth information, park maps and hiking information. The centers are always great resources, along with the roadside and trailside signs, you just have to take the time to read when you are interested.
Perfect for a roadtrip.......2006-06-29
I bought this along with some other park books for a 2 week roadtrip I recently took. It was by far the most useful of the guidebooks I bought. If you are going to one specific park buy books specific to it, but if you are roadtripping and plan on visiting a few, it is far easier to get this book and not have to hassle with a car full of books. Frommer's guidebooks are by no means the best guides every written, but they are quite adequate. The information was pertinent and useful. 3.5 stars for the quality of the content (uninspired but useful), 5 stars for convenience. 4.25 stars overall.
Essentail Info.......2006-03-08
I have used Frommer's as a reference in the past, and I wasn't disappointed with this purchase. The if you only have X amount of time is particularly useful!
Useful, but very outdated!.......2005-09-22
This book is mostly excellent... The park reviews and information about the hiking trails are very accurate. But the restaurant and lodging info is oudated, some by as much as five years! For instance, the book lists a phone number for a Best Western in Estes Park. The number leads to a hotel which lost it's Best Western affiliation back in 1998. One wonders why... In other places, the book lists restaurants which don't exist and other grossly incorrect information. One would expect much more from a Frommer's 4th edition guide dated 2004. Use this book with another guide, and you'll be all set.
Books:
- AFRICAN SEASONS. WILDLIFE AT THE WATERHOLE.
- Animal Biotechnology and the Quality of Meat Production
- Animal Folklore: From Black Cats to White Horses
- Animal Rights: Distinguishing Between Fact and Opinion (Opposing Viewpoints Juniors)
- Animal Welfare and Human Values
- Annual Review of Plant Biology: 2002 (Annual Review of Plant Biology)
- Armed Madhouse: From Baghdad to New Orleans--Sordid Secrets and Strange Tales of a White House Gone Wild
- Bear's New Friend
- Big Red Barn Board Book (rpkg)
- Biologically Active Substances
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Food and Beverage Cost Control
- Design and Equipment for Restaurants and Foodservice: A Management View
- As Found: The Discovery of the Ordinary: British Architecture and Art of the 1950s, New Brutalism, I
- Building the Successful Theater Company
- Dead Witch Walking
- Digital Communications
- Botany Illustrated - Introduction to Plants, Major Groups, Flowering Plant
- Real Options Analysis Course : Business Cases and Software Applications
- Business Forecasting with ForecastX Software & Student CD
- Investors in People Maintained
Fodor's African Safari, 1st Edition: From Budget to Big Spending Where and How to Find the Best Big Game Adventure In Southern and Eastern Africa (Special-Interest Titles)
African Safari Journal
The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals Including Hoofed Mammals, Carnivores, and Primates
Lonely Planet Watching Wildlife: Southern Africa (Lonely Planet Watching Wildlife Southern Africa)
Botswana: The Bradt Travel Guide
