This book describes the biodiversity and biogeography of nothern Mexico, documents the biological importance of regional ecosystems and the impacts of human land use on the conservation status of plants and wildlife. It should become the standard source document for the conservation status of species and ecosystems in this region, which is of unusual biological interest because of its high biodiversity and highly varied landscape and biological zonation.

This atlas with digital cartography details North America, including city vicinity maps, national park maps, and an adventure travel section to help you plan vacations.

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 annually—and 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 is—or should be—protected. 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.

From reviews of earlier editions: "This fine book is an authoritative and comprehensive summary of a geographically and zoologically varied region of the Pacific and is an important contribution to ichthyology. The authors have done an excellent job summarizing the complex and diverse fish fauna of the Sea of Cortez; the illustrators ...provide a great service to the reader in providing their collection of superb drawings and paintings." —Aquaculture "The collaboration of an ecologist, a taxonomist, and an artist-photographer with years of experience in the Gulf of California has resulted in an excellent book on the reef fishes of this area.... Certainly this merging of scientific disciplines has produced a book with a broader scientific, as well as popular, coverage of a regional fish fauna than many of its contemporaries." —Terra "Hallelujah! Fishwatchers, natural historians, and biologists alike are rejoicing with the reprinting of this guide.... Contains many fine drawings, color plates, and photographs; easy-to-read text emphasizing ecology, Spanish names for each fish (a nice touch).... A great addition to your library, whether you want to study fish or just catch and eat them." —Books of the Southwest First published in 1979, this guide has become the standard resource for scientists, divers, and spearfishers interested in the fishes of the tropical Pacific Coast. The authors have revised and updated this edition to include the most current taxonomic information, additional species descriptions, and new illustrations.

Carry the world in your pocket with this fully updated fifth edition of Atlas A-Z, an invaluable global guide combining maps, facts, and statistics.

An up-to-date, detailed, and fully-illustrated account of the biodiversity and status of coral reefs.

Atlas A-Z, 4th Edition is a beautiful, high-quality atlas perfect for anyone seeking a reliable atlas and fact-finder at a budget price. Expert mapping, together with a comprehensive Factfile section, covers every nation of the world in this essential atlas. Perfect for home use or as a student companion!