In a large valley lies a geographical feature known as Jelly Mountain. It’s called that because of its shape – rather like a jelly having been popped out of its mould. Its straight sides mean the top has never been explored and there are many rumours about strange creatures inhabiting it. Efforts to explore have met with disaster – and this has only made the mystery and fear stronger. Then a light plane crash-lands after buzzing suspiciously around the top of Jelly Mountain … and twins Jason and Jessy become embroiled in a mystery that is not without danger and which is set to rock the whole world. And what does it have to do with the old journal they found hidden in the wall of the old house on the farm? Formerly titled The Secret of Jelly Mountain (2009).

"This is the first detailed monograph for decades about this enigmatic reptile, and the first to be illustrated in colour throughout. The evolution, natural history and conservation of tutara are covered in comprehensive detail ..." -- Back cover.

"The tuatara is an ancient reptile still existing in New Zealand. It is one of the four Orders of the Class Reptilia. The others are: crocodiles and alligators, turtles and tortoises, lizards and snakes. Thus, it is unique in the reptile world. This book is a detailed description of the characteristics and habits of this animal. In addition, it describes the relationship between the tuatara and the Maori (the indigenous people) and the rest of New Zealand. Zoo history and suggestions for zoo handling are also covered along with information about the New Zealand government's excellent steps to protect this unusual animal. It closes with a review of research, present and future. The book contain black & white and color photographs, a glossary, bibliography, and index"--Publisher's description.

As children, Logan’s grandfather and his sister Mavis spotted a beautiful and unusual bird in the kowhai tree outside their house: it was a huia, which was believed to be extinct. In an attempt to photograph it they tracked it deep into the Manawatu Gorge. This was a dangerous journey, made even more so when the Carson boys got wind of their mission and decided to try and find the bird first so they could shoot it and sell its highly valuable feathers. More than 60 years later, 11-year-old Logan has returned to the Manawatu with Grandpop and a scientist to try to solve the mystery of what happened to the huia all those years ago. Can the group rely on Grandpop’s version of events, and find the huia’s final resting place? Will the huia still be there, and will its DNA still be valuable for scientific research into NZ’s native fauna? Not if the Carsons have anything to do with it …

Jelly Mountain is a mysterious place. Its straight sides mean the top has never been explored and there are many rumours about strange creatures inhabiting it. Then a light plane tries to land on top, and the action really starts. Suggested level: intermediate, junior secondary.

Loss of biodiversity is among the greatest problems facing the world today. Conservation and the Genetics of Populations gives a comprehensive overview of the essential background, concepts, and tools needed to understand how genetic information can be used to conserve species threatened with extinction, and to manage species of ecological or commercial importance. New molecular techniques, statistical methods, and computer programs, genetic principles, and methods are becoming increasingly useful in the conservation of biological diversity. Using a balance of data and theory, coupled with basic and applied research examples, this book examines genetic and phenotypic variation in natural populations, the principles and mechanisms of evolutionary change, the interpretation of genetic data from natural populations, and how these can be applied to conservation. The book includes examples from plants, animals, and microbes in wild and captive populations. This second edition contains new chapters on Climate Change and Exploited Populations as well as new sections on genomics, genetic monitoring, emerging diseases, metagenomics, and more. One-third of the references in this edition were published after the first edition. Each of the 22 chapters and the statistical appendix have a Guest Box written by an expert in that particular topic (including James Crow, Louis Bernatchez, Loren Rieseberg, Rick Shine, and Lisette Waits). This book is essential for advanced undergraduate and graduate students of conservation genetics, natural resource management, and conservation biology, as well as professional conservation biologists working for wildlife and habitat management agencies. Additional resources for this book can be found at: www.wiley.com/go/allendorf/populations.