Galápagos Islands (Ecuador)

(42k)

A Guide to the Birds of the Galápagos Islands by Isabel Castro and Antonia Phillips. Recommended retail price $28.95, our price $26.

Popular mythology still has it that the Galápagos Islands were responsible for Charles Darwin’s eureka moment. In reality Darwin was so disinterested in the finches that now bear his name that he didn’t even bother to label which island they came from. But the Galápagos Islands host one of the most extraordinary wildlife adventures the planet has to offer and this guide is indispensable if you are planning a visit.

A Guide to the Birds of the Galápagos Islands covers every species to have been recorded within the archipelago, including accidentals and vagrants. Twenty eight color plates illustrate the species, while four additional color plates show the key island habitats, with typical bird species for each also depicted. Evocative line drawings, often showing interesting aspects of bird behavior, complement a concise, accessible and informative text.

Armed with this guide, all visitors, expert or otherwise, will be able to identify and appreciate any species within this unique avifauna. Hard cover, 144 pages.

(35k)

Ecology and Evolution of Darwin’s Finches by Peter Grant. Recommended retail price $22.95. $20.

Peter Grant’s name is synonymous with finches and the Galápagos Islands. He is famous in biological circles for having quantified micro-evolution in these birds on a seasonal basis. Darwin’s Finches is a must read for anyone teaching, researching or interested in evolution. In paperback this book is remarkable value. Soft cover, 492 pages.

(49k)

Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands by Rob Rachowiecki. Published by Lonely Planet Publications. ISBN 0-86442-761-1. Recommended retail price $19.99.

Whether you want to venture to volcanoes, jaunt through the jungle or gallivant (the back cover lurb spelled this 'galavant") through the Galápagos, this essential guide has all the know-how you'll need for your journey to the center of the earth.

The text includes all the usual Lonely Planet Guide detail including:

¨ 32 page full-color guide to the wildlife of the Galápagos
¨ Detailed coverage of conservation issues, ecotourism and wildlife watching opportunities
¨ Food and budget accommodation options for all budgets
¨ Tips on adventurous ways to get around, from rooftop train rides to dugout canoe trips
¨ More than 50 detailed maps and a practical Latin American Spanish language section

Soft cover, 528 pages. Published in 2001.

Watching Wildlife: Galapagos Islands by David Andrew. ISBN: 1741042097. Published by Lonely Planet. Recommended retail price $24.99.

Ever dream you'd trip over a tortoise or blunder into a booby? This innovative guide will help you to identify and understand the Galapagos Islands' uniquely tame wildlife.

'The perfect companion for the traveller and ecotourist alike.' - Bangkok Post

where?

• discover what's there and where to find it
• pinpoint directions and inside tips for the top destinations in the Galapagos Islands
• full-colour maps, including all the best island sites

what?

• colour wildlife photos show you what's what
• easy-to-read background information on animal behaviour and ecology

how?

• the lowdown on planning, techniques and equipment
• expert advice on diving and snorkelling, bird-watching and whale-and dolphin-watching

Soft cover, 152 pages. Published in 2005.

(70k)

Wildlife of the Galápagos by Julian Fitter, Daniel Fitter and David Hosking. ISBN 0691102953. Published by Princeton University Press. Recommended retail price $19.95.

• Over 200 commonly seen species, including bids, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, plants  and coastal and marine life
• More than 400 color photographs, maps and drawings, including maps of visitor sites
• Written by wildlife experts with extensive knowledge of the area
• Information on the history, climate, geology and conservation of the islands
• The most complete identification guide to the wildlife of the Galápagos

Soft cover, 254 pages. Published in 2000.

Click on links below for these books.

Fishes of the Tropical Eastern Pacific by Gerald Allen and Ross Robertson

Last modified on Thursday, July 10, 2003