This spectacularly illustrated book is the only complete guide to the wildlife & natural history of the vast & beautiful Antarctic region. Covering the Antarctic continent, the southern ocean, & the subantarctic islands, this guide illustrates all of the region`s breeding birds & marine mammals with stunning colour photographs. In addition to the colour plates, it features distribution maps & up-to-date species accounts expertly detailing abundance, seasonal status, & conservation prospects. The volume also covers numerous nonbreeding species, migrants, & vagrants. Regional chapters describe all of the subantarctic islands, in addition to most regularly visited sites in Antarctica, & are accompanied by maps of each area & photographs of each locale. These chapters present detailed information on geography, climate, geology, general ecology, & flora. They also address conservation efforts
- past, present, & planned. The book concludes with practical information about visiting the area, including details on the best-available landing sites & notes on seasonal weather conditions. This is an indispensable companion for a trip far south, as well as an informative volume for anyone interested in the Antarctic region`s remarkable, occasionally strange, & frequently beautiful animals.