A Complete Guide to Arctic Wildlife [Hardcover]

This field guide to Arctic wildlife is a thorough examination of the territory, with emphasis on habitat. In the introductory pages, the author defines the region and then discusses its geology, climate (including such unique phenomena as aurora borealis, parhelia, mirages, ice blink, water sky, and whiteout), exploration, and habitats and what it takes for organisms to survive the harsh conditions. The introduction concludes with a look at threats, including global warming.

Following all the background information is expansive coverage of the wildlife, divided into separate sections for birds and mammals. Arrangement is by major taxonomic groupings, and for each grouping, there is an overview followed by species accounts. For example, the section on loons includes the common loon, the yellow-billed loon, the Arctic loon, the Pacific loon, and the red-throated loon. Each account provides identifying characteristics, confusion species (other species for which the one in question can be mistaken), size, voice (an interesting detail), distribution, diet, breeding, and variations. Range maps denoting location are provided, as are full-color photographs showing birds in their habitats. In addition, color plates illustrate the species in each taxonomic group. "A Visitor's Guide to the Arctic" and an index listing the common, alternative common, and scientific names of wildlife complete the volume.

It is obvious that this book was carefully researched and that the author has strong sentiment for the animals of this environmentally fragile area. Large public and academic libraries considering this purchase should find readership among those researching the Arctic or simply wanting to browse a lovingly presented guide. cheryl ward
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A Complete Guide to Arctic Wildlife is a lavishly illustrated, highly informative and comprehensive volume that will be an important addition to the library of anyone with a deep and abiding interest in Arctic natural history... The introductory material is an enormous asset to the volume.... Together, these first three richly detailed introductory chapters--"Defining the Arctic", "Arctic geology" and "The Arctic climate," provide the best general scientific introduction to the Arctic that I have encountered... Students and visitors to the Arctic will find these introductory chapters an unsurpassed resource, and even seasoned Arctic scientists and permanent residents of the Far North will find a great deal of interest here. The wealth of information that Sale has brought together is enlivened by his clear writing style, in which the "dry" facts are animated with engagingly human touches... Each species is illustrated with at least one, often superb, colour photograph...and a clear distribution map, also in colour, all attractively laid out.... "This book is a celebration of the Arctic" promises the author in his preface. He delivers. (Helle V. Goldman, Norwegian Polar Institute, Polar Journal of Polar Research, Norwegian Polar Institu 2008)

A thorough examination ... expansive coverage.... It is obvious that this book was carefully researched and that the author has strong sentiment for the animals of this environmentally fragile area... A lovingly presented guide. (Cheryl Ward Booklist 2007)

This is a beautifully done field guide on the Arctic... A great reference book!

Blend[s] a field guide to Arctic birds and mammals with a mini travel guide to the Arctic.... This [is] the perfect specific reference for any library strong on Arctic wildlife identification and natural history. (Diane C. Donovan The Midwest Book Review 2007)

Defines terms and retraces history with such lucid style one cannot put the book down. (Diane M. Calabrese American Reference Books Annual 2007)

[A] richly illustrated, fact-packed celebration of the Arctic.

A book of this size and complexity that did not have a few omissions, typographical errors, and mistakes would be surprising.... Notwithstanding .... the overall quality of this book is excellent; it has very sharp, well-reproduced color photographs, excellent illustrations, and concise, well-written text.... I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in the Arctic. (Stephen R. Johnson Arctic 2007)

[Globe and Mail Christmas 2006 Gift Book selection] A richly illustrated and fact-packed celebration of the Arctic's mammals and birds, with each species annotated in meticulous details. ... More than 450 stunning and original colour plates. A comprehensive guide ... replete with vivid full-color photographs.

The species descriptions are detailed and clear and are some of the best I have read.... While this is not meant as a coffee-table book the photographs are really eye-catching.... I will take this book with me on my upcoming trip to the Pribiloffs. (Roy John The Canadian Field-Naturalist, Vol. 120 2009)

If you are planning a photography trip to the Far North, you might want to weigh the advantages of packing this nearly three-pound comprehensive guide in your luggage. This is every bit a reference book, illustrated by over 450 high quality colour photographs plus art renderings of the various species. (Joy McDonell Canadian Camera 2007)

The first comprehensive guide to Arctic wildlife.... This beautiful, useful book is a must for any library covering animal life, geography, or the Arctic. Summing Up: Essential. All levels. (B. Galbraith, Washington State University Choice 2007)