Wildlife of Australia

November 1, 2010

This solid reference work covers the breadth of the country's animal world and reaches far beyond the typical--e.g., kangaroos, wallabies, and a bounty of birds--to feature even the snails, insects, snakes, and nonnative (introduced) species. The amount of description varies by animal; specific species such as the bilby get just a few paragraphs, while broader areas like reptiles get a fuller description within a natural-history context. However, the wealth of this work is in the photographs--breathtaking images dominate the narrative with their amazing detail and lush colors. Zoologist Egerton and photographer Lochman also deliver a strong message of wildlife conservation throughout the text. VERDICT This stunning book will appeal to a diverse audience--from school children wild about animals to undergraduate students beginning research on conservation and species diversification to people planning a trip to the Outback. Though certainly not the size of a pocket guidebook, this will capture the imagination of anyone interested in Australia and its spectacular natural history.--Marianne Stowell Bracke, Purdue Univ. Lib., West Lafayette, IN

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