The Galapagos

February 3, 2014
Those expecting a robust natural history of the Galápagos Islands are likely to be disappointed by this abbreviated work. Nicholls (Lonesome George) covers too much ground in too little space, leading to superficial coverage of all aspects of the islands’ unique ecosystem. While he points out that the Galápagos are home to 4,000 species, of which approximately 1,600 are endemic to the islands, he mentions not more than a handful by name. Throughout, Nicholls attempts to strike a balance between competing demands: he presents a historical perspective, quoting extensively from Darwin and other early explorers; he brings in some basic ecological and geological principles to explain the patterns observed; and he provides fleeting reference to actual species currently extant in the ecosystem. His most successful and informative chapters—if for no other reason than he spends the time to develop his ideas—deal with the impact humans have had on the islands, though this portion of the work would be better described as cultural geography rather than natural history. The book features numerous attractive 19th- and early–20th-century illustrations, but as interesting as they are, had they been supplemented with some current pictures of flora, fauna, and habitat, the experience would have been far richer and more in keeping with the book’s subtitle. Illus.

February 15, 2014
"Hardly a day goes by that I do not think about these wonderful islands," writes Nicholls (The Way of the Panda: The Curious History of China's Political Animal, 2011, etc.), combining natural history and an impassioned plea for maintaining the pristine ecology of the Galapagos Islands, home to more than 4,000 native species. Inspired by his first visit to the islands in 2003, the author became an ambassador for the Galapagos Conservation Trust and editor of its magazine, Galapagos Matters. He is hopeful that despite many of the difficulties in maintaining the ecology, its iconic status as the inspiration for Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection will aid the efforts of the Ecuadorian government and UNESCO to enforce its protected status. In 1959, 97 percent of its landmass was declared a national park, and a marine reserve was established in 1999; since then, major resources have been devoted to ecological restoration. The Galapagos were only sparsely inhabited before 1941, when, in response to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the United States temporarily established a naval base. Over the past 50 years, tourism has been an important spur to immigration to the islands. Nicholls considers corruption to be a serious enforcement problem, allowing violations of protective regulations, but he is optimistic that these problems can be brought under control with support from the international community. He relates how giant tortoises were almost hunted to extinction as a source of food, as were whales, dolphins and sea cucumbers by commercial exploitation. The author tells of how, in the 1970s, scientists discovered underwater ocean vents, revealing an extraordinary "community of weird creatures" that live in "total darkness." He also covers the recent evolution of island finches, their mating practices, and the migration of sea birds and seeds. A fascinating overview of the natural and human history of this remarkable archipelago, from prehistoric times to the present.

COPYRIGHT(2014) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

February 15, 2014

The Galapagos Islands, located in the eastern Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador, are world-renowned for their distinct wildlife, relatively pristine ecosystems, and direct link to Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, owing to the time he spent there during his 1831-36 voyage on HMS Beagle. Here, seasoned UK science writer Nicholls (Lonesome George: The Life and Loves of a Conservation Icon) provides an accessible introduction to the islands' natural history, describing their geologic origins and growth, the colonization of flora and fauna, and the impact of human contact. He also discusses Darwin's studies on the islands and the Galapagos' influence on his burgeoning theories. Perhaps because of his vast scope, Nicholls glosses over several topics (including dolphins and other marine mammals), but his writing is always skillfully rendered and his enthusiasm for the islands, where he has spent much time, is palpable. VERDICT Though not detailed enough to satisfy academics, this book is a solid addition to the existing literature on the Galapagos. A pleasant, anecdotal work, it will delight armchair travelers and tourists hoping to maximize their own trips to these magical islands. Readers seeking a more technical catalog of Galapagos flora and fauna, complete with color photographs, might consult Pierre Constant's Galapagos: A Natural History Guide.--Kelsy Peterson, Johnson Cty. Community Coll. Lib., Overland Park, KS

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2014
Nicholls' first visit to the Galpagos Islands changed his life and inspired his first book, Lonesome George (2006). In this biography of the treasured archipelagothe inspiration for Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and a UNESCO World Heritage SiteNicholls explains why it's a perfect testing ground for the dream of sustainable development. In an enticingly structured, thoroughly enjoyable, rolling narrative, he discusses the islands' volcanic origins, native flora and fauna, and human explorers and residents. He also describes with firsthand excitement and surprising detail what it's like to be in the presence of the islands' remarkably tame wildlife, from the playful red-footed boobies to Pacific green turtles and the enormous tortoises for which the archipelago is named and which were slaughtered to the brink of extinction. Nicholls tracks growing acceptance of the need to preserve the islands' ecological integrity versus fierce opposition to conservation efforts. It remains to be seen if lucrative tourism will ensure the islands' protection or pose a threat. There is no question, as Nicholls eloquently reveals, that we all have a stake in protecting the Galpagos.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)