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Natural history
of the islands of California / Allan A. Schoenherr, C. Robert Feldmeth
and Michael J. Emerson ; ill. by David Mooney and Michael J.
Emerson. - Berkeley : University of California press, 1999. -
XI-491 p. : ill., maps ; 24 cm. - (California
Natural History Guides, 61).
ISBN 0-520-21197-9
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NOTE DE L'ÉDITEUR :
Islands have always been fascinating places, their separateness evoking
a sense of mystery and inspiring a yearning for exploration.
California's islands are unique evolutionary laboratories, places where
plants and animals have grown and interacted in isolation for millions
of years. This comprehensive book discusses both the human and the
natural history of the islands of California, including all eight
Channel Islands, Año Nuevo, the Farallons, and the islands of
San Francisco Bay. It is also useful as a field guide for visitors, and
details on reaching the islands are contained in the first chapter.
The authors explore the formation of the islands ; discuss the
history of human habitation, beginning with the Native Americans who
first visited the islands 12 000 years ago ; and provide a
thorough introduction to the marine and terrestrial biotas of the
islands. The authors also discuss past damage and ongoing threats to
island ecosystems, including devastation caused by the introduction of
non-native animals and plants. Large herbivorous animals in particular
have caused considerable damage, since island plants evolved in the
absence of herbivores and therefore have no defenses against them.
At present all of California's islands are managed by conservancies and
public agencies such as the National Park Service and State Park
system, and various environmental organizations are working with them
to return the islands to their original condition.
❙ Allan A. Schoenherr is Professor of Ecology at Fullerton College and author of A Natural History of California (California, 1992).
❙ C. Robert Feldmeth was Professor of Biology at The Claremont Colleges until his death in 1994.
❙ Michael J. Emerson (1954-1989) studied with Robert Feldmeth and wrote his master's thesis on the Channel Islands.
❙ David Mooney is a San Diego artist specializing in wildlife art and illustration.
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| CONTENTS |
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
- Island ecology and biogeography
- Geological history of the islands
- Early human populations on the California islands
- Marine life
- Santa Catalina island
- The Northern Channel islands
- The Outer Southern Channel islands : San Clemente, San Nicolas and Santa Barbara
- Año Nuevo island
- The Farallon islands
- The islands of San Francisco bay
Epilogue
Selected references
Index |
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| mise-à-jour : 3 août 2009 |
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