Galapagos: A Natural History

by Michael H. Jackson

The Galápagos Islands are among the brightest jewels of the Pacific. Known for their unparalleled diversity of fearless, curious wildlife, the Galápagos famously inspired Charles Darwin’s theories of natural selection. A true bucket-list destination, the Galápagos Islands have captured the hearts and minds of travellers from around the world. In Galá A Natural History , Michael H. Jackson provides the essential guide to the flora and fauna of the Galápagos Islands. Beginning with a comprehensive history of the environment, colonization, evolution and ecology of the islands, Jackson details the plant life, reptiles, sea, coast, and land birds, native mammals, intertidal and marine life, and invertebrates native to the islands in richly illustrated, easily navigable chapters. An index and checklist of plants and animals make this an essential companion for ecological excursions. Including detailed exploration of the management and conservation of Galápagos National Park and its rules and regulations alongside key information and tips for visitors, Galá A Natural History is a necessary guide for every traveller embarking for, or planning to visit, one of the worlds most stunning natural wonders.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Nature, Science, Travel, Environment, Biology

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

Reviews

[Brendan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a perfect one to read right before a trip to the Galapagos Islands. It's written with a tourist audience in mind. Jackson briefly describes the geography and geology of the Islands and why the animals living there are interesting, and then devotes chapters to each different type of animal: reptiles, mammals, birds, and invertebrates. He describes animal behavior to look out for and where the animals are located. No scientific background is needed to understand the book, which includes many photos and diagrams to aid comprehension and visualize. I felt well-prepared for a visit to the Islands after reading it.

[Adriel K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this book on the ship, and honestly it was just right. Not too detailed but not too simple either, seems pretty comprehensive about the various things you might see on the islands and is geared towards someone new observing these species for the first time.

For example: We went on a morning walk on Genovesa; and saw some pretty incredible boobies and displaying frigatebirds. But for the first time we saw a few magnificent red-billed tropicbirds flying around in the mix. Back on the boat an hour later, I read about how they like to nest on cliffs because they don't really walk, and so immediately want to take off from their nests, and that appropriate nesting locations are perhaps the limiting factor in reproduction. The whole thing was like, a few paragraphs. Later that very same day we were boating along the cliff side when I spotted a tropicbird. It made three attempts at the cliff face and then when it finally attempted to land we heard a loud squaaaak from the unseen tropicbird who had already claimed that ledge for himself! I don't think I would have watched nearly as closely or interpreted what I was seeing without having serendipitously read the entry over lunch.

Many times I experienced something similar - the first sentence of the section about the animal being an almost perfect and peculiar description of something I had observed just moments prior. Cool!

[Scot · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview book for those interested in traveling to the Galapagos or generally interested in the science and ecology of this oft-studied, unique place. There are countless books that have been produced on the Galapagos that dig deeper into specific areas (note the book's bibliography for examples), but this is sufficient for a general understanding of the geography, conditions, why species have evolved the way that they have, and a snap shot of the birds, fish, reptiles, plants, mammals and invertebrates of the island as well as a look at conservation issues facing the islands and some travel suggestions. The author clearly has a deep love of place and so despite it being sometimes overly scientific it is accessible to even those with a very remedial scientific background.

[Kevin Yin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this on our boat and it was a great book to read while in the Galapagos. Scientific approach without being too in the weeds. Plenty of interesting facts about many of the species tourists will encounter on the islands. This book helped to greatly enhance my understanding of the habits and behaviors of many animals we saw, and helped supplement when our guide’s explanation was lacking.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely informative. I’m fact, more like a text book. A little too in-depth for what I needed. But I did learn a lot before my trip to the Galapagos.

[Justin Scoggin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a complete guide for anybody who visits the Galapagos. It has a great section on evolution, Darwin and the history of the islands, lists of the most importante flora and fauna found there, and a nice chapter on conservation efforts. Although much of the books is still relevant to today's reader, there are whole sections that aren't, as well as all of the statistics. It is worth reading for sure, and hopefully the guide will update the statistics you need and all other relevant information.

[Janet Feldmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good prep for my trip to the Galapagos. My main of this criticism of this book is that it needs more color photos. The black and white ones are virtually useless and although the descriptions of the flora and fauna are good, it will be very hard to identify the wildlife without seeing a color photo.

It also needs an update. Written in 1994, I’m curious about outcome of the conversation efforts described in chapter 12.

[Gabriel · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a great way to have an insider's look at the natural history of the Galapagos Islands.

[Amy Farnham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a helpful (and comprehensive) overview of the living creatures on the Galápagos. I got it to enrich my experience on a cruise to the islands as a non-scientist with very little prior knowledge of the species I would encounter. It was exactly what I hoped it would be. There’s just enough about each species to help identify it and recognize habits without overwhelming you with information. The illustrations are excellent—a diagram showing the beak shape of Darwin’s finches mapped to species and food sources is an exceptional infographic.

[Alexis(Andra) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent accompaniment to my trip. Read it before, during, and after my journey . Excellent resource with enough information, but doesn’t overwhelm.

[Trey Katzenbach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent non-fiction resource if you are going to the Galapagos.

[Chris Leuchtenburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent introduction to the wildlife of the Galapagos -- highly recommended reading for the birdwatcher or nature enthusiast prior to (or during) a trip to the islands.

[Cameron Mcconnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent readable primer about the history, geology, ecology and biology of Galapagos.

[Carol Brabant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book when planning a trip to the Galápagos Islands. A must read.

[Deb Ramsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

East to read - so many amazing facts about these islands!

[Ellen Luft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Used as a resource for my trip to the Galapagos. I found it very useful and helpful in understanding the area prior to my visit.

[Edwin Wilke · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good introduction to the natural history of the Galapagos Archipelago. Although a bit dated, it was a very effective introduction prior to my visit.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

9/13/07: I haven't actually gotten past the introduction yet. But I mean to. I really do. Soon.

4/21/08: I watched the BBC documentary "Galapagos" and now it seems less urgent that I finish this book before my trip in July. I still want to, I'm just doubtful that I will.

[Sreejith Sasikumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book, explains history of Galapagos like an interesting story with less jargon, one of the books I read while in the cruise, highly recommended for anyone visiting the islands! Favorite sentence - "...given enough time, anything possible becomes probable...."

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little dry, but well worth the price for my trip to the Galapagos. It had great info!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goth this at a used book store in Arcata yesterday.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this after my Galapagos trip so had already learned a lot of this stuff from our guide. Still a useful book.

[Sheri Fresonke Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good background information about the geology and how the islands were likely to have been populated with animals and plants.