The Smaller Majority by Piotr Naskrecki

by Piotr Naskrecki

"In over 400 full-color photographs, Piotr Naskrecki brings us eye to eye with the smaller majority - the 99 percent of animal life that are smaller than a human finger. Those featured in the book live in threatened biodiversity hotspots around the humid tropical forests, savannas, and deserts. The Smaller Majority takes us on an unforgettable visual journey into the often overlooked world cloaked by a leaf, camouflaged on the surface of a rock, or even trapped underfoot. These species, some captured by camera here for the first time, are critical to the biodiversity of the tropics and to the life of our planet." "Naskrecki shows us the intricate forms and fascinating behavior of a variety of invertebrates such as preying mantids, grasshoppers, and spiders but also reclusive vertebrates such as geekos and chameleons, and dispels a few myths along the way. With patience, persistence, and expertise he unmasks the clever disguises of leaf katydids and glass frogs. Naskrecki highlights the survival techniques and important ecological functions of many creatures and the threats they face from us, including introduction of invasive species and habitat destruction." In an appendix, Naskrecki offers photographic tips and advice for the amateur photographer or rainforest tourist. The Smaller Majority encourages us to view all of our world - not simply exotic habitats - with a child's sense of wonder.

Genres: Photography, Nature, Nonfiction, Science, Natural History, Animals, Wildlife

Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Bill Leach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great title! Naskrecki takes the reader on a tour of the many smaller animals that inhabit tropical ecosystems, emphasizing the tremendous diversity. The primary focus is on the rainforests, but in some ways the life of the savannas and deserts is even more surprising. While much of the material is about insects, arachnids and the larger animals such as the lizards, geckos, frogs, caecilians and crabs are also examined.

The katydids receive a fair bit of attention, the author noting "If I were to name one group of organisms that encapsulates everything I love about nature, it would be the katydids." In one location in Peru, researchers found over 300 species. Their counterpart in the savannas - the grasshopper - has speciated hugely in Australia.

Naskrecki's photos are amazing. He includes an appendix in which he provides some guidance on photographing smaller subjects.

[Erik Bolton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read! The photography was a highlight of the book. This book gives a unique perspective to viewing the natural world.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The text, the photographs, what's not to enjoy about The Smaller Majority. That is unless you don't like all things small (frogs, lizards, insects). The Smaller Majority tells the backgrounds of small things, most people overlook in their days. Although, insects etc. are small, their population makes up the majority of living things on earth. Did you know that a swarm of locusts can consist of more locusts than there are people in the world?

Piotr Naskrecki tells how he fell in love with all things small. He provides spectacular photographs of animals with interesting, easy to read text. The book is split into sections of land-types (ie. dessert, savahnna, rainforest). In the beginning of each chapter, Naskrecki explains what makes each land-type different than another. As I learned about different animals, I appreciated the ability for these creatures to live and adapt to such places.

I really enjoyed the final chapter, how he took the photographs and suggestions on how you could do this too.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great photography of often overlooked, sometimes feared & despised critters. The verbal material that accompanies the photos is informative, accurate and not overly technical. This would be a great book for a high school or college level zoology student, to complement and add interest to the material covered in the more technical (and boring) official class textbook. Anyone just interested in learning more about animals would probably enjoy it. At the end is a brief section describing his macro photography techniques, in case the reader is so inspired.

[Abby]

I got this because of the pictures. Pictures were good. Read a little, but mostly didn't bother.

I'm beginning to be totally fascinated by creepy-crawlies, who have these complex behaviors and interactions that so few people care to examine...

[Duncan Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful coffee-table book featuring wonderful macro photography. As a macro photographer myself, it was especially interesting to learn of the ingenious equipment he uses to capture these extraordinary images. A big inspiration on the whole, well worth getting!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book with stunning photographs of all the animals most people ignore or find disgusting. I love it.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to be inspired by the weirdness of little bizarre and awesome creatures, this is the book to get. From insects to lizards to i don't know what, the photography is simply stunning.

[Cassandralynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've got to meet this guy! Combining two of my loves: bugs and photography!

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing pictures of obscure animals + insightful story = win.

Also introduced me to the magnificent coconut crab.

[Johannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful detailed pictures of insects we sometimes over look or don't see at all.

[Terry Thormin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book full of great photos and great information. A must read for anyone interested in the smaller creatures that occupy this world with us