British Columbia: A Natural History

by Richard J. Cannings

British Columbia: A Natural History by Richard Cannings.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Science, Natural History, Reference, Biology, Geology

310 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Richard J. Cannings works as a consulting biologist in Naramata, British Columbia. He has taught courses at the University of British Columbia and was curator of the Cowan Vertebrate Museum at the university for fifteen years. He has also written numerous scientific papers and is the author, along with Robert A. Cannings and Sydney G. Cannings, of The Birds of the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia.

Reviews

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! So many interesting tidbits. I borrowed this from the library where I work and it's going on my definite to buy list, as I can see myself rereading this periodically. One of the few nonfiction books I have read cover to cover.

[Darren Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent guide to the natural history of British Columbia written for the layman or non-scientists. The first three chapters lay the framework describing the geological and other circumstances that made BC what it is today. The next seven chapters describe the geology and flora and fauna of specific distinct 'ecosystems' which make up the province. A final chapter entitled 'The Future' lays down the (still not fully understood) effects of deforestation, bulldozing of wetlands, introduced plant and animal species, and of course, the consequences of human caused climate change.

[Logan Streondj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very beautiful in word and deed, a marvelous depiction of British Columbia from the hydrothermal vents in the ocean deep to the tops of the mountains and everything in between. An essential overview of BC definitely worth archiving for future generations.
Have many takeaways, among them apparently there are rattlesnakes and scorpions in the okanagan valley, as well as kangaroo mice.
Also the climate changes as one goes up the mountain which changes the flora and fauna along with it, creating many microclimates, allowing very great biodiversity.

[Rus Zee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read. Even if you aren't planning to go to B.C.

[Patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully layed out

[Richard Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book very slowly, a page or two every day when I sat down at my desk to take my blood pressure reading.

Lots of fascinating stuff.

Unfortunately, though, as the authors point out in their epilogue: "We as a society must wake up from the pleasant dream of unlimited growth before we are awakened by an apocalyptic nightmare, before we have destroyed all that is wonderful and special around us."

[Mila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of fascinating facts about BC that are very exciting to me personally :)

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of BC geology and ecology. Interesting tidbits of information. Enjoyed learning about species specific to certain regions with BC.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice overview for the non-scientist that's not too simplified.