The Smaller Majority

by Piotr Naskrecki

Smaller, on average, than a human finger, creatures climbing, scampering, and flying out of sight make up 99 percent of all animal life visible to the naked eye. This is the “smaller majority” that we meet eye-to-eye, often for the first time and certainly as never before, in Piotr Naskrecki ’s spectacular book. A large-format volume of over 400 exquisite, full-color photographs, some depicting animals never before captured with a camera, The Smaller Majority takes us on a visual journey into the remote world of organisms that, however little known, overlooked, or even reviled, are critical to the biodiversity of the tropics, and to the life of our planet. Here are the species who truly dominate the tropics, both in terms of their diversity and the ecological functions they invertebrates such as insects, arachnids, or flatworms, but also little-known vertebrates such as the pygmy chameleons of Madagascar or legless, underground frog kin known as caecilians ; here is behavior never before documented, as in katydids preying upon one another, photographed in places few have visited. Using pioneering camera techniques that allow us to see the world of these creatures from their point of view, the book exposes the environment in which they live, the threats they face, and the devastating impact their disappearance may have. A unique introduction to the marvelous variety of the overlooked life under our feet, Naskrecki’s book returns us to a child’s sense of wonder with a fully informed, deeply felt understanding of the importance of so much of the world’s smaller, teeming life.

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

288 pages, 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