British Columbia: A Natural History

by Richard J. Cannings, Sydney G. Cannings

This award-winning book provides a review of the province's physical and natural environments. Written for the interested layperson, it describes the natural history of British Columbia by ecological region. This revised and expanded edition presents new information about the geological formation of the province. There are also new discussions of such topics as avalanches and fire, including information about the devastating fires of the summer of 2003.

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

341 pages, Paperback

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

[Steve Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully produced book covering the wide spectrum of the nature of British Columbia. It contains many full-colour pictures, descriptions of the geology, and the animals that inhabit our very diverse province.
Some striking features to me were that BC has some of the greatest snowfalls and rainfall in the world. Given our immense mountain ranges, long coastline with inlets and islands, it makes sense. Having personally experienced the rain and flown over the snow-covered mountains, I do not hesitate to believe the author’s statements.
The first chapter is a bit of a challenge as it works through the geology of this vast area. The earth was no doubt covered with water at one time, and when God separated the waters that covered the earth, He separated them into the waters that exist on our planet and under it.
We live on water in our area that comes from a well drilled deep into an underground river, and from the clouds above. I recently read that a large thundercloud holds thousands of pounds of water. This is something I had not thought about before, but it makes sense when those huge storm clouds release their rain. BC truly has real rain forests.
Once the reader gets through the description of geographic plates, the book covers the wide array of landscapes in BC — deserts, rain forests, rushing rivers, huge lakes, and rivers that run through mountain valleys. The book also explores the animals that inhabit all these regions.
The reader will learn about the animals that live on land and in water, and the connections they have with one another within their habitats. The authors explored these areas firsthand. One will be amazed at the necessary co-existence of all these creatures, large and small. There are beautiful pictures throughout the book, and the authors describe so many animals, fish, and small creatures that make this ecosystem work.
Sadly, not every human endeavour has helped our province, as the authors describe.
I was completely caught up in reading this book. The world around us is so amazing, and as you read this book, you will find yourself amazed over and over again.

[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.