Japan: The Natural History of an Asian Archipelago

by Mark Brazil

A comprehensive, richly illustrated guide to Japan's astonishing animals and plants--and the natural forces that have shaped them



This richly illustrated guide is the first comprehensive and accessible introduction to the extraordinary natural history of the Japanese archipelago. It explains how Japan's geology, geography, climate, seas and currents have forged conditions supporting a diverse range of species--from cranes, bears, eagles and monkeys to plants, butterflies, dragonflies, frogs and snakes--many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Engaging and authoritative, this book is a must-have for anyone who wants to explore or learn about Japan's natural wonders, from the Japanese Macaque--the famous snow monkeys--to the magnificent Steller's Eagle.
Features more than 878 colour photographs, illustrations and maps
Provides a lavishly illustrated introduction to many of Japan's common and iconic mammals and birds
Takes readers on a naturalist's journey to the key areas of Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku and Nansei Shoto, as well as the Izu, Ogasawara and Iwo islands
Introduces Japan's geology, geography, topography, climate, habitats, biodiversity and much more
Explains where and how to watch and photograph wildlife in Japan, including whales

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Japan, Biology, Science, History

384 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 2022

Reviews

[Mansoor · Rating 4 out of 5]

تسلط نویسنده بر موضوع حیرت‌انگیز است. ولی حتی اگر نمی‌توانید متن کتاب را بخوانید، از دیدن تصاویر دلربایش محظوظ خواهید شد



Image: Japan’s Leopard Cat known as Tsushima Cat.

[Ruben · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide to Japan's nature and natural history with a focus on birds and mammals, their geographical distribution and the forces that shaped these biotopes. Also contains plenty of beautiful photos and helpful illustrations. Some parts are overly verbose and redundant passages are frequent, though.

Overall a very recommended read for everyone interested in Japan's nature!

[Jackson]

oh my god. wait til you get to page 252.

[Ariel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an excellent reading! I started it before visiting Japan and finished it after the journey, so I could have a better understanding about Japan's biogeography while traveling and complement what I experienced there while finishing the book.

The book have five parts, each of these intertwining between them to help the reader understand how Japan's geography, climate, evolution, culture and wildlife interacts and came to be.
"The Forces that Shaped Japan"
"Natural Ecology"
"People and Wildlife"
"The Regions of Japan"
"Mammals and Birds of Japan"

I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in Japan's nature. I think you'll enjoy it very much!