New and Recent Titles

    

1) Burney, David A. Back to the Future in the Caves of Kaua'i: A Scientist's Adventures in the Dark. 2010. Yale University Press. Hardbound: 198 pages. Price: $28.00 U.S.

SUMMARY:For two decades, paleoecologist David Burney and his wife, Lida Pigott Burney, have led an excavation of Makauwahi Cave on the island of Kaua‘i, uncovering the fascinating variety of plants and animals that have inhabited Hawaii throughout its history. From the unique perspective of paleoecology—the study of ancient environments—Burney has focused his investigations on the dramatic ecological changes that began after the arrival of humans one thousand years ago, detailing not only the environmental degradation they introduced but also asking how and why this destruction occurred and, most significantly, what might happen in the future.
RECOMMENDATION: For those interested in the paleoecology of Hawaii.


2) Onley, Derek and Sandy Bartle. Identification of Seabirds of the Southern Ocean. 1999 (2006). Te Papa Press. Hardbound: 81 pages. Price: $22.50 U.S.
SUMMARY: This book has been written to help scientific observers identify those seabirds likely to be caught in the Southern Ocean, and takes into account the requirements of the CCAMLR Scheme of International Scientific Observation. It covers the identification of 36 species of birds from the Southern Ocean that have been caught in fishing gear or have been seen feeding from fishing boats. By following the keys to identification, observers should be able to identify most seabirds caught in commercial fisheries in the Southern Ocean with confidence.
RECOMMENDATION: Seabirders in the North Pacific will find this book useful.