New Title

                                                                              
1) Renner, Swen C. and John H. Rappole (editors). Avifauna of the Eastern Himalayas and Southeastern Sub-Himalayan Mountains: Center of Endemism or Many Species in Marginal Habitats? 2011: Ornithological Monographs No. 70. American Ornithologists' Union. Paperback: 166 pages. Price: $24.95 U.S.

SUMMARY: Any analysis of species distributions in Southeast Asia must confront several difficulties, including weak baseline data, a coarse sampling grid, and confused taxonomy A critical portion of this region, namely the southeastern Himalayas and associated sub-Himalayan areas, are high in species richness and yet are poorly sampled or understood from an ornitho-geographic and conservation perspective. Recent surveys in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh (north-east India), Yunnan (southwest China), and Kachin State (northern Myanmar) have revealed new taxa, confirming the hypothesis that the mountain range is of global conservation importance. In this monograph, we summarize current knowledge, historical and recent collection activities, and taxonomic, systematic, and biogeographic revisions and consider the need for additional work and where in the region that work should be focused.
RECOMMENDATION: For those with an interest in the avifauna of Asia or avian biogeography in general.