Galapagos Giant Tortoises brings together researchers and conservationists to share the most up-to-date knowledge of Galapagos giant tortoises. Despite being icons of the world-famous Galapagos Archipelago and the target of more than 50 years of conservation research and management, Galapagos giant tortoise evolution and much of their ecology remained unknown until recently. This book documents the history, the pressing conservation issues, and success stories recovering several of the 15 different species of Galapagos tortoises from near extinction.The book begins with an overview of the history of the relationship between humans and Galapagos giant tortoises, starting from initial heavy exploitation of tortoises by pirates and whalers, and extending to the start of the modern conservation era in the 1960s. The book then shifts to biology, describing Galapagos tortoise evolution, taxonomy, ecology, habitats, reproduction, and behavior. Next the decades of conservation efforts and their results are reviewed, including issues of captive breeding, invasive species, introduced diseases, and de-extinction, as well as the current status and distribution of every species. The final portion of the book turns to four case studies of restoration, and then looks ahead to the future of all tortoise populations.The latest volume in the Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscape series, Galapagos Giant Tortoises is a valuable resource for researchers and conservationists, as well as students of biology, wildlife conservation, and herpetology. - Provides a comprehensive overview of the Galapagos giant tortoise species as written and edited by the world's leading experts - Presents examples of restoration of tortoise populations following the near extinction of many of them - Describes conservation strategies to ensure the full recovery of all extant species - Explores recent efforts using replacement tortoises for extinct species to restore island ecosystems

The Galápagos Islands are a paradise for birders, botanists, geologists, and snorkelers, with many islands still devoid of human habitation. Since they lie more than 600 miles west of South America and were never connected to the mainland, almost all plant and animal life arrived here by chance. As Charles Darwin discovered, the evolution of plants and animals is more visible here than anywhere else on earth. John Kricher, a renowned ecologist and Galápagos ecotour guide, presents a detailed natural history of this spectacular archipelago. He looks at the amazing diversity of life found here, from iguanas to penguins, and explains the fascinating geology of these remote islands. Throughout his narrative, Kricher weaves the intriguing history of evolutionary biology that is intimately connected with the islands, and describes Darwin's adventures and observations while he was visiting in 1835. Indeed, Kricher takes his chapter titles from comments scattered throughout Darwin's account of his expedition around the world, The Voyage of the Beagle. Kricher closes his book by assessing the conservation efforts to preserve the Galápagos--and the challenges these efforts have met. Of special interest is the book's richly detailed island-by-island guide. For both the ecotraveler and the nature enthusiast, Galápagos is essential reading. Essential reading for the nature enthusiast and ecotraveler alike Detailed island-by-island guide Vivid descriptions of plant and animal life Fascinating explanation of the islands' geology

This book describes the physical characteristics, behavior, life cycle, and habitats of Gal?apagos tortoises.

Explore the enchanting realm of turtles and tortoises through "The Turtle Book: The most popular turtles and tortoises." This essential guide serves as a valuable resource for enthusiasts of these remarkable reptiles. Immerse yourself in this extensive volume and uncover a vast array of information about these fascinating creatures. "The Turtle Book: The Most Popular Turtles and Tortoises" is your definitive guide to understanding and valuing these ancient creatures. Within the pages of this incredible book, you will discover detailed insights into numerous species of turtles and tortoises, including sea turtles, their natural environments, and their distinctive traits. Accompanied by beautiful photographs and thorough descriptions, you will be drawn into the captivating world of these extraordinary creatures. Featured in "The Turtle Book: The Most Popular Turtles and Tortoises" are notable species such as the Galapagos tortoise, Alligator snapping turtle, Box turtle, Leatherback sea turtle, Painted turtle, Yellow mud turtle, Desert tortoise, Russian tortoise, Texas tortoise, Green sea turtle, Loggerhead sea turtle, Hawksbill sea turtle, Philippine forest turtle, African helmeted turtle, Common musk turtle, Gopher tortoise, Japanese pond turtle, Olive ridley sea turtle, Spotted turtle, Northern red-bellied cooter, Leopard tortoise, Aldabra giant tortoise, Indian star tortoise, Flatback sea turtle, Mata mata turtle, Big-headed turtle, Diamondback terrapin, False map turtle, European pond turtle, Greek tortoise, Wood turtle, African spurred tortoise, Hermann's tortoise, Pond slider turtle, Blandings turtle, Kemp's ridley sea turtle, and the Yangtze giant softshell turtle. The book also provides valuable information on collaborative efforts to conserve these magnificent creatures and help remove them from the endangered species list.

A lifelong academic and teacher, Charles Levenstein has written poetry since the age of fifteen but was rarely published until the year 2000. Toward the end of his career, he watched one of his peers find comfort in projects outside the university environment. His peer built a sailboat as a form of solace and escape. Levenstein-never good with tools-sought a similar peace from the pressures of teaching. He then developed sleep apnea, which kept him awake most nights. Instead of suffering in the dark, he got up and found his tool: the written word. He lost himself in poetry. Some of the work was therapeutic, working through the inevitable sorrows and losses of a long life. The Ponderous Galapagos Turtle is the culmination of fifteen years of poetic practice. The symbol of the turtle is one of endurance and strength. To Levenstein, turtles may not be spectacular, but they survive-as do humans. Certain truths embrace the human spirit in us all and rise to the surface like a turtle taking a breath.

"In a world obsessed with the virtual, tangible things are once again making history. Tangible Things invites readers to look closely at the things around them, arguing that almost any material thing, when examined closely, can be a link between present and past."--Provided by publisher.