Böcker utgivna av Pelagic Publishing Ltd

A summer migrant to Europe from West Africa, the Little Tern is one of our most threatened and most captivating seabirds. This book is the story of one breeding season at the Beacon Lagoons colony on the North Sea coast, near Spurn Point in East Yorkshire. In elegant and evocative prose it offers an intimate portrait of these endangered birds, covering everything from foraging and breeding to predators and conservation.The colony's small size means that it can be monitored, protected and documented in an unusual level of detail. Close observation of the birds' behaviour and an in-depth knowledge of the natural history of their environment raise important questions about how and why we seek to preserve and protect species for whose decline we are ourselves largely responsible. A tight focus on the spectacular natural, geographical and cultural headland that is Spurn Point also provides new insights into the ecology of Little Terns. Covering the progress of the colony month by month, through an eventful spring and summer, Clinging to the Edge brings these charismatic and endearing birds vividly to life.

Traffication develops a bold new idea: that the trillions of miles of driving we do each year are just as destructive to our natural environment as any of the better known threats, such as habitat loss or intensive farming. The problem is not simply one of roadkill; the impacts of roads are far more pervasive, and they impact our wildlife in many subtle and unpredictable ways. Using the latest research, the book reveals how road traffic shatters essential biological processes, affecting how animals communicate, move around, feed, reproduce and die. Most importantly, it shows that the influence of traffic extends well beyond the verge, and that a busy road can strip the wildlife from our countryside for miles around. In the UK, almost nowhere is exempt from this environmental toll. Yet the final message here is one of hope: by identifying the car as a major cause of the catastrophic loss of wildlife, the solutions to our biodiversity crisis suddenly become much clearer.The first step to solving any problem is to recognise that it exists in the first place. But with road traffic, we are not even at that crucial initial stage in our recovery. Quite simply, Traffication does for road traffic what Silent Spring did for agrochemicals: awakening us from our collective road-blindness and opening up a whole new chapter in conservation. This urgent book is an essential contribution to the debate on how we restore the health of our countryside - and of our own minds and bodies.

This stunning photographic guide covers 160 snake species found across peninsular Thailand, including Phuket island and other popular tourist destinations. Each species description contains essential information on identifying the snake in question. For harmless and dangerous snakes that look much alike, emphasis is placed on how to tell these apart. There is detailed discussion on the distribution of each species, with a separate map covering Phuket island, notes on habitat, the likelihood of encountering it, as well as whether or not the snake is a potential danger to humans.Illustrated with over 400 photographs, this beautifully designed book includes an overview of snake biology, a chapter on conservation and threats to snakes on Phuket island, advice on how to deal with a snake near your home and, for those who are less comfortable around these animals, some tips on how to make your garden less attractive to snakes and what to do in case of snakebite. Furthermore, there is a beginner's guide to herping (how to find snakes), and an exploration of the sorts of environments where snakes live.Not only suitable for dedicated field herpetologists, this book is also a perfect introduction for local residents and visitors with little knowledge of these fascinating reptiles.

Beneath their huge and spectacular skies, the Fenlands of East Anglia are in dynamic flux. Emerging as dense woodland from the retreating glaciers of the last ice age, the forests were drenched beneath a rising water table to become a vast, impenetrable wetland teeming with life. These swamps were inhospitable to most but provided refuge for rebels, outcasts and warriors such as Boudicca and Hereward the Wake. Now this wet wilderness has, over the last centuries of the millennium, been irreversibly and drastically tamed.At its finest, the biodiversity here was comparable to tropical rainforests. The drainage of the Fens was an ecological disaster but within their tiny remnants there are still opportunities to connect with that lost world. Season by season, this book documents, with stunning photographs and insightful text, the intense ecological richness in these pockets of ancient fen, alongside the wildlife spectacles that draw thousands of visitors to the seasonal wetlands of the Ouse and Nene Washes.As the ancient peat soils turn to dust after a century of intensive farming, the future of the Fens pivots on rising sea levels, agricultural pressures and visions of rewilding. The dramatic changes to the ecology of the Fens represent on a national scale the same issues that face communities and ecosystems the world over. At yet another crossroads in its history, Fenland Nature offers a portal into the hidden wonders of this unique, challenging and complex landscape - while turning our gaze to its future.

Discover the intricacies of global forest restoration in Treewilding. Exploring the interplay of cutting-edge science and Indigenous knowledge, this engaging book navigates challenges, greenwashing pitfalls and the possible solutions shaping the future of ecosystems and our relationship with nature.

Have you ever wondered exactly what those 'weeds' are growing along the kerb or between the cracks in the pavement? Not the pampered plants of parks, front gardens and herbaceous borders, but simply those that exist everywhere and nowhere in particular: the true survivors, the botanical opportunists. In this handy guide, we introduce the most commonplace flowers, shrubs, grasses, mosses and ferns that are to be found on the street, and show the main characteristics by which you can recognise them. Soon you'll be more alert than ever to the rebellious species of tarmac, wall and gutter as they defy weedkiller, climate change and dog wee.So you can identify the plants you discover in your town as readily as possible, the species are arranged according to their growth form. The book starts with the largest group - herbaceous plants - followed by a few woody plants, grasses, mosses and ferns. The first group is divided again according to flower colour: white, yellow, red/pink, blue/purple and green or brown. Within each colour, you will first find the flowers with a maximum of four petals, then those with five, then those with more than five and finally those with bilaterally symmetrical flowers. So you know quickly which group you are in, there are corresponding symbols in the profile at the bottom of each page. This ingenious little book is sure to enliven even the most mundane walk on the dreariest of days.

An illustrated history of primatology in all its aspects. This comprehensive treatment covers the human relationship with other primates throughout history.

Africa's surviving rhinos are seriously threatened. This timely book considers all kinds of human interactions with these magnificent and enigmatic animals, offering a significant contribution to our understanding of wildlife in the African continent.

The only substantive and up-to-date guide to the rich moth fauna of the wider southern African region.

This ground-breaking volume covers 42 species of terrestrial mammal. Contains spectrograms, detailed guidance and access to a downloadable sound library containing more than 250 recordings.

"All aspects of the life of the Green Woodpecker are covered in great detail in this book. Information on its origins, taxonomy, anatomy, appearance, moult, calls, distribution, conservation status, habitats, movements, breeding, diet and relationships are presented comprehensively and illustrated with superb colour images"--

This book offers a fresh approach to difficult plants that will make you become a more confident botanist. Unlike other wildflower guides, it will help you understand why some plants are trickier to identify than others.

During his itinerary covering just shy of 30 countries, Nils Bouillard was lucky enough to encounter no fewer than 400 species of bats. But beyond the impressive list, The Big Bat Year is a passionate tale about the people who are protecting bats all over the world.

Coral reefs are one of the world's great natural wonders, but they are also under serious threat from the effects of climate change and development. Reflections Underwater is a unique, illuminating book that explores a dazzling variety of topics and concepts relating to these remarkable habitats.