The Nature of Alaska: An Introduction to Familiar Plants, Animals & Outstanding Natural Attractions

by James Kavanagh, Raymond Leung (Illustrator)

Overview

America's last frontier is one of the great natural areas on earth. Alaska's rugged mountain ranges, lush forests, muskeg-bogs and open tundra are home to a rich array of wildlife including 105 species of mammals, 325 birds, hundreds of freshwater and saltwater fishes and thousands of trees, shrubs and wildflowers. This beautifully illustrated field guide highlights more than 325 familiar plants and animals and dozens of the state's outstanding natural attractions. It is an indispensable single reference for amateur naturalists, students and tourists alike. Made in the USA.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781583552995
Publisher:	Waterford Press Ltd.
Publication date:	03/05/2018
Series:	Wildlife and Nature Identification
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	270,195
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)
Age Range:	10 Years

About the Author

Zoologist Jim Kavanagh has made a career out of introducing novices to plants, animals, the sciences and world cultures. In addition to creating over 500 simplified nature guides, he has also authored guides to languages, cities and outdoor skills. An avid traveler and backpacker, Kavanagh’s path has taken him around the world to many remote destinations including the upper Amazon, Africa, Australia, and the Arctic Circle (and this is just the As). He is also the author of a series of state-specific guides to common species and natural attractions and a children's book on evolution.www.waterfordpress.com

Read an Excerpt

BEARS
This group includes the largest terrestrial carnivores in the world. All are heavy-bodied, large-headed animals, with short ears and small tails. Their sense of smell is keen, though eyesight is generally poor. Key places to view vears are listed in the section on natural attractions.
Brown Bear, Ursus arctos
Size: 6-9 ft. (1.8-2.7 m)
Description: Distinguished by its large size, prominent shoulder hump and huge feet with prominent claws.
Habitat: Open habitats and forested areas throughout most of the state excluding the southeasternmost islands.
Comments: Three subspecies of brown bear are found in Alaska. One group lives in coastal areas and feeds primarily on salmon. A second group (often called 'grizzlies') are found in inland and northern habitats; these are typically smaller since they have less protein in their diet. A third group found on Kodiak Osland are classified as a separate subspecies since they are physically isolated. The huge Kodiak Island brown bears are considered the largest land carnivores in the world. Though the polar bear (U. maritimus) is larger still, it is considered a marine mammal.

Editorial Reviews

"The Nature of Alaska is a beautifully illustrated guide which highlights more than 275 familiar plants and animals, and dozens of Alaska's natural attractions."
“The Nature of Alaska is an indispensable single reference for amateur naturalists, students, tourists, and armchair travelers of all ages.

Midwest Book Review