Nature's Strongholds: The World's Great Wildlife Reserves

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Bengal tigers in the jungles of India, birds of paradise in the wilds of New Guinea, penguins on frozen beaches in Antarctica; these and other charismatic and endangered species find homes within the world's great wildlife reserves. Only a few people have had the opportunity to visit many of these wildlife sanctuaries and witness these magnificent animals firsthand. Now, for the first time, the splendour of the world's most impressive wildlife reserves is captured on the printed page in this gloriously illustrated book by naturalists Laura and Bill Riley.

The Rileys, who received Pulitzer Prize nominations for their book on American wildlife refuges, spent ten years researching this book, visiting reserves on every continent. The 600 sanctuaries featured were chosen on the basis of exhaustive on-scene reports, interviews, and personal experiences. From Ecuador's Galapagos Islands to Tanzania's renowned Serengeti, they represent the last places on earth where the natural world remains intact. Some of the reserves are as large as European countries, others the size of small farms. Many are growing as people everywhere become aware of their beauty and importance.

The book includes information on each sanctuary's historical and ecological significance, details about how to visit and what to see, and a comprehensive index for locating individual species.

"Nature's Strongholds is a well-designed, comprehensive compilation of critical information for all eco-inclined travelers, field researchers, and wildlife safari-goers - an exceptionally interesting and useful book." Peter Matthiessen, author and naturalist

"The Rileys' new book captures the essence of spectacular wildlife reserves around the world. I immediately pulled out my calendar to plan returns to much-loved parks and explorations of others I've yet to see. Each visitor to these places will not only take away life-long memories, but will also contribute economically to their long-term survival. I know of no other book like this." Kathryn Fuller, President, World Wildlife Fund-U.S.

"The Rileys have reminded us of precious landscapes that endure despite the intrusions of modern life, and of the importance of natural beauty in our lives. It is as close as one can get to a life list of places to be...at least once." Steve Sanderson, President, Wildlife Conservation Society