Language: Bilingual in English and French
Birds of Mauritius and Rodrigues makes a presentation of the bird species that still exist today in the Mauritian territory. These species can be divided into four main groups: the Endemic, the Native, the Migratory and the Exotic species.
A section is devoted to each of these groups, with a presentation of the species that constitute it along with relevant information on their main characteristics. The dangers encountered by certain species are also highlighted as well as the relevance of programmes undertaken by specialized agencies to protect, reintroduce and create more awareness towards endangered species in Mauritius.
Birds of Mauritius and Rodrigues is characterized by its concept, focusing more on images (most of which made by the author himself) whilst giving basic information as well as some interesting anecdotes on the different bird species.
It should be noted that the publisher's proceeds of Birds of Mauritius and Rodrigues will be donated to the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation to support conservation programmes.
"Since his retirement in 2010, Jacques de Speville has combined his passion for birds and photography to produce a wonderful selection of photographs of the birds of Mauritius and Rodrigues. [...] The book will be a useful addition to the libraries of those with a keen interest in the Mascarene avifauna. Birdwatchers and visitors with a more casual interest in birds will find it useful, while anyone with an interest in high-quality photographs of birds will enjoy this book."
– John Caddick, Bulletin of the African Bird Club, 22(2), September 2015