Discusses both the human and the natural history of the islands of California, including all eight Channel Islands, Año Nuevo, the Farallons, and the islands of San Francisco Bay. Useful as a field guide for visitors, and details on reaching the islands are contained in the first chapter. Also explores the formation of the islands, discusses the history of human habitation, beginning with the Native Americans who first visited the islands 12,000 years ago, and provides a thorough introduction to the marine and terrestrial biotas of the islands. The authors also discuss past damage and ongoing threats to island ecosystems, including devastation caused by the introduction of nonnative animals and plants.
Allan A. Schoenherr is Professor of Ecology at Fullerton College and author of A Natural History of California (California, 1992). C. Robert Feldmeth was Professor of Biology at The Claremont Colleges until his death in 1994. Michael J. Emerson (1954-1989) studied with Robert Feldmeth and wrote his master's thesis on the Channel Islands. David Mooney is a San Diego artist specializing in wildlife art and illustration.
An excellent book.--"Orange County Register