This is a vastly expanded version of Julian Fitter's 2010 work on the wildlife of New Zealand. It benefits from increased coverage and updated information on the status of species, especially those at risk.
It is remarkable that in a pocket-sized volume that is clearly a field guide, so much can be included on such a wide range of organisms that comprise the flora and fauna of the country. Furthermore, photographs are included for every species covered, a significant achievement in and of itself.
In the author's introductory comments many issues are discussed, including the swamping of New Zealand life forms with alien species, going back to the first Maori settlers and culminating with later European invaders. There were no native land predators in New Zealand, and faced with previously unknown threats from introduced animals such as rats, stoats, weasels, goats, pigs, cats and others, endemic species were eradicated - lost to the world forever. This situation continues to the present day, although its effects are being mitigated in many areas by various means, and New Zealand has become a leading authority in the removal of feral predators from islands where native wildlife is in serious jeopardy of extinction.
Similar destruction of native forests and grasslands has occurred with the introduction of species from abroad that outcompete indigenous trees and plants, and the conversion of vast swatches of land to sheep farming and agriculture.
It is bitterly ironic that a small country, so isolated by its remoteness, has suffered so greatly in the diminution of the life forms that made it unique.
In the section on birds, Fitter even breaks down the species by native and introduced groups. Native passerines, for example are represented by seventeen species and introduced species by fifteen, quite staggering really. The section on game birds reveals that every one is brought in from elsewhere with names like California Quail and Indian Peafowl, imposed on a landscape where none existed before.
Mammals present an even more dire picture. There are only two native land mammals in New Zealand, both bats, whereas there is a dizzying array of introduced mammalian predators of birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Fitter never shies away from commenting on this sad state of affairs, in addition to filling his principal role of offering a comprehensive field guide. For example, under Introduced/Alien Land Mammals, he says, "....... they have thrived and caused widespread ecological and environmental damage".
You will benefit greatly from excellent coverage of so many taxa from birds to liverworts and lichens! But do not hesitate to read the cautionary notes and applaud New Zealand's efforts to return some of its territory to its natural state.
The book ends with a list of great places to visit. Go! Enjoy! Experience nature - and be sure to tuck this field guide into your pocket when you do.
Wildlife of New Zealand - A Field Guide Fully Revised and Expanded - Princeton University Press
Author: Julian Fitter
Paperback - US$24.95 - ISBN: 9780691212470
Publication date: 18 May 2021
304 pages - 600 colour photographs - 4.5" x7.5"
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Hari OM
ReplyDeleteIt is one of my disappointments in life that I never got to visit NZ - despite it being only a five hour flight away... now that chance is as great a distance as last night's dream... YAM xx
I am seriously starting to wonder whether travel is ever going to be possible again in the way that we have become used to it in recent years. A young friend of mine went to visit her ailing mother in India, has now become COVID infected, and has no idea if, when or how she will be able to return to Canada. At present, flights between the two countries are forbidden.
DeleteThanks a lot for telling about the book, David. I applaud New Zealand's efforts to return some of its territory to its natural state. This is a field guide for my cousin in New Zealand.
ReplyDelete'Only two native mammals, both bats'. That reminds me of the bats supposedly involved in the spreading of the virus covid-19. Recently, one of the UN workers making inquiries in Wuhan,China, said there are no bats living in that region - so, it seems we are back to the conspiracy theory of the leak from the laboratory.
ReplyDeleteIntroduced species (including of course our own) so rarely do the native habitat and denizens any favours.
ReplyDeleteSome day I will get to explore New Zealand. At least the country is open to us again (though probably the doors will slam shut again, and again before they open fully).
I guess you want to travel to NZ, David. It looks like a very beautiful country.
ReplyDeleteUn libro precioso, me gusta mucho. Abrazos.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the places I would love to visit. We have a friend who's wife is a nurse and they moved there in 2010.
ReplyDeleteBetter go and visit them, then.
DeleteHello David,
ReplyDeleteI have several friends who have visited New Zealand and all have commented as to how beautiful it was, when you are in Australia next it's only a hop skip and a jump to NZ.
Stay safe both
john
It sounds quite informative.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog. We are birdwatchers! Your header is gorgeous. I will have to tell my friend about this book; her daughter lives in New Zealand.
ReplyDeleteAnd welcome to mine!
DeleteLooks a good book to have.
ReplyDeleteWe have problems with invasive species here in USA. I think most countries do.
ReplyDeleteYes, it truly is sad that the bits of 'home' ended up with such unintentional destruction. This book sounds like a great addition to any library.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good and accurate description. It's sad that new species tend to push out and /or destroy the native ones. Have a good day, take care, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteI suppose there must be some kind of law which states that the more remote and isolated a land is the more susceptible it becomes to any alien invasion which does occur. I have no intention to visit this interesting country but I'm glad that such excellent books are still produced in the increasingly internet-reliant age.
ReplyDeleteUn livre qui semble très intéressant, il y'a beaucoup d'animaux qui ont été introduite.
ReplyDeleteBonne journée
Thanks so much for taking time this week to share this post with us birders at IRBB. Very much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteHi David - gosh this does sound like a book to read before one visits NZ ... I've never been - but am aware of the invasive species being introduced. NZ has shown us in recent years what we as humans can do to help ourselves ... they certainly set examples that we can learn from. I'd love to see the book - sometime ... once bookshops etc and life re-opens for a quick check out. Thanks for letting us know about Julian Fitter's revised and updated book on NZ. All the best - Hilary
ReplyDeleteRather, the first Europeans to settle there were actually ... expelled.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteNew Zealand is on my hubby's wish list and I would love to see the New Zealand birds. It is sad to hear about the invasive species wreaking havoc. Thanks for sharing the book. Have a great day!
Interesante libro para conocer llos tipos de espacies de aves que habitan en su país.
ReplyDeleteExcelente propuesta la de este libro, una manera fácil y con muchas fotos para conocer la fauna y flora de New Zealand ¡sería maravilloso poder hacer un viaje a sus recomendaciones!
ReplyDeleteMuchos besos y feliz semana.
I have visited NZ but that was long before I started birding :) A great place.
ReplyDeleteSiempre tengo en cuenta los libros que recomiendas, este parece ser una gran obra. David un fuerte abrazo desde el norte de España.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the book review. I would love to go to New Zealand. Shaking head about the invasive species.
ReplyDeleteAh, New Zealand! A country that seems perfectly sane politically. How unusual! And home of such interesting wildlife. We were watching some show from there recently - don't remember which one; we actually watch quite a lot of New Zealand tv - and they mentioned the Kakapo. My ears perked up. A fascinating bird whose status I've reported on in my weekly roundup several times over the years. This book must be filled with such wonderful animals. Thank you for the review.
ReplyDeleteIf there is one place I get to visit, I will choose New Zealand. Have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful book David, I bought also a new book, Vogelatlas van Nederlands. Have a nice day. Greetings Caroline
ReplyDeleteThat sounds really interesting, Caroline. If it ever becomes available in English I would buy it.
DeleteOtro gran libro que recomiendas y se ve todo una gran obra. No creo poder visitar nunca Nueva Zelanda ahora ya creo es tarde para mi, pero tiene que ser maravilloso conocer.
ReplyDeleteUn fuerte abrazo querido amigo y compadre David.
A lovely book. I hope to visit New Zealand someday.
ReplyDeleteCarla
A visit to New Zealand and so many other places is also on my someday travel list and while I may not have this field guide handy, it will be so interesting to see the various species. I wondered if you had ever visited, David?
ReplyDeleteI have never made it to New Zealand - Australia twice, but not NZ.
DeleteMy late mother used to enjoy her annual 'over-wintering' in New Zeeland, David. She spent most of her time in the north of North Island and found the place and its nature to be absolutely beautiful. I have often thought of visiting, but the prospect is rapidly disappearing through the combined effects of age, travel limitations, and funds! If the situation changes, I will be looking for this book, even if some aspects of it do seem a little depressing.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes - - - Richard