The California Deserts: An Ecological Rediscovery (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Through the eloquent and skillful interweaving of cultural, scientific, and natural history themes, Pavlik and University of California Press have set a new standard for books on the ecology of natural bioregions."--Conservation Biology

Product Description

This highly readable, spectacularly illustrated compendium is an ecological journey into a wondrous land of extremes. The California Deserts explores the remarkable diversity of life in this harsh yet fragile quarter of the Golden State. In a rich narrative, it illuminates how that diversity, created by drought and heat, has evolved with climate change since the Ice Ages. Along the way, we find there is much to learn from each desert species-- whether it is a cactus, pupfish, tortoise, or bighorn sheep--about adaptation to a warming, arid world. The book tells of human adaptation as well, and is underscored by a deep appreciation for the intimate knowledge acquired by native people during their 12,000-year desert experience. In this sense, the book is a journey of rediscovery, as it reflects on the ways that knowledge has been reclaimed and amplified by new discoveries. The book also takes the measure of the ecological condition of these deserts today, presenting issues of conservation, management, and restoration. With its many sidebars, photographs, and featured topics, The California Deserts provides a unique introduction to places of remarkable and often unexpected beauty.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press (July 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520251458
• ISBN-13: 978-0520251458
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #486,610 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The California Deserts, November 19, 2008

By	Paul Phillips - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Bruce Pavlik has written and produced an extremely useful, informative, well written and well done book with "The California Deserts: An Ecological Rediscovery". Anyone who treasures these wonderful deserts with treks in to them will love this book; it is obviously written by a scholar and a man who grew up in and loves the California deserts.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rediscovery, November 11, 2008

By	Richard Zmasek (Winterthur, Switzerland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is a must for everybody who is interested in the desert.
Beautiful images, sufficient scientific explanations (but not too much) , very easy to read, buy it now !
A comment from snowy Switzerland

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Glorious Desert, September 1, 2008

By	William A. Grant (Aptos, California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

One of our last beautiful natural treasures is described in a most readable manner - in fact, I can think of no previous book on the topic that comes close to the grand scope of Pavlik's ecological work. Try reading the first few pages and not continue until you have finished! Magnificent color photos of the animals and plants, the landscapes are enhanced on every page by Pavlik's superb descriptions.In addition, he covers conservation, management, and restoration of the deserts. It deserves a prize!