MANU BIOSPHERE RESERVE, the largest tropical rainforest biosphere reserve on earth lies at the furthest tip of the upper Amazon River in the remote southeaster region of Peru. Only 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the spectacular Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, Manu is unique in that it protects three, highly-distinct ecosystems: the Puna-a high-altitude, tundra-like area characterized by pale yellow ichu grass, isolated blue lakes and tassel-eared llamas; the cloud forest-a mysterious world bathed in constant mist and inhabited by brilliant- red Cock of the Rocks, Spectacled Bears and score of dripping tree ferns; and the lowland rainforest-home of the giang Black Caiman, Giant Otter, 13 species of monkeys and over 1000 species of brids (10% of the world's total). Although invaded at different times by Inca Indians, Spanish Conquistadors and Victorian rubber kings, Manu Biosphere Reserve has largely been protected through the centuries both by its remote location and by the presence of hostile native tribes. Manu currently supports four native ethnic groups-two of which are still uncontacted-and protects 4,646,564 acres (1,881,200 hectares) of land. Almost half the size of Switzerland, Manu is perhaps the most species-rich protected area to be found anywhere on Earth.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From the Publisher
MANU BIOSPHERE RESERVE, the largest tropical rainforest biosphere reserve on earth, lies at the furthest tip of the upper Amazon River in the remote southeastern region of Peru. Only 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the spectacular Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, Manu is unique in that it protects three, highly-distinct ecosystems: the Puna--a high-altitude, tundra-like area characterized by pale yellow ichu grass, isolated blue lakes and tassel-eared llamas; the cloud forest--a mysterious world bathed in constant mist and inhabited by brilliant-red Cock of the Rocks, Spectacled Bears, and score of dripping tree ferns; and the lowland rainforest--home of the giant Black Caiman, Giant Otter, 13 species of monkeys and over 1000 species of birds (10% of the world's total). Although invaded at different times by Inca Indians, Spanish Conquistadors, and Victorian rubber kings, Manu Biosphere Reserve has largely been protected through the centuries both by its remote location and by the presence of hostile native tribes. Manu currently supports four native ethnic groups--two of which are still uncontacted--and protects 4,646,564 acres (1,881,200 hectares) of land. Almost half the size of Switzerland, Manu is perhaps the most species-rich protected area to be found anywhere on Earth.
From the Inside Flap
"This book represents a publications of the highest quality, for which photographer André Bärtschi, writer Kim MacQuarrie, and editor Jordi Blassi deserve the highest commendation."
Russell A. Mittermeier
President, Conservation International
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More About the Author
Kim MacQuarrie is a writer, a four-time Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker, and an anthropologist. He is the author of four books on Peru and lived in that country for five years. During that time, MacQuarrie lived with a recently-contacted tribe of indigenous Amazonians, called the Yora. It was MacQuarrie's experience filming a nearby group of indigenous people, whose ancestors still remembered their contacts with the Inca Empire, that ultimately led him to investigate and then to write his latest book, "The Last Days of the Incas." The book was selected by the Kiriyama Prize Committee as a "notable book" for 2008 and as an "Outstanding Academic Title" by Choice. MacQuarrie is currently at work on a book of travels through South America.Visit his website at: www.kimmacquarrie.com or his blog at www.lastdaysoftheincas.com/wordpress
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best Book on the Subject....End of Subject...,
By
This review is from: Peru's Amazonian Eden: Manu National Park and Biosphere Reserve (English and Spanish Edition) (Hardcover)
MANU is an absolutely first rate book, with superb photography by Andre Bartshe, an extraordianry talent, and text in both English and Spanish by world traveler and adventurer, Kim MacQuarrie. Mr MacQuarrie and Mr. Bartshe have each lived and explored Peru for several years. They are authorities on the region. Mr. MacQuarrie has also made several Emmy winning films on Manu as well as on Kamtchatka and other exotic locales. This MANU book is also a pleasure for its production value. It is a joy to hold and turn the pages. The color process used is excellent and the paper is of the highest quality. MANU is a treasure. Highest recommendation for serious book and rainforest lovers.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
MANU: The real deal,
By Gregory Deyermenjian (Boston, Massachusetts, USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Peru's Amazonian Eden: Manu National Park and Biosphere Reserve (English and Spanish Edition) (Hardcover)
I have read everything that can be found pertaining to the rain forest areas of southeast Peru, as an adjunct to my in-the-field research into the legend of the legendary "Paititi," ultimate refuge of the Incas. The information that writer/film-maker Kim MacQuarrie compiled and put into words for Manu is among the most informative and interesting to be found on the subject in English (or Spanish, as the text is bi-lingual). The author obviously did his homework, and presents the facts and current theories in clear and colorful prose. The book gives a good representation of various ecological zones found within "Manu," from the harsh and frigid highlands, the "alturas," on the west; to the penetrating cold mists dripping moisture onto the dense vegetation of the "ceja de la selva," the "eyebrow of the jungle" that lies just below the highlands, along the high eastern edge of the Andes; down into the eastern rim of the Amazon basin, the dense riot of vegetation that is the "selva alta," the high altitude jungle; and finally down into the endless carpet of jungle that makes up the "selva baja," the lowland jungle that spreads away from Manu ever deeper into the Amazon. The text covers all aspects of the Manu area, from history to archaeology to ecology to anthropology. The photographer Andre Bartschi's photographs, which grace most of the book, are lush and exquisitely sharp, capturing fully the riot of color and feeling that are a part of the Manu experience. This is one "coffee table" size book that is as worth reading as any thriller, with illustrations that are a real "turn on" for anyone interested in the exotic or natural history. An additional interesting and useful feature is found in the fold out "bird's eye view" maps, which help one understand and "feel" the unique topography that makes up this pristine and magical place, Manu.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
My connection to Manu,
By
This review is from: Peru's Amazonian Eden: Manu National Park and Biosphere Reserve (English and Spanish Edition) (Hardcover)
The beautifully photographed book, Manu, is dedicated to Celestino Kalinowski, my father. Sadly, after my Peruvian dad, married my Chicagoan mom, they discovered that they weren't able to handle the vast differences that existed between their cultures. Within a few years they divorced. Celestino remained in Peru; months after I was born there, my mom returned to Chicago, with me.While I didn't have a chance to see my dad after the divorce, I discovered, about 10 years ago, that he remairried and I have 4 siblings in Peru! My younger daughter visited her new aunts and uncles, soon after this amazing discovery. While there, she found this book and brought it home to me. Imagine my fascination with the information this massive book contained about my father AND my grandfather! Details about their work and their lives were ones I'd never heard. Manu is filled with excitement and beauty. Much of it is captured in its pages. I am thrilled to have a connection to the man who did so much for its preservation.
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