Hoopoe – A blog by nhbs

Nature and Culture in the Democratic Republic of Congo didn’t get catalogued by us in 2004 when it was published, it slipped the net and was catalogued just last month. It’s a really thought provoking introduction to the ways that nature and development interact in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Birds and Mammals of Ladakh represents the first ever attempt to describe and illustrate all the bird and mammal species ever recorded in the Ladakh region (India). It offers practical and specific views on how to conserve and enjoy the region’s beauty without destroying it. This is an invaluable companion to anyone with an interest in Ladakh, or in the Himalaya generally.

Birds of Dartmoor has just arrived into stock. Author Roger Smaldon has compiled the first comprehensive history and the most complete status report to date of birds on Dartmoor. Mike Langman has provided the superb line illustrations – This is a must for birdwatchers interested in Devon’s Ornithology!

We now have copies in stock of Bob McMillan’s great book – Skye Birds. Primarily an illustrated site guide it also provides information on status, distribution and conservation issues.

Coastal Fishes of Southern Africa is now in stock and ready to ship. This stunning book features over 400 incredibly detailed paintings of adult and juvenile individuals. There is also an excellent general introduction to fish biology, ecology and taxonomy. A must have for the fish biologist!

The authors, Elaine and Phil Heemstra are based at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) in Grahamstown, and they have collaborated on numerous scientific publications. They have co-written the text and all paintings in the book are by Elaine. Phil is a leading international authority on marine fishes and was co-editor (with Margaret Smith) of the comprehensive Smiths’ Sea Fishes.

After many weeks of trying we have managed to source copies of Directory of Important Bird Areas in the Kingdom of Thailand published by BCST. This is an excellent IBA providing details of the 62 IBAs in Thailand, of which 22 are unprotected or only partially protected. A number of IBAs in Thailand are facing threats as they are being badly affected by development. It is hoped that this directory will be used for education, policy making and in implementing action plans for the conservation of birds and biodiversity in Thailand.

A major contribution to the field of botany literature Illustrated Guide to the Trees of Peru contains 900 (yes, 900!) fine, technically accurate line-drawings and coloured plates by Rosemary Wise, one of the foremost botanical illustrators.

I know that I, and many other botanists, will use this volume frequently

– Ghillean T Prance, School of Plant Sciences, University of Reading

The Ngorongoro Story – A fantastic insight into the history and wildlife of this spectacular place. Packed with great photography and day-to-day stories of the Maasai.

One of the most gripping conservation stories of the last century

Just published by the JNCC Seabird Numbers and Breeding Success in Britain and Ireland, 2004. This report presents the results of monitoring of seabird populations and breeding performance throughout Britain and Ireland in 2004 and makes comparisons with previous years. For an example of some of the findings see relevant JNCC page