The Caribbean is a global biodiversity hotspot; half its resident bird species are found nowhere else, yet, a quarter are threatened with extinction. Nearly all its native amphibians and reptiles and thousands of plants also are endemic. Yet, less than 1% of the landscape can be considered natural; and apart from reserves, most land is privately owned. Despite the challenges of such habitat fragmentation, the Caribbean's distinctive fauna and flora can be preserved through planning and managing a connected network of sustainable naturalistic landscapes, reserves, parks, and private gardens. This book uniquely provides both a theoretical background and practical applications to restoring nature within the tropical Caribbean. Packed with beautiful color photographs, it offers unifying principles that can be applied across the tropics and synthesizes information on the Caribbean's environmental uniqueness and globally significant biodiversity. It also provides explicit guidance on establishing sustainable and more naturalistic landscapes from large public lands to private yards and gardens.
The book is essential reading for academics and researchers studying the Caribbean environment, resource management professionals, and scientists and.educatos from nongovernmental organizations who provide programs and advocacy for conservation and regional sustainability. Moreover, it highlights the importance of private lands and gardens, where the greatest gains can be made, and so offers a handbook for knowledgeable private landowners and their professional advisors.
James A. Kushlan is a biologist, and writer who lives in Coconut Grove, Florida, and Annapolis, Maryland, USA. In his 12 books and over 250 technical articles, he shares with a diverse audience his perspectives on science, conservation, and natural history. His books include: The Herons; Heron Conservation; Storks, Ibis, and Spoonbills of the World; Attracting Birds to South Florida Gardens; Seeking the American Tropics, South Florida's Early Naturalists; and three books on South Florida's national parks. He holds a PhD from the University of Miami and two honorary doctor of science degrees. His professional positions have included director of Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, research associate of the Smithsonian Institution, professor of biology at Texas A&M-Commerce and the University of Mississippi. He was the 51st president of the American Ornithologists' Union and president of the Waterbird Society. He has served on many other professional and conservation boards including the American Bird Conservancy, Wetlands International, John Cabot University, Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat, and the Everglades Foundation. The University of Miami has established the Chair of Waterbird Biology and Conservation in his name. More background can be found at www.JamesAKushlan.com.
Kirsten Hines is a Florida-based author, wildlife photographer, and conservationist with a master's degree in biology and background as an environmental educator. Her writing and photography have appeared in numerous publications including seven of her own books, such as Attracting Birds to South Florida Gardens, Wild Florida: An Animal Odyssey, and a soon to come Helm Wildlife Guide to the Birds of Florida. Kirsten aims to inspire conservation action through her story-telling, wildlife-oriented presentations, guiding and workshops, and through not-for-profit work such as being a Conservation Associate at the Institute for Regional Conservation, co-founding Phoebes Birding to connect women through nature, and serving on such boards as Tropical Audubon Society and Audubon Florida, where she is Conservation Chair. More about Kirsten and her work can be found at www.KirstenHines.com.
