Islands fascinate us, especially island wildlife. While we humans spread ourselves blithely across the globe, birds and mammals, reptiles and insects remain in their habitat, some in only one spot - they are "endemic species". This book gives amazing insights into their dazzling world. The giant... Read more
Islands fascinate us, especially island wildlife. While we humans spread ourselves blithely across the globe, birds and mammals, reptiles and insects remain in their habitat, some in only one spot - they are "endemic species". This book gives amazing insights into their dazzling world. The giant comet butterfly on Madagascar, for example, could only develop such size and splendour because predators are largely absent. The Indonesian Komodo dragon is only endangered if its own parents eat it after hatching - otherwise the "lizard of all lizards" can weigh up to 80 kilograms. And the cormorant on Galapagos has regressed its wings over time because it didn't need them. An exciting journey in animal extravagance! Read less