Wildlife of the Florida Keys: A Natural History

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Summary: Wildlife of the Florida Keys : A Natural History
Review: This is really the only comprehensive description of the Keys wildlife. Written by a scientist but in an easy to understand narrative style, its only flaws are that it out of print and getting a bit dated (some animals' abundance or protected status have changed). As a park biologist and frequent speaker on natural history of the Florida Keys, I always refer to this invaluable reference to improve my lectures and guided walks. Since finding this book in 1990, I have only found coverage of one "Florida Keys specialty" missing (the Short-tailed Hawk). Essentially, if you've come to the Keys (or plan to) to see wildlife, reading this book will provide accurate information that would otherwise take years of field experience in the Keys to gain. If you live in the Keys, you will find no better introduction to your wild neighbors, on where and how they live, and no better explanation of their plight in the face of encroaching development. Publishers take note - this book really needs to be revised and re-issued.