This spectacularly illustrated book is the only complete guide to the wildlife and natural history of the vast and beautiful Antarctic region. Covering the Antarctic continent the southern ocean and the subantarctic islands this guide illustrates all of the region''s breeding birds and marine mammals with stunning colour photographs. In addition to the colour plates it features distribution maps and up-to-date species accounts expertly detailing abundance seasonal status and conservation prospects. The volume also covers numerous nonbreeding species migrants and vagrants. Regional chapters describe all of the subantarctic islands in addition to most regularly visited sites in Antarctica and are accompanied by maps of each area and photographs of each locale. These chapters present detailed information on geography climate geology general ecology and flora. They also address conservation efforts - past present and planned. The book concludes with practical information about visiting the area including details on the best-available landing sites and notes on seasonal weather conditions. This is an indispensable companion for a trip far south as well as an informative volume for anyone interested in the Antarctic region''s remarkable occasionally strange and frequently beautiful animals. . Language: English