A Gap in Nature
May 3rd 2006 06:48
A Gap in Nature, by Tim Flannery and Peter Schouten
A Quagga, now extinct.
Bluebucks, now extinct.
A Pig-Footed Bandicoot, now extinct. (As you can see)
A lot of the book is given over to the dozens of bird species that have disappeared at human hands. The saddest story would have to be that of the Stephen's Island Wren - a flightless bird found on one tiny New Zealand island that was wiped out completely by a lighthouse keeper's cat. In fact, it's sad to witness how much of an effect humans have had on islands all over the world... a lot of the birds and other animals shown in 'A Gap in Nature' are endemic island creatures that had prospered in isolation for thousands of years only to be wiped out suddenly by the arrival of people.
I think I would've liked to who have seen some of the older and more unusual animals that have become extinct at our hands, like the Barbary Lion or Cypriot Elephant, but I guess lack of solid information makes it hard to present a clear scientific picture of such creatures so I'll guess I'll have to make do with my Dodos, Tasmanian Tigers, Quaggas and Bluebucks.
Please note: the pictures shown here aren't from the book. The pictures from the book need to be seen in full size in real life to be appreciated.
| 82 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
