Wildlife of the Mid-Atlantic : A Complete Reference Manual

The Mid-Atlantic is a geographically and biologically diverse region, ranging from the sandy coastal beaches and blackwater swamps of southeastern Virginia to the boreal bogs and spruce-fir forests of northern Pennsylvania and the highest peaks of West Virginia's Appalachian Mountains. Scientists identify six distinct geologic provinces in the area, along with four climatic zones. As John H. Rappole explains, these varied landforms and climates create the environment for the variety of wildlife found in the region. This well-illustrated volume is the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide to the wildlife of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Approximately 550 species are described, including all birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians known to inhabit the area, excluding open ocean species. Each species is illustrated and a distribution map is included with every entry. The species accounts contain a physical description, data on habitat and distribution, habits, diet, reproduction, conservation status, and one or more key references. Sections cover the major habitat types in the region (including descriptions and photos), physical geography, climate, and conservation challenges. In addition, the book has a glossary of nearly 400 technical terms. An appendix contains descriptions of casual, accidental, hypothetical, and extinct species, an index allows readers to locate specific information quickly, and a thorough bibliography suggests additional reading. Written by a respected scientist, Wildlife of the Mid-Atlantic provides the only complete summary of information on all the terrestrial species of the area, based on the most recent research. Designed to meet the needs of professional as well as nonprofessional readers, it is an essential resource for all natural history enthusiasts, from students to teachers, from birders to ornithologists, and from avid outdoors people to armchair naturalists.