Wild Habitats - A Natural History of Australian Ecosystems

Habitat is the great facilitator of life. It provides nutrition, protection and, with thechanging seasons, renewal of natural resources. Ocean and icefield, desert and forest all influence the greater environment, creating a living ecosystem that is in a constant state of flux and evolution.Over 100 million years ago, when Australia began slowly separating from the great southern supercontinent of Gondwana and moving north away from Antarctica, much of the land was covered in lush rainforest. Now Australia is the driest continent on Earth, but from its teeming oceans to its arid inland, its varied habitats support a wealth of flora and fauna, much of it endemic to the region in which it is found.

Wild Habitats charts the natural history of the Australian environment – the geological forces that shaped the landscapes; the effect of weather and temperature; the creation and adaptation of plant and animal species; and how human interference has, and will continue to, produce environmental change. It provides an in-depth study of Australia from the soil up, adding layer upon layer of information that shows just how this extraordinary continent functions on an environmental level.

Allan Fox, one of Australia’s most highly-regarded naturalists, takes readers on a journey through the landscape, detailing his explorations, observations and investigations into habitats ranging from dry sclerophyll forest to wetlands and salt lakes – all with a sensitivity and honesty that inspires a greater respect for nature. Written in an accessible style, the text is enhanced by the simple yet visually appealing layout, which separates text into easily digestible paragraphs in sidebars and breakout boxes.

Full colour, 290 x 245mm, 352 pages