The Birds of the Mascarene is a fully illustrated identification guide with over 300 photos covering all the rare and endangered species, including endemic, oceanic, migratory and exotic birds of the Mascarene Islands, a group of islands in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar consisting of Mauritius, Réunion and Rodrigues. One of the main aims of this work is to help to ensure the survival of a precious, but fragile, natural heritage by encouraging a growing appreciation of these beautiful creatures. Some of these birds are under threat and we cannot be sure that they won’t one day become extinct. Hopefully, we can learn from the sad fate of the famous Dodo, which has become a symbol of the island of Mauritius where it lived in blissful isolation until the coming of man. The book includes a complete list of the extinct birds of the Mascarenes and much more.
The project was the work of a lifetime; it involved photographing the different species of birds unique to the Mascarene Islands in their natural habitat to ensure readers could view them in their proper environment. As well as illustrating the splendour of the birdlife of the Mascarene Islands, the book will serve as a unique work of reference for professional ornithologists and educational establishments such as schools, libraries and universities. In addition, amateur bird lovers will be able to admire and appreciate rare images of some of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife.
