The Galápagos Islands are among the brightest jewels of the Pacific. Known for their unparalleled diversity of fearless, curious wildlife, the Galápagos famously inspired Charles Darwin’s theories of natural selection. A true bucket-list destination, the Galápagos Islands have captured the hearts and minds of travellers from around the world.

In Galápagos: A Natural History, Michael H. Jackson provides the essential guide to the flora and fauna of the Galápagos Islands. Beginning with a comprehensive history of the environment, colonization, evolution and ecology of the islands, Jackson details the plant life, reptiles, sea, coast, and land birds, native mammals, intertidal and marine life, and invertebrates native to the islands in richly illustrated, easily navigable chapters. An index and checklist of plants and animals make this an essential companion for ecological excursions.

Including detailed exploration of the management and conservation of Galápagos National Park and its rules and regulations alongside key information and tips for visitors, Galápagos: A Natural History is a necessary guide for every traveller embarking for, or planning to visit, one of the worlds most stunning natural wonders.

M.H. Jackson has worked in the Galápagos Islands as a naturalist guide and has done research and led tours to the islands for various organizations. He is now teaching sciences at St. Michael's University School, Victoria, B.C. His wife, Monica, prepared many of the drawings and maps for this book.

Michael H. Jackson's profile page

Jackson tells delightful little stories through this unusual natural history guide. This is unusual because it's so uplifting. The Galápagos Islands are a place of wonder, with such rich, abundant wildlife and natural history that readers will yearn to experience them first-hand and not just through a book. But this guide will do for a start. [Here] is the kind of book that belongs in every nature lover's library.

—Margaret Mironiwicz, The Globe and Mail