Atlas of Bird Distribution in New Zealand 1999–2004

[摘要] This atlas is a remarkable work, created largely by volunteers. It is the more remarkable because the Ornithological Society of New Zealand did not receive initial financial support for the project from governmental agencies and because the electronic data files from the 1985 atlas had not been maintained by the Department of Conservation, making electronic comparisons between the two atlas projects problematic. The book is in a large format (21 × 30 cm), the maps are clear and easy to use, and a wealth of both taxon distribution and habitat data are presented. No attempt was made to record numbers of birds present—even abundance estimates on a 1–10–100–1,000 scale would have been beneficial. However, the detailed habitat records are very valuable, and the heuristic value of the atlas should be substantial. The Ornithological Society of New Zealand is to be congratulated for producing this excellent book. Its price may restrict the number of individuals who buy it, but it should be in every academic library and is a must for anyone seriously interested in New Zealand birds or with interests in bird-atlas projects.

[学科分类] 动物科学