Noted with Interest

Abstract

Restoring the balance: What wolves tell us about our relationship with nature. Vucetich, J. A. 2024. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. US$52.00 (hardcover). 416 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-4908-1.

The story of the wolves (Canis lupus) of Isle Royale is about the challenges this population of large carnivore faced on this island, but above all it is a story about the responsibility of our species to other species. Isle Royale's wolves and moose (Alces americanus) have been (and still are) the subject of the longest continuous study of a predator–prey system in the world, but the fate of these species is uncertain today. This is mainly because of the number of exogenous factors that undermined their persistence on the island, many of them anthropogenic. Extirpation has loomed for these wolves many times during this study, but, as Vucetich reports, the threats were far from natural. They were linked not only to anthropogenic global processes, such as climate change, but also to mining and tourism on the island in the first decades of the 20th century. Vucetich guides the reader through the history, explains—in his original writing style—the science behind it, and touches on some common prejudices we have toward nature and on the political values that are intrinsically woven into any wildlife conservation project. Several chapters are enriched with pictures and graphs that clearly portray the topics discussed. This book is a pleasant read both for the public and scientists in the field.

Birds & flowers—An intimate 50 million year relationship. Ollerton, J. 2024. Pelagic Publishing, Exeter, UK. viii+312 pp. £22.00 (hardcover). ISBN 978-1-78427-451-1.

In Birds & Flowers, Jeff Ollerton masterfully explores the intricate evolutionary dance between avian species and the floral world. Covering 74 bird families and nearly 1390 species, the book highlights how these birds interact with thousands of plant species, showing their crucial role in ecosystems from tropical rainforests to coastal mangroves. Ollerton's passion and expertise shine through his accessible and engaging writing, making complex scientific concepts understandable to all readers. The book also serves as a cultural exploration, tracing the historical and ongoing significance of bird–flower relationships to humanity. Notable aspects are the detailed examination of the ecological significance of these interactions and the pressing problems they face, such as disease, habitat destruction, and climate change. Despite some species being extinct, Ollerton offers hope through stories of successful conservation and restoration projects, emphasizing nature's resilience and the vital role of human intervention. The 19 chapters, with intriguing titles like “Hitchhikers, Drunks, and Killers” and “Bad Birds and Feral Flowers,” break the subject into manageable chunks. While the photo collection in the middle of the book is a wonderful addition, more, smaller photos throughout would have enhanced visualization of the discussed species. Overall, Birds & Flowers is a delightful and educational read that will captivate anyone interested in ornithology, botany, or ecology. It challenges readers to see birds and flowers not just as individual entities, but also as part of a grand, interconnected web of life. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of interactions between birds and flowers.

101 curious tales of East African birds. A brief introduction to tropical ornithology. Beale, C. 2023. Pelagic Publishing, Exeter, UK. vii+222 pp. £24.99 (paperback). ISBN 978-1-78427-291-3.

The book is picture rich and relatively text poor, with a full-page, splendid color photo on every odd-numbered page plus a few on the facing page; the text rarely covers more than half a page. As the author writes in the short introduction, this book grew out of a series of tweets done during the COVID lockdown. Nonetheless, the allure of the book is not restricted to the photos. The interesting selection of species from one of the most species-rich regions of the world is almost an excuse to briefly describe the most relevant topics and theories in current ornithology and ecology, from the coloration in birds (e.g., lilac-breasted roller [Coracias caudatus]) to the reasons for conservation (e.g., woodland kingfisher [Halcyon senegalensis]). The author's enthusiasm for birds shines through, and the concepts are succinctly explained. Some simplification is inevitable, with occasionally misleading results. As Einstein said, “Things should be as simple as possible but not more so.” A strong belief in the correctness of the theory of fitness, honest signaling, inclusive fitness, and so forth gives the book a definite English tinge. In reality, things are not that simple, and neo-Darwinism is not that correct in everything. These, however, are minor quibbles in a book like this, and the multitude of interesting facts makes it an enjoyable read. It is a good introduction for the beginner and a pleasurable read for the expert.