"Southern Wonder "explores Alabama's amazing biological diversity,
the reasons for the large number of species in the state, and the
importance of their preservation.
Alabama ranks fifth in the nation in number of species of plants
and animals found in the state, surpassed only by the much larger
western states of California, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. When
all the species of birds, trees, mammals, reptiles, amphibians,
fishes, wildflowers, dragonflies, tiger beetles, and ants are
tallied, Alabama harbors more species than 90 percent of the other
states in the United States. Alabamais particularly rich in aquatic
biodiversity, leading the nation in species of freshwater fishes,
turtles, mussels, crayfish, snails, damselflies, and carnivorous
plants. The state also hosts an exceptional number of endemic
species--those not found beyond its borders--ranking seventh in the
nation with 144 species. The state's 4,533 species, with more being
inventoried and discovered each year, are supported by no less than
64 distinct ecological systems--each a unique blend of soil, water,
sunlight, heat, and natural disturbance regimes. Habitats include
dry forests, moist forests, swamp forests, sunny prairies, grassy
barrens, scorching glades, rolling dunes, and bogs filled with
pitcher plants and sundews. The state also includes a region of
subterranean ecosystems that are more elaborate and species rich
than any other place on the continent.
Although Alabama is teeming with life, the state's prominence as a
refuge for plants and animals is poorly appreciated. Even among
Alabama's citizens, few outside a small circle of biologists,
advocates, and other naturalists understand the special quality of
the state's natural heritage. R. Scot Duncan rectifies this
situation in "Southern Wonder" by providing a well-written,
comprehensive overview that the general public, policy makers, and
teachers can understand and use. Readers are taken on an
exploratory journey of the state's varied landscapes--from the
Tennessee River Valley to the coastal dunes--and are introduced to
remarkable species, such as the cave salamander and the beach
mouse. By interweaving the disciplines of ecology, evolution,
meteorology, and geology into an accessible whole, Duncan explains
clearly why Alabama is so biotically rich and champions efforts for
its careful preservation.
Published in Cooperation with The Nature Conservancy
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