This book is a major publication on the natural history of southern New Zealand making, up-to-date, scientific information available to a general audience in an acessible way. With color illustrations, maps, and diagrams The Natural History of Southern New Zealand covers the area south of the Waitaki River on the east coast, and Haast on the west coast, including Stewart Island but not the sub-antarctic islands. It focuses on exploration and conservation of the biodiversity of the region. The chapters cover: geology, geomorphology, fossils, climate, vegetational history, humans and ecosystems, forest and shrublands, tussock grasslands and mountains, inland waters and wetlands, the coast, open seas, and conservation issues.