| Plant Life of a Desert Archipelago: Flora of the Sonoran Islands in the Gulf of California The desert islands of the Gulf of California are among the world's best-preserved archipelagos. The diverse and unique flora, from the cardón forests of Cholludo to the agave-dominated slopes of San Esteban remain much as they were centuries ago, when the Comcaac (Seri people) were the only human presence in the region. Almost 400 plant species exist here, with each island manifesting a unique composition of vegetation and flora. For thousands of years, climatic and biological forces have sculpted a set of unparalleled desert worlds. The flora descriptions are extraordinarily detailed and painstakingly crafted for field biologists. Conservationists, students, and others who are interested in learning about the natural wealth of the Gulf of California, desert regions, or islands in general are sure to be captivated by this rich and fascinating volume. Richard Felger, PhD, is an associate researcher at the University of Arizona Herbarium, and the Sky Island Alliance in Tucson. Benjamin Wilder is a PhD student in the Botany and Plant Sciences Department at the University of California, Riverside. Humberto Romero-Morales is a conservationist and descendant of Seri people from Isla Tiburón, where he leads efforts to eradicate non-native species and guides bighorn hunting efforts. |