Wildlife and Trees in British Columbia.

Joan A. Lovisek, Ph.D., is a consulting anthropologist and
ethnohistorian in British Columbia.

This guidebook packs a great deal of information into a few hundred pages. It integrates the subjects of wildlife, trees, and their relationship in the form of a guide for those with a serious interest in these subjects. As with all Lone Pine guides, the presentation is attractive, colourful, and includes several quality photographs, diagrams, and charts. The organization of the information is readily accessible, and the guidebook is sturdy enough for actual field use. The guide is divided into five parts: “Wildlife Trees & Their Dependent Species”; “Wildlife Trees & Ecosystem Management”; “Wildlife Trees in Urban & Rural Environments”; “Knowing the Trees”; and “Knowing the Wildlife.” There are a number of appendices of which the largest and most useful provides a species list for each forested climatic zone. The list of references is extensive and comprehensive. Parts 2 and 3 of the guidebook concern “Wildlife Trees & Ecosystem Management” and “Wildlife Trees in Urban & Rural Environments.” Parts 4 and 5 provide information on trees and wildlife and the relationship between the two. Although the wildlife section predominates, the section about trees is well classified, includes Latin names, and is supported by photographs. The appendix, “Human Safety and Liability,” is more technical and provides “how to” assistance. The appendix, while interesting, provides a brief introduction to the subjects. Those who want to know more will find the reference list helpful. The guide includes abbreviations to reduce lengthy repetition and a table to guide the reader to the trees and wildlife. The wildlife, mostly birds, is described systematically and includes status, range, habitat, and comments about proper stewardship. The photographs not only illustrate the wildlife, but also show how the trees serve as habitat. This guide is not a casual read. It will be of value to readers with a serious interest in British Columbia’s wildlife and its relationship to tree habitat.