British Columbia: A Natural History

Patrick Colgan is the former executive director of the Canadian Museum
of Nature.

Three-quarters of Canadian biodiversity resides in our most western
province. In this magnificent book, two accomplished naturalists (who
happen to be brothers) share their knowledge and love of nature with
expanse and depth. The whats and whys of this rich and complex region
are treated in discussions of geological origins, the roles played by
glaciation and the Pacific Ocean, and major habitats, including fresh
and marine water, forests, mountaintops, and grasslands.

In the epilogue, the Cannings address human impact and needs for
conservation. Unfortunately, their mild suggestions for individual
actions, such as bird sightings, will not be effective substitutes for
tough political involvement. Indeed, throughout the book, environmental
controversies are mentioned with surprising calmness.

The text, information-packed yet flowing and eloquent, is enhanced by
splendid color photographs, excellent maps and drawings, and an elegant
layout. Brief profiles of many species and locales appear alongside more
general discussions of geological and biological processes. Key natural
areas (such as the Burgess shale) and activities (mapping) are duly
given special coverage.

This book admirably fulfils its goal of stimulating interest in British
Columbia’s natural history.