The Only Comprehensive Natural History Guide to the Samoan Archipelago!

The Field Guide to the Samoan Archipelago: Fish, Wildlife, and Protected Areas is an outstanding reference book featuring descriptions and beautiful watercolor illustrations of approximately 500 species of marine (fishes, sea turtles, marine invertebrates, marine mammals, etc.) and terrestrial fauna (flying foxes, birds, skinks, geckos, land snails, etc.) that constitute the wealth of biodiversity found in the ecosystems of Samoa's coral reefs, ocean waters, sea grass beds, rain forests, mangrove forests, and wetlands. In addition it contains a chapter describing the “protected areas” (parks, reserves, and biodiversity conservation areas), as well as highlights wildlife, highlighting the critical environmental issues facing the archipelago. The only available field guide to the area, the book is a compact, colorful, easy-to-use reference, essential for visitors to the Samoan Islands and the National Park of American Samoa.

Written to enhance the archipelago’s overall natural resource management program, to heighten public awareness and support for ecosystem protection and stewardship, and to further environmental education in local schools and learning institutions, the Field Guide is an informative guidebook for tourists and other visitors to the archipelago. It is a readable reference for anyone interested in natural history and the biodiversity of the Samoan Islands, as well as an authoritative, accessible text for Samoan students.

“Meryl Rose Goldin has crafted an extraordinary guide to the natural history of the Samoan Archipelago. This field guide covers a wide range of taxonomic groups while including a wealth of interesting background on their lives and relationships. This is no small feat given the amazing diversity of terrestrial and sea life one can encounter in these islands. All this is presented in a crisp and usable format. The author also provides important insights for both resident and visitor for the long-term care of the phenomenal natural heritage of the Samoan Archipelago—so that we’ll always find these creatures alive and well in their natural habitats.

A most striking and compelling feature of the guide are the author’s illustrations. Each is a delight--a small art treasure, capturing the beauty of each creature. This field guide is a wonderful achievement and an invaluable companion for any foray into the wonders of the Samoan Islands. Everyone who visits or cares about the Samoan Archipelago will want a copy of this field guide.” Dr. Michael Soukup, Associate Director for Natural Resource Stewardship and Science, National Park Service.

Rare-species biologist Meryl Rose Goldin received a B.A. degree in Biology from the State University of New York and a M.S. in Wildlife Biology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She wrote and illustrated the Field Guide when she was a volunteer in with the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources and the National Park of American Samoa. The Field Guide is now available at Hawaii book outlets or via our website at www.besspress.com. 320 pp, 4-1/2” x 7” paperback

ISBN: 1-57306-111-5 $14.95.

For review copies, please contact Bess Press at 734-7159 ext. 21 or info@besspress.com.