The Lives of Desert Animals in Joshua Tree National Monument

Very good hardcover in dust jacket. Shelf wear. Sun fading to jacket spine, and a few small chips. First edition, second printing (1973.)

Between 1945 and 1960 the authors of this book spent many days of each season studying desert life in and about southern California's Joshua Tree National Monument.  Here is the result of their studies - a description of the behavior and problems of existence for the forty-two species of mammals, one hundred and sixty-six birds, thirty-six reptiles, and five amphibians found in that area.

In language that is understandable to the layman as well as the expert, Miller and Stebbins present the important characteristics of each animal and explain how it survives the conditions of a harsh and unyielding environment.

For everyone with an interest in the desert life of southern California, this book will serve as an indispensable source and guide. In addition to the actual faunal analysis of the one-hundred and forty-one resident animals of the desert, there are one hundred and forty-nine illustrations, including seventy-four photographs, fifty-eight black and white drawings, nine maps and diagrams, and eight color plates. These feature the paintings and photographs of Gene M. Christman.