Islands have always been fascinating places, their separateness evoking a sense of mystery and inspiring a yearning for exploration. California's islands are unique evolutionary laboratories, places where plants and animals have grown and interacted in isolation for millions of years. This comprehensive book discusses both the human and the natural history of the islands of California, including all eight Channel Islands, Año Nuevo, the Farallons, and the islands of San Francisco Bay. It is also useful as a field guide for visitors, and details on reaching the islands are contained in the first chapter.

The authors explore the formation of the islands; discuss the history of human habitation, beginning with the Native Americans who first visited the islands 12,000 years ago; and provide a thorough introduction to the marine and terrestrial biotas of the islands. The authors also discuss past damage and ongoing threats to island ecosystems, including devastation caused by the introduction of non-native animals and plants. Large herbivorous animals in particular have caused considerable damage, since island plants evolved in the absence of herbivores and therefore have no defenses against them.

At present all of California's islands are managed by conservancies and public agencies such as the National Park Service and State Park system, and various environmental organizations are working with them to return the islands to their original condition.

Allan A. Schoenherr is Professor of Ecology at Fullerton College and author of A Natural History of California (California, 1992). C. Robert Feldmeth was Professor of Biology at The Claremont Colleges until his death in 1994. Michael J. Emerson (1954-1989) studied with Robert Feldmeth and wrote his master's thesis on the Channel Islands. David Mooney is a San Diego artist specializing in wildlife art and illustration.

"This wonderfully illustrated book is an extraordinary guide for visitors to these islands and a fascinating work of natural history for those limited to an armchair view." —Audubon Magazine

"A long-overdue reference on America's most accessible of isolated ecological laboratories, the island chain off the nation's most populous state."–American Scientist

"In this hefty volume the authors provide an in-depth field guide for students, natural history buffs, and anyone who has stood on shore staring in fascination at these islands. . . . A key for unlocking the vast field of island natural history. Most of California's islands are owned by public agencies, and many are accessible to the public. With this book, their exploration, be it on foot or from an armchair, will be a richer experience."—California Coast and Ocean

"My favorite field guides are actually works of natural history, published by the University of California Press. As if to compensate for their bulk and weight, the titles in the California Natural History Guides offer an abundance of illuminating information about what can be glimpsed from the paths and trails of our state parks. [Natural History of the Islands of California] is a kind of homage to its original authors-and, thanks to its sweep and grandeur, its detail and practicality, a magnificent one."—Los Angeles Times

“An excellent book.”—Orange County Register

"This is a rich slice of information about California's islands —and so complete that it includes the less-well-known Farallon and San Francisco Bay islands. The authors' well-chosen language, style, approach, organization, and illustrations combine to carry one along like a raft passenger on a fast-moving river. I highly recommend it."—Michael G. Barbour, author of California's Changing Landscapes

"Rich in biological fact and historical anecdote, this book takes us into worlds that are made dynamic by geological, evolutionary, and human events. It shows how lively and eventful California's natural landscapes really are."—Peter Steinhart, author of The Company of Wolves

"This book is the best source easily available to those interested in the California islands' natural history. It gives a good overview for beginning students and the uninitiated, and enough details for more advanced audiences."—Lyndal Laughrin, Director, Santa Cruz Island Reserve, University of California