Big Sur Wildlife: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Regional Animals

Among California’s many important natural spaces, Big Sur is a standout with its diverse mix of ecosystems that include flora and fauna from both the state’s northern and southern reaches. The Santa Lucia mountain range gives the region a varied topography, and the stretch of Pacific coastline is some of the most pristine in the Golden State. Here, sea otters float above mighty kelp forests. On land, oak, redwood, and evergreen forests host iconic animals like Black Bears, mountain lions, acorn woodpeckers, and Steller’s Jays. There’s also a chance of spotting a California Condor--the largest land bird in North America! This portable guide includes beautiful illustrations of 140 common and familiar birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies, as well as an ecoregion map showing over 20 wildlife-viewing hotspots and learning sites. Laminated for durability, this lightweight, 12-panel folding pocket guide is the ideal companion for educators, learners, naturalists, birders, and wildlife enthusiasts who wish to forge deeper and more meaningful connections with Big Sur and its attendant animals. Made in the USA.

Zoologist Jim Kavanagh has made a career out of introducing novices to plants, animals, the sciences and world cultures. In addition to creating over 500 simplified nature guides, he has also authored guides to languages, cities and outdoor skills. An avid traveler and backpacker, Kavanagh’s path has taken him around the world to many remote destinations including the upper Amazon, Africa, Australia, and the Arctic Circle (and this is just the As). He is also the author of a series of state-specific guides to common species and natural attractions and a children’s book on evolution.