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The Ecosystem Guide Books & Documentary DVD'S
This ongoing series is an attempt at 'ecosystem-based' field guides for the natural history of a specific ecosystem in a particular region. The books usually begin with the basics of the physical environment, such as the climate and geology. This is followed by a look at the ecological relationships, such as pollination and seed dispersal.
Much of the book is then taken up with reviewing the major groups of organisms that are typical of that particular ecosystem in that area, from the simplest plants, through the diversity of invertebrates, to the birds and mammals, with a focus on the species that are most commonly seen. The end section briefly looks at the history of humans in relationship to this ecosystem.
The books then conclude with a short overview of some of the places where this ecosystem can be enjoyed.
The Ecosystem Guides are designed for and used in biology study programmes in the field, as well as for tour guides, eco-tourists and interested locals.
Editions of these books are distributed to appropriate environmental, educational and ecotourism organisations in the region. Extra editions can be purchased through bookstores and centres, this website, or Gary Allen distributors (please refer to the "Contact and Order Details" page.)
Released: October 2008
RRP: AUD$39.95
Size: 210mm x 140mm
470 pages
ISBN: 9780975747049
Published by Ecosystem Guides.
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"Ecosystem Guides: Rainforest Of tropical Australia"
2nd Edition
"The complete guide to our most diverse ecosystem"
The revised and expanded second edition helps you explore the beautiful rainforests that grow in Queensland, as well as across northern Australia, and onto many of the surrounding islands.
This is a guide to the natural history of the tropical rainforest. It begins with an overview of the environment and ecology of this ecosystem, from landforms to seed dispersal. It then identifies the major groups and species, from the most primitive plants, right through to the birds and the mammals. The book concludes with the history of the people of the forest, and where to explore this habitat.
Review comments
"exciting and very informative"
Museum of tropical Queensland.
"Informative...interjected with Damon's dry wit"
Cairns Post
“…like having your own personal guide..”
Wildlife Australia Magazine
“…aims to educate tour guides, biology students and interested locals in all aspects of the rainforest habitat”
Port Douglas Gazette
“Damon Ramsey is passionate about tropical Queensland’s nature and wildlife”
JCU Discover magazine.
“Field guide fans will love this book”
Wildlife Australia Magazine
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Released: January 2009
RRP: AUD$29.95
Size: 210mm x 140mm
180 pages
ISBN: 9780975747056
Published by Ecosystem Guides.
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"Ecosystem Guides: Ocean Surfaces of the Earth"
"The perfect book to read while cruising the oceans"
This guide helps you understand the largest of all ecosystems, the open seas and oceans with a focus on Australia, New Guinea & New Zealand.
The book begins with an overview of oceanography, from the creation of storms and swells, to why the water is blue. It then identifies the major groups of animals seen on the ocean surface, from bizarre sucker fish and flying fish, through to the glorious gliding sea-birds and the largest of all animals - the whales.
The book concludes with a look at the human exploration of our largest habitat - the open ocean.
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Released: July 2010
RRP: AUD$39.95
Size: 210mm x 140mm
470 pages
ISBN: 9780975747063
Published by Ecosystem Guides.
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"Ecosystem guides: Tropical Seashores of Australia"
"the book to have when beachcombing in the tropics..."
This guide covers the tropical coast of Australia, from the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, to the Kimberley coast.
The book begins with an overview of the environment, from the making of coral cays to how cyclones form. It then identifies the major groups and species of organisms, from the shade-giving plants, through the exquisite seashells, to the wide ranging sea-birds.
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The Ecosystem Guides Documentary DVD’s
The Ecosystem Guides documentaries are a series of DVDs in ongoing production that cover a different specific habitat every episode. Each episode is at least 30 minutes long. Their focus is slightly tighter than the Ecosystem Guides books. For example, the book "Rainforest of tropical Australia" covers all the rainforest in north-east Australia, however, the equivalent DVDs include at least 3 different videos in a series that cover this region, in separate 'lowland', 'upland' and 'highland' episodes.
Each episode is divided into different chapters that look at different aspects of the ecosystem, from flowers and fruits, to butterflies, to birds. Each section usually has a practical field component to it as well, for example; showing the techniques for identifying plants, or for spotlighting for possums. The approach is through field science, but with adventure and humour.
Released: December 2011
RRP: AUD$25.00
Approximate length of main feature: 40 minutes
Published by Ecosystem Guides.
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""Ancestral Jungle" (the Lowland Tropical Rainforest of Australia)
The documentary "Ancestral Jungle" is the first DVD produced by Ecosystem Guides. It explores the coastal rainforest of Australia, from Mission Beach to the Daintree.
This DVD shows you how to:
- define the tropical rainforest
- track the giant cassowary
- avoid dangerous plants
- find tiny frogs on the forest floor
- identify forest fruits to eat
- and learn what is unique about this rainforest...
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How To Order
The Ecosystem Guide books are available in bookstores around Australia - if they are not on display, ask them to order them in!
If you are a smaller outfit such as an information centre, souvenir shop or accommodation, and/or are located in North Queensland,
and want to stock and sell the books, please contact Damon on damon@ecosystem-guides.com.au or by phone on 0408 419 550,
and delivery can be arranged.
If you are a large bookstore or other major chain, the distributor of the Ecosystem Guides within Australia can be contacted as follows:
Wholesale rates are available for retail outlets, and these are also available for educational and ecotourism facilities.
Other forthcoming titles in the Ecosystem Guides series:
- Savanna of northern Australia
- Tropical rainforest of south-east Asia
- Tropical Rainforest of New Guinea
- Coral Reefs of tropical Indo-Pacific
- Mangroves of Australasia
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