Birds and Mammals of the Sierra Nevada - by Lowell Sumner & Joseph S Dixon (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Birds and Mammals of the Sierra Nevada chronicles decades of ecological and zoological research conducted in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, tracing its origins to a 1916 expedition by the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology at the University of California. The book provides an in-depth account of wildlife surveys across varied ecosystems, detailing the collection and identification of specimens including birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. From the early "Sequoia Survey" to expanded research conducted by renowned zoologists like Joseph S. Dixon and Adolph Murie, the volume synthesizes a wealth of field data and life-history observations. This work bridges early cross-sectional studies, such as those on Yosemite and Lassen regions, with ecological studies conducted through the mid-20th century, offering a comprehensive view of the Sierra's biodiversity and environmental dynamics.

Prepared under the auspices of the National Park Service and enriched by collaboration with scientists, park staff, and naturalists, this volume goes beyond species descriptions. It incorporates ecological insights, behavioral studies, and critical updates to nomenclature, ensuring accuracy for both professional and casual readers. The publication integrates specimen photographs, detailed accounts of fieldwork, and expertly curated data from museum collections. With contributions from notable figures in vertebrate zoology and botany, and input from dedicated park rangers, the book is an invaluable resource for understanding the rich natural heritage of the Sierra Nevada, aimed at both enhancing public knowledge and supporting future research.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1953.