Butterflies of the South Pacific

Explore the enchanting world of butterflies in the South Pacific with Brian Patrick's captivating book, 'Butterflies of the South Pacific.' This beautifully illustrated hardback features 240 pages of in-depth research and stunning photography, offering readers a comprehensive survey of these exquisite insects in their natural habitats. Discover the diverse butterfly species inhabiting the scattered islands from Kiribati to Fiji, and delve into the unique ecosystems of the Marquesas and Austral Islands in French Polynesia. This essential guide also includes the butterfly flora of Hawai’i and temperate New Zealand, extending your understanding of these remarkable creatures. Despite their delicate appearance, butterflies are resilient colonizers, having successfully adapted to the diverse environments of the Pacific Islands. This book not only showcases their evolutionary journey but also addresses the impact of human migration on butterfly populations and conservation challenges in this stunning region. Whether you're a butterfly enthusiast, a naturalist, or simply curious about wildlife conservation, 'Butterflies of the South Pacific' offers rich insights and a celebration of nature’s beauty, making it a must-have addition to your collection. Discover the intricate relationships between butterflies and their habitats, and gain awareness of the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect these species. Perfect for readers interested in entomology, ecology, and Pacific Island biodiversity, this work serves as both an academic resource and a stunning visual chronicle of South Pacific flora and fauna.

Author: Brian Patrick Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: hardback

Pages: 240


The South Pacific is a vast expanse of ocean - over 50 million km˛ - with tiny scattered islands and island groups. From Kiribati, Tuvalu and Fiji in the west, to the far-flung Marquesas and Austral Islands in French Polynesia in the east, this book surveys (and discovers) the butterfly inhabitants of these tropical islands. For completeness, Hawai’i to the north - where there are many fewer islands in an otherwise empty ocean - is included. To the south and with a much larger land area, lies temperate New Zealand, with a further string of islands reaching into subantarctic waters. It is easy to misjudge butterflies as fragile flying insects: their distribution across a wild and expansive Pacific Ocean proves otherwise. Long ago they colonised by flight isolated and tiny atolls and they continue to claim new territory. Others came by land bridges when sea levels were lower, to mark out their distribution and perhaps establish new species. More recently, people have made their way into the South Pacific region; the final chapter considers the impacts of human migration and population growth, and identifies conservation issues.