Yellowstone's First Comprehensive Field Guide Released
Biologist Documents Ecosystems, Rare and Endangered Species in book: "The Field Guide to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks"
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo., May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for summer, Wildlife biologist Kurt Johnson, has released the first comprehensive guide of the nation's first national park in the book, The Field Guide to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. For nearly 10 years, Johnson carefully cataloged all aspects of the park's ecosystem, resulting in the documentation of some of the country's rarest and most endangered species including grizzly bears, gray wolves and the Canadian Lynx.
"Only a few places in the world can state that they have the same diversity of wildlife today that they had 500 years ago," Johnson said. "My hope is that this book will not only be an educational resource, but also ignite a desire within others to discover and protect these delicate ecosystems."
Johnson's work lead to the realization that Yellowstone is the only location in the lower 48 States which has its own unique ecosystem and species, so rare, they are not found anywhere else in the world.
"The Pronghorn is a perfect example of how each ecosystem has its own group of rare species," Johnson said. "It looks like a deer, but it's not. It is actually not directly related to any other species on the planet. I have included vivid images and descriptions of the Pronghorn in the book, making it possible for readers to identify it when visiting the park."
Filled with more than 1,200 vivid images, maps and charts, the guide, is the only book of its kind focused on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which includes both the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Designed to appeal to all, the book is kid-friendly, rigorous enough for professional naturalists and easily fits in a backpack.
The book includes:
- More than 200 pages featuring descriptions and images of more than 650 species,
- Documentation of 54 geothermal features and 21 waterfalls,
- More than 1,200 photographs, 131 illustrations, 15 color maps and 12 charts of the night sky.
- Detailed descriptions of endangered species such as grizzly bears, gray wolves, Canadian Lynx and the wolverine.
THE FIELD GUIDE TO YELLOWSTONE AND GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARKS is published by Far Country Press and is available on Amazon at: http://amzn.to/1iRcGDZ
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kurt Johnson is a wildlife biologist, professional naturalist and photographer. His passion for nature began during his childhood when he and his family spent summers in the Adirondacks. He studied biology and holds a Master's Degree in Natural Resources. Johnson has always been passionate about nature and his career has included working with a variety of endangered species. He has traveled extensively both domestically and internationally for various organizations, special projects and in his studies of nature and ecosystems.
Johnson and his family reside in the Jackson Hole, WY area where he runs, leads and designs natural history safaris in the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Johnson is also working on comprehensive field guides for other regions throughout North America.
More information on Johnson and his company, Wild Things of Wyoming, is available at: www.wildthingsofwyoming.com.
Media Contact:
Patrice Angle
202-360-8087
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and
Will Harmon
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SOURCE Kurt Johnson
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