A readable reference book, enhanced by many fine photographs and having the widest possible appeal, The Birds of Bahrain gently guides the reader through comprehensive introductory chapters to reach a fascinating calendar of migration before culminating in a well researched check-list which details the status and recent history of over 290 species.

An essential addition to the scant ornithological literature of Arabia, and of the greatest appeal to those living in, or visiting, Bahrain, this beautiful book will also find a place on the shelves of many bird-watchers and readers who, far and wide, retain fond memories of sunny Dilmun.

Author Tom Nightingale lived and worked in Bahrain from 1978 to 1989. During his stay there he developed a deep interest in Arabian ornithology, serving at various times on the Committee of the Bahrain Natural History Society as secretary, bird recorder and publications editor. Coming from the 'laid-back' school of bird-watching he has yet to break into a run (or a sweat) when a rarity is reported. Nevertheless his travels in pursuit of birds have taken him to, amongst other places, the sewage lagoons of Taiz-Yemen, the islands of Andaman and the mountains of Tadjikstan. Wings temporarily clipped, he presently lives in Norfolk, England.

The book's wonderful photographs of birds have been taken by Mike Hill who is an accomplished nature photographer with an international reputation. Widely travelled, he has visited such exotic regions as Antarctica, Africa, India, the Seychelles, the Galapagos Islands, the Sea of Cortez and the Caribbean in search of subjects. His specialisation however is the natural history of the Arabian Gulf. Mike's photographs have been widely published in books, magazines, calendars and used in advertising. He has co-authored books on the wildlife of Bahrain and a Collins Field Guide to Bird Photography. His ambition is to encourage more interest in the nature of this neglected geographical region through the medium of his photography. Currently Mike lives in Bahrain with his wife Kathy, and works as a consultant physician.

Birds of Bahrain was published in December 1993 by Immel Publishing and can be obtained at most good book shops or directly from the publisher (20 Berkeley Street, London W1X5AE, tel 071 491 1799, fax 071 493 5524).

The Ecology of Fishes on Coral Reefs
by Peter Sale (ed.)

This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the ecology of coral reef fishes presented by top researchers from North America and Australia. Immense strides have been made over the past twenty years in our understanding of the ecological system in general and of reef fish ecology in particular. Many of the methodologies that reef fish ecologists use in their studies will be useful to a wider audience of ecologists for the design of their ecological studies. This book will benefit both graduate students and professional researchers in ecology. 754 pages. Published by Academic Press. ISBN 0-12- 615180-6.

Marine Ecology of the Arabian Region:
Patterns and processes in extreme tropical environments.
by Charles Sheppard, Andrew Price and Callum Roberts.

The part of the Indian Ocean bordering Arabia is a rich and complex ecosystem of coral reefs, mangrove coastlines and deeper water communities. Only reunited with the Indian Ocean by quite recent rises in sea level, it contains both areas of relative simplicity and those where certain species' assemblages are surprisingly diverse. It divides into several, large, semi-enclosed water bodies, leading to often quite distinct habitats in close proximity to each other. Finally the overall aridity of the surrounding land areas makes these seas some of the most extreme marine climates on earth.

In this book the authors first present an overview of the available information on the area, before going on to review the processes at work in the various marine and intertidal systems. Finally, they consider the human dimension in the region. This volume will be of immense value to both research workers and students of marine biology in general, as well as to those with a particular interest in this part of the world. 359 pages. Published by Academic Press. ISBN 0-12-639490-3.

Arabia: Sand, Sea, Sky
by Michael McKinnon

The ecology of Arabia has been in a state of flux since earliest times. Ten thousand years ago, the Arabian Gulf did not exist and there were no corals in the Red Sea. This book takes a comprehensive look at the dramatic changes that have shaped Arabia and its wildlife in recent millennia and also examines the profound implications of the present rapid ecological transformation for the future of both people and wildlife. Stunningly illustrated with superb colour photographhs, Arabia: Sand, Sea, Sky unveils the rich heritage of Arabia's natural realm.

Chapter titles are: The Making of Arabia; The Dawn of Arabian Wildlife; Adapting to the Land; Islands of Isolation; The Great Deserts: Stone, Salt and Sand; The Mountain Barriers; Red Sea Rift; The Shallow Gulf; Migratory Pathways; Man in Arabia; Modernity and Change; and Conserving the Future. The text is both scholarly and readable and it provides an excellent overview to Arabian natural history. This is a book for all nature lovers who have an interest in Arabia. 224 pages. Published by Immel Publishing, ISBN 0 907 151639.

The Birds of the United Arab Emirates
by Colin Richardson

Based on many years research and thousands of hours of fieldwork this profusely illustrated guide to the Birds of the United Arab Emirates includes the very latest information on over 360 species known to occur. Features include a complete systematic list, 280 original line drawings, 79 two colour breeding distribution maps, over 300 migration timing charts, 100 original full colour photographs, 28 colour plates, a unique 28 page 'Birders Guide' to the Emirates with detailed site guides, maps and species lists, and finally, details on habitats and monthly summaries.
The author is co-founder of the Dubai Natural History Group, editor of Emirates Bird Report and Bird Recorder for Dubai and the Northern Emirates. 180 pages. Published by Hobby, ISBN1 872839-00-2.

Arabian Mammals: A Natural History
by Jonathon Kingdon

The Arabian peninsula is a sizeable and distinctive biogeographic region supporting a rich variety of indigenous mammal species, many of which are distinct forms found only there. Most are adapted to desert life in some way. This book celebrates in words and pictures a fauna that is little known in spite of sustained international interest and concern for the rescue and survival of the white Arabian oryx. The author describes how the widespread decline or extinction of species is related to progressively drier climates, degradation of vegetation and accelerating social change.

New initiatives in conservation are discussed, mapped and documented. The influence of domestic animals and the long history of domestication in Arabia are given prominent attention in an original and lively discussion.

Following a general introduction to the region, the book describes every mammal found in the peninsula including several newly discovered or described forms, such as the Queen of Sheba gazelle, wild sheep and royal fox. Fifty-five colour plates and numerous pencil drawings supplement authoritative texts on one hundred species. This beautifully illustrated book will be a delight to natural history lovers as well as a reference work for mammalogists and conservationists interested in Arabian wildlife. 279 pages. Published by Academic Press. ISBN 0.12.408350.1.