Wild Dunedin

Forest and Bird, Issue 279, 1 February 1996, Page 12

Wild Dunedin

"NEW ZEALAND’S wildlife capital" can now boast a fine natural history guide thanks in part to

Dunedin Forest and Bird. Wild Dunedin is a detailed introduction to the geology, native plant, animal, insect and aquatic life of the city and its surrounds. Compiled by branch members — writer Neville Peat and entomologist Brian Patrick —

the book is more than a descriptive survey. It has a strong conservation focus and looks at what can be done to protect the rare and threatened species, habitats and landscapes of the region. Much of the funding for research and writing came from the Marjorie Barclay Trust administered by the branch. Assistance was also provided by DoC’s Otago conservancy. Wild Dunedin was launched in a novel fashion with its authors emphasising that its coverage was not confined to the city only. They mountainbiked off the Rock and Pillar Range, met the Taieri Gorge train, were lifted by helicopter * off the ' train into s suburban Dunedin and ' had the book finally launched in the town hall by Dunedin Mayor Sukhi Turner. The 144-page publication contains 200 colour photos, and illustrations by wildlife artist Chris Gaskin. It is published by

the University of Otago Press and retails for $39.95.