Member-only story

Zooburbia: Meditations on the Wild Animals Among Us

Emanuel Bell

·11.4k Followers· Follow

Published in Tai Moses

5 min read · 2 weeks before

621 View Claps

44 Respond

Save

Listen

In his book Zooburbia, National Geographic writer Nathanial Demarest II explores the fascinating interactions between humans and animals in urban and suburban areas. Illustrated with stunning photography by Joel Sartore, the book provides a unique perspective on the natural history of these animals and the impact of human activity on their lives.

Zooburbia: Meditations on the Wild Animals Among Us

by Tai Moses

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1994 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	274 pages

Demarest begins by introducing us to the concept of "zooburbia," which he defines as "the area where humans and wildlife coexist, often in close proximity." He argues that zooburbia is a growing phenomenon, as more and more people move to urban and suburban areas. This trend is having a significant impact on both humans and animals, and Demarest's book provides a valuable window into this complex relationship.

One of the most striking things about Zooburbia is the stunning photography by Joel Sartore. Sartore's images capture the beauty and diversity of urban wildlife, from the majestic great horned owl to the tiny least weasel. His photographs also document the challenges that these animals face, such as habitat loss, pollution, and predation by domestic pets.

Demarest's writing is just as captivating as Sartore's photography. He writes with a deep knowledge of natural history, but he also has a gift for storytelling. His essays are full of fascinating anecdotes and insights, and he brings the animals of zooburbia to life in a way that is both engaging and informative.

Zooburbia is a must-read for anyone who is interested in wildlife, ecology, or the human-animal relationship. It is a beautifully written and illustrated book that provides a unique perspective on the natural history of our urban and suburban landscapes.

The Animals of Zooburbia

The animals of zooburbia are a diverse group, ranging from large mammals like deer and coyotes to small rodents like mice and squirrels. They have adapted to the challenges of living in close proximity to humans, and they have found ways to exploit the resources that urban and suburban areas provide.

Some of the most common animals in zooburbia include:

Deer
Coyotes
Raccoons
Opossums
Skunks
Squirrels
Mice
Rats
Birds
Bats

These animals have all found ways to survive and thrive in zooburbia. They have adapted to the presence of humans, and they have learned to exploit the resources that urban and suburban areas provide.

The Impact of Humans on Zooburbia

Humans have a significant impact on the animals of zooburbia. We alter their habitats, we compete with them for resources, and we hunt and trap them. Our activities can have both positive and negative consequences for these animals.

On the positive side, humans can provide food and shelter for animals in zooburbia. We can also create new habitats for them, such as parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

On the negative side, humans can also pose a threat to animals in zooburbia. We can destroy their habitats, pollute their environment, and hunt and trap them. We can also spread diseases to them.

The impact of humans on zooburbia is complex and multifaceted. We can have both positive and negative effects on these animals, and it is important to be aware of our impact so that we can minimize the negative effects and maximize the positive effects.

Zooburbia is a fascinating exploration of the interactions between humans and animals in urban and suburban areas. It is a beautifully written and illustrated book that provides a unique perspective on the natural history of our urban and suburban landscapes.

Zooburbia is a must-read for anyone who is interested in wildlife, ecology, or the human-animal relationship.

Zooburbia: Meditations on the Wild Animals Among Us

by Tai Moses

4.4 out of 5