-Each species is a masterpiece,” says biologist and
writer E.O. Wilson in his introduction to Witness: Endangered
Species of North America, a large-format book of 200 stunning
black-and-white and color portraits. Photographers Susan Middleton
and David Littschwager collaborated with the California Academy of
Sciences and Chronicle Books to produce this collection, to try to
focus public attention on the Endangered Species Act, which is up
for congressional renewal this spring. The photographers selected
two species from each state, ranging from the Tennessee purple
coneflower to the New Mexico ridgenosed rattlesnake, and includes
endangered insects, arachnids, crustaceans, mussels, fish,
amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and plants. The animals and
plants are pictured divorced from their context to show, Middleton
says, that “they are exposed and vulnerable as their habitats.”
Chronicle Books, 275 Fifth St., San Francisco,
CA 94103 (415/777-7240). Paperbound: $29.95. Hardcover: $50. 256
pages. Black-and-white and color photos, resource guide and
bibliography.
* Shara
Rutberg
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Witness.
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