This illustrated atlas describes 256 extant brachyuran crab species in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Identification keys are provided for 37 brachyuran families, 144 genera and 256 species on the basis of their main synapomorphies. Brief but precise descriptions highlighting the main characteristics are also provided for every family. The atlas displays features high-quality color photos, offering a hands-on guide and equipping readers to readily diagnose crab species in the region. Importantly, a line drawing of the first male gonopod, as well as its main diagnostic characteristics, are provided for all species. Further, every species is supplemented with synonymies that encompass the original descriptions, overall revision of the given taxa, monographs and all records from the northwestern Indian Ocean including the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. For each species, the book provides detailed local and global distribution maps, together with important ecological data including habitat preference. Further, it includes a general introduction to the brachyuran crabs with schematic drawings of their external morphology, as well as a comprehensive introduction to the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman as marine ecoregions (geography, hydrology, biology, and environmental condition). The book offers an indispensable guide for all professionals, researchers, and students interested in brachyuran crabs around the globe and particularly in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Coral Reefs and Associated Marine Fauna around the Arabian Peninsula is a unique text that contains studies on a diverse range of topics related to the biology of the Red Sea and Arabian (Persian) Gulf region. Containing invited and peer-reviewed chapters, this book is a compilation of the works of various experts in their respective fields. The authors delve into the marine fauna around the Arabian Peninsula, including marine reptiles and mammals, coral reefs, fish, invertebrates, algae and phytoplankton. They also explore the changes resulting from anthropogenic and climate effects. This book will be a helpful resource for researchers in Biology and will also be a valuable reference for anyone interested in the biology of these two warm semi-isolated seas with their unique environments.

Bidong Island is a small island located in the South China Sea, and is about 14 km from mainland Peninsular Malaysia. The island and the Bidong archipelago boast of its richness in diversity of both terrestrial and marine organisms and its undeniably pristine and thriving ecosystem. In 1975–1990, Bidong Island was formerly a UNHCR refugee camp for a quarter of a million Vietnamese "Boat people" escaping the Vietnam War, and still holds great significance to many of its descendants. Due to its historical significance, the Terengganu State government plans to develop Bidong Island as a heritage tourism site and a new scuba diving destination. This book highlights the uniqueness of Bidong Island and its archipelago, paying particular attention to the biological aspect (which includes marine and terrestrial organisms) and the pollution status surrounding the island. These mainly focus on organisms of the open water and benthic ecosystems such as plankton, fishes, corals reef communities, crustaceans and foraminifera. In addition, we discuss terrene related topics, which includes tree diversity, lichens and also herpetofauna surrounding the Bidong Island. Indisputably an important topic, we also address the pollution status surrounding Bidong Island, with emphasis on heavy metals and its impact. Readers interested in the areas of environmental sciences should find this book appealing. This book can also be used by students and researchers when discussing about tropical environments on island ecosystems. We do hope that stakeholders that would partake in future interest of Bidong Island (particularly in tourism) are equally aware of the current health status of the island and would engage in conserving and sustaining the diversity and heritage of the archipelago for the benefit of the community.

Decapod crustaceans, shrimps, crabs, prawns and their allies are highly visible and important members of marine environments. They are among the most charismatic of marine animals, inhabiting beaches, rocky shores and the deep sea, hiding under stones, burrowing in the sediment and nestling in among algae and many other microhabitats. However, most are difficult to identify by the specialist and amateur naturalist alike. Marine Decapod Crustacea explains the anatomical features necessary for differentiating taxa and includes diagnoses and identification keys to all 189 families and 2121 genera of marine Decapoda. Many decapods have vivid colours, which are showcased in a selection of spectacular photographs of many representative species. This volume provides an entry to the literature for taxonomists, naturalists, consultants, ecologists, teachers and students wanting to identify local faunas and understand this diverse group

Coral Reefs of the Gulf: Adaptation to Climatic Extremes is a complete review and reference for scientists, engineers and students concerned with the geology, biology or engineering aspects of coral reefs in the Middle East. It provides for the first time a complete review of both the geology and biology of all extant coral areas in the Gulf, the water body between Iran and the Arabian Peninsula. In summer, this area is the hottest sea with abundant coral growth on earth and already today exhibits a temperature that is predicted to occur across the topical ocean in 2100. Thus, by studying the Gulf today, much can be learned about tomorrow’s world and the capability of coral reefs to adapt to climatic extremes. This volume provides the most authoritative and up-to-date review of the coral reefs in the Gulf. It can be used as a volume of general reference or as a textbook treating recent coral reefs. Written by local and international experts, the text is richly illustrated and will remain a standard reference for the region for decades to come. Contributions stretch from climatology through geology, biology, ecological modelling and fisheries science to practical conservation aspects. The book is useful for the technical expert and casual reader alike.

This publication is a compilation of current knowledge of the numbers, distribution and movements of one of the most remarkable groups of birds in the region covered by the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA). Long-term waterbird count data have been combined with an extensive literature review, especially published results of bird ringing and national bird atlases, to produce maps showing the population boundaries that are used as a basis of the conservation of these species. The maps are supported by informative species accounts that highlight the movements, population status and conservation of waders in the AEWA region.

Shows empires, trade routes, military activity, etc. on all continents ca. 900-1100.

Global biological diversity, ecosystem diversity.

An illustrated guide to the geography, geology, and life in the world's oceans. Take a dive into the world's oceans to discover their physical features and wildlife, and threats to their future. How do waves form? Where is the deepest part of the ocean? What is a black smoker? What would the ocean floor look like without water? What lives in a coral reef? All these questions and more are answered in The Oceans Atlas - an illustrated guide to Earth's oceans. Explore key features of the oceans from sea floor to surf, including tides and trenches, currents and coastline, volcanoes and vents. Discover the variety of marine life from the biggest sharks and whales to the tiniest invertebrates and polyps. Find out the human impact on our seas and how we can create a healthier and cleaner future. Luciano Corbella's hand-drawn illustrations allow you to see parts of the planet that can't be shown in photographs, with diagrams clearly annotated to help explain what's going on.