Author: Kuroda, Nagamichi
Title: A Contribution to the Knowledge to the Avifauna of the Riu Kiu Islands and the vicinity.
Description: Tokyo: published by the author, 1925. First edition. Pp. vi, 293 + 8 full page color plates (from painting by Juzo Kobayashi), 1 large folding map, 1 table. Later one-half tan morocco leather with five raised bands, one compartment has a red morocco title/leather panel lettered in gilt, over original wine red cloth-covered boards, original pale yellow endpapers, top page edge in gilt, folio (15.25 x 10.75 inches). This monograph is based primarily on 14 months of fieldwork from 1921-1922 in the Riu Kiu islands (also known as the Loo Cho islands) that stretch between the Japanese island chain and Formosa (now Taiwan). Zoogeographically, the islands span the Palaearctic region (Japan) and the Oriental region (Taiwan); Kuroda thought this was one of the most interesting ornithological regions of the world from a zoogeographic point of view. The monograph describes 281 species and subspecies based on 1621 skins collected in 1921-22 and reviews all other specimens in museums in around the world. A very through monograph of great regional import in an exceedingly attractive binding. Less than 500 copies were printed. Ornate bookplate of ornithologist and author, J. G. van Marle on the front endpaper. A few faint spots to the outer page edge only, a tight and clean copy in near fine condition..

Keywords: Ornithology birds avifauna Riu Kiu Islands Ryukyu Islands Nansei Islands Loo Cho islands zoogeography biogeography Pacific Ocean Japan Asia J. G. van Marle Kuroda


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