A Naturalist’s Guide to the Texas Hill Country by Mark Gustafson

Abstract

Reviewed by: A Naturalist’s Guide to the Texas Hill Country by Mark Gustafson Thomas R. Simpson A Naturalist’s Guide to the Texas Hill Country. By Mark Gustafson. College Station: Texas A&M University Press, 2015. vii + 339 pp. Illustrations, references, index. $24.95 cloth. Author Mark Gustafson remarks in the introduction of his book that the Hill Country is perhaps the best-loved region of Texas. It is a crossroads region of cultures, plants, and animals from the bordering ecoregions of South Texas brush country, western arid lands of the Trans-Pecos, and northern prairies of the Rolling Plains. The region’s distinctiveness derives from its unique geology and topography, producing picturesque hills, canyons, and a multitude of perennial spring-fed rivers. Because of these influences, the flora and fauna of the Texas Hill Country are rich and diverse. With 430 species of birds alone, choosing representatives from any of the wildlife categories (woody plants, flowers, grasses, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates) presents a daunting task to any author preparing a guide for this region. In this effort, I find the author has included species that characterize and reflect the diversity of the region, are taxonomically varied, and range from the abundant and obvious to the obscure. Importantly, species of conservation concern, such as the black-capped vireo, Cagle’s map turtle, and Texas horned lizard, are among the listed species. Also, I find the inclusion of nonindigenous (exotic and, in some cases, invasive) species to be refreshing. Many guides to wildlife and plants ignore these ecologically important species. In addition to the wild flora and fauna, this guide contains a wealth of information on geology, topography, and cultural aspects of the Hill Country. With simple and straightforward discussions on limestone karst, granite of the Llano Uplift, streams, rivers, and aquifers, Gustafson conveys the region’s complex geological history. Added to this is the human cultural element, which has impacted plants and animals beginning with Paleoindians and historical native tribes such as the Apaches and Comanches, and stretching to European settlers and their modern descendants. The inclusion of brief, basic descriptions of selected state parks and recreational areas is a nice touch that helps to familiarize readers with Hill Country nature. Along with the many positives of this book, there are missed opportunities. Some of the species’ narratives are mystifyingly short. The addition of a sentence or two could have provided interesting natural history or conservation information. For example, facts about ecological problems created by nonindigenous and invasive species are generally lacking. However, additional information can be found through listed references to detailed species accounts. This nicely produced volume with a wealth of vivid photographs is not a traditional “field guide” for identification of wild plant and animal species through distinguishing characteristics and distributions. This guide will find its best use by accompanying the target audience of amateur naturalists exploring the Texas Hill Country and offering glimpses and descriptions of the region’s exceptional beauty. Thomas R. Simpson Department of Biology Texas State University, San Marcos Copyright © 2016 Center for Great Plains Studies, University of Nebraska–Lincoln