The Incomplete Guide to the Wildlife of Saint Martin - Field ID Book

In this review of The Incomplete Guide to the Wildlife of Saint Martin the bottom line is simple: this first edition is a useful field companion for visitors and amateur naturalists who value a compact collection of island species, but buyers should note it is explicitly outdated. The reviewer found the book most valuable for on-the-spot visual ID thanks to over 400 color photographs and a broad coverage of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Choose the first edition only if you want a historical or earlier reference rather than the more complete second edition.

Key Features

• Photographic coverage: Over 400 color photographs provide clear visual reference for many species, making field identification faster and more reliable.
• Taxonomic breadth: Includes mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and other invertebrates so readers get a broad view of Saint Martin's wildlife in one volume.
• Portable format: The book is compact enough for travel and day trips, so it can be carried to beaches, trails and roadside stops for quick checks.
• Author expertise: Compiled by Mark Yokoyama, the book reflects focused local knowledge of the Caribbean island's fauna.
• First edition context: The edition preserves earlier identifications and observations, which can be useful for historical comparison.

Who It's For

This book is best for casual naturalists, travelers to Saint Martin and photographers who want an illustrated, portable reference emphasizing visual identification. It serves well as a quick field guide when the priority is spotting and matching photos rather than exhaustive taxonomic detail.

Serious researchers, conservation professionals or buyers looking for the most up-to-date information should consider the updated second edition instead, which is described as more complete and less expensive. The first edition is appropriate mainly for collectors of earlier works or those who specifically want the original edition.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extensive photographic content supports reliable visual ID in the field.
• Wide species coverage across vertebrates and invertebrates gives a broad island overview.
• Compact and portable, making it convenient for travel and day excursions.

Cons

• Outdated relative to the second edition, so some identifications or coverage may be incomplete.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The first edition of this field guide is a worthwhile purchase for visitors and hobby naturalists who want a photo-rich, portable reference to Saint Martin's wildlife or who prefer original editions for historical interest. It is not the best choice for buyers who need the most current, comprehensive coverage - those readers should opt for the updated second edition instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this the latest edition?
No, this is the first edition; a more complete and less expensive second edition is available.

How many photographs are included?
The book contains over 400 color photographs to aid visual identification.

Does it cover insects as well as birds and mammals?
Yes, coverage includes insects and other invertebrates in addition to mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.