News Summary
Renowned biologist D. Bruce Means has announced the release of his new book, ‘Islands in the Sky: Journey to the Lost Worlds of South America,’ focused on his explorations of tepuis. The book includes striking images and valuable insights on biodiversity and conservation efforts in these unique ecosystems. Set for release in 2024, it highlights the significance of these geological formations and their ancient histories, along with a documentary featuring climber Alex Honnold that further showcases these incredible landscapes.
Tallahassee, Florida—Renowned biologist D. Bruce Means has unveiled a new book titled Islands in the Sky: Journey to the Lost Worlds of South America that delves into his lifetime of exploration of South America’s tepuis, ancient geological formations that resemble “lost kingdoms” in the sky. The book is set to be released in 2024, publishing under ECO Publishing, and will retail for $29.99, featuring 144 full-color pages that include over 100 stunning images of these iconic landscapes.
Means, who currently holds the title of President Emeritus of the Coastal Plains Institute and Land Conservancy, emphasizes the significance of tropical regions, highlighting that they host a substantial portion of the Earth’s biodiversity. He argues that every biologist should have experiential knowledge of these ecosystems. This ideology is reflected in his experiences documented in the new book, which he co-authored with James Valentine.
Alongside the book, Bruce Means’ groundbreaking work is highlighted in a National Geographic Explorer documentary entitled The Last Tepui. This documentary chronicles an expedition featuring climber Alex Honnold, who commends Means for his profound understanding of nature and asserts that trekking with him has been more educational than any other adventures he has experienced. The expedition focuses on the unique ecosystems of the tepuis, showcasing the awe-inspiring biodiversity present in these isolated environments.
The tepuis, located primarily in Venezuela and western Guyana, total over 100 and are dated back to 1.8 billion years ago. They were formed from ancient sand dunes that eventually became sandstone. Mount Roraima, one of the most prominent tepuis, stands at 9,219 feet (2,810 meters), recognized for its near-vertical cliffs and significant biodiversity, which includes many endemic species. This unique geological structure appears like a floating island, having been isolated for millions of years.
Research conducted by Means and his team indicates that ecosystems on these tepuis have evolved independently for 70 to 90 million years, leading to a wealth of unique flora and fauna, including endemic carnivorous plants and orchids. A recent study indicates that even certain species of tree frogs found on the tepuis may have a common ancestor that dates back only 5.3 million years, which suggests limited migration capabilities among the species.
Means has been at the forefront of scientific exploration, particularly during an expedition to Mount Weiassipu aimed at identifying new species of frogs. However, the conditions for conducting research in the jungle are inherently challenging, posing difficulties due to rain, insects, and rugged terrain. Means requires assistance to reach isolated areas effectively, underlining the necessity of teamwork and collaboration.
The expedition underscores the importance of cooperation with local Indigenous peoples, who provide essential guidance and support in navigating the difficult terrain. The ultimate goal of the research is to not only enrich scientific knowledge regarding these ecosystems but also to promote conservation efforts amidst growing threats from human activities, including mining.
In light of his commitments to conservation and education, Means is also an Adjunct Professor of Biological Science at Florida State University, where he teaches various courses in biological sciences. His previous publication, Basecamp in the Tropics, was also published by ECO Publishing, further reflecting his extensive contributions to the field of tropical biology.
Readers interested in exploring the unique landscapes he describes can purchase Islands in the Sky through Means’ personal website, brucemeans.com, where autographed copies will also be available.
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Additional Resources
- Live Science: Mount Roraima – The Lost World
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Parque Nacional Canaima
- Climbing: Alex Honnold’s The Last Tepui
- National Geographic: Untouched by Time
- Variety: Tepui – Into the House of Gods
