About the Project
This website is a landing page for the book in progress, A Gallery of California Biodiversity
The earth is experiencing a 6th mass extinction, a human-caused event that is wiping out out species 100 times the normal rate. Unknown to many, California represents one of the world's the most unique hotspots of biodiversity, with thousands of organisms living exclusively within the region. Some of these species have been barely introduced to the public eye, but may run the risk of disappearing from our own backyards. Other, more obvious or spectacular plants and animals, may have stories worth telling or retelling. The Gallery of California Biodiversity hopes to put a spotlight on these plants and animals so they can be celebrated, appreciated, and ultimately protected as part of the region's irreproducible heritage.
The Book
My goal is for the Gallery of California Biodiversity is to create a book or Ebook of full color photographs showcasing:
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1. Every endemic and endangered California vertebrate species
2. Examples from every endemic (or near-endemic) plant genera
3. Examples from notable endemic (or near-endemic) invertebrate genera
4. Notable examples from other kingdoms (fungi, algae, etc.)
5. Landscape and habitat photographs from every subregion of California.
Maps showing patterns of diversity within the state will also be a major part of the book. Additionally, I hope to feature 25 other projects (or people) involved in California biodiversity or conservation. The text will explain the natural history of California's geography, flora, and fauna.
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My personal requirements are that:
1). each species will be photographed live in the wild (whenever possible) by myself; and
2). that all photographs are obtained under the guidelines of proper permits and permissions.
Exceptions to the first rule would be limited to
a. well-preserved insects and malacological specimens,
b. extinct or extremely rare species,
c. captive specimens that I cannot uncover legally or without posing a threat to myself or individuals of the species.
About Me
My name is Ivan Parr. I'm a biologist who has been living in California for almost 30 years. I inherited my love of nature by my father, Barry Parr, an avid hiker, backpacker, and savant of Californiana. I was introduced to photography by my grandfather, Harold Parr, who gave me my first camera at 7, so I could photograph the insects I encountered in the backyard. Since then, I have been interested in all aspects of natural history, especially within Mediterranean Climates and World Biological Hotspots.
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