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Editorial Reviews
For two decades, paleoecologist David Burney and his wife, Lida Pigott Burney, have led an excavation of Makauwahi Cave on the island of Kaua‘i, uncovering the fascinating variety of plants and animals that have inhabited Hawaii throughout its history. From the unique perspective of paleoecology—the study of ancient environments—Burney has focused his investigations on the dramatic ecological changes that began after the arrival of humans one thousand years ago, detailing not only the environmental degradation they introduced but also asking how and why this destruction occurred and, most significantly, what might happen in the future.
Using Kaua‘i as an ecological prototype and drawing on the author’s adventures in Madagascar, Mauritius, and other exciting locales, Burney examines highly pertinent theories about current threats to endangered species, restoration of ecosystems, and how people can work together to repair environmental damage elsewhere on the planet. Intriguing illustrations, including a reconstruction of the ancient ecological landscape of Kaua‘i by the artist Julian Hume, offer an engaging window into the ecological marvels of another time. A fascinating adventure story of one man’s life in paleoecology, Back to the Future in the Caves of Kaua‘i reveals the excitement—and occasional frustrations—of a career spent exploring what the past can tell us about the future.
Using Kaua‘i as an ecological prototype and drawing on the author’s adventures in Madagascar, Mauritius, and other exciting locales, Burney examines highly pertinent theories about current threats to endangered species, restoration of ecosystems, and how people can work together to repair environmental damage elsewhere on the planet. Intriguing illustrations, including a reconstruction of the ancient ecological landscape of Kaua‘i by the artist Julian Hume, offer an engaging window into the ecological marvels of another time. A fascinating adventure story of one man’s life in paleoecology, Back to the Future in the Caves of Kaua‘i reveals the excitement—and occasional frustrations—of a career spent exploring what the past can tell us about the future.
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Extinction is not an option ...
As a sustainability advocate, I was very interested in Dr. Burney's theory that mankind has a habit of decimating a great deal of the flora and fauna that it comes in contact with. In this respect, I compare Burney book to the writing of Jared Diamond in the book Collapse, where strong parallels between mankind's dietary and farming habits result in extinction of species and ruination of the land. Although the indigenous Hawaiian people did not extinct themselves, unlike the Rapa Nui Islanders or the Anasazi tribes, it is evident from Burney's research that a great number of species of bird, duck and owl existed in the Kauai coastal area along with endemic trees and plants that ceased to exist as the population of Hawaiians increased. This is not to say that the Hawaiian people were not good stewards of the land. Indeed, the Hawaiians had many admirable agricultural practices that we are trying to recreate in modern times in the taro fields of Hanalei and Makaweli River valley. The population so successfully flourished on Kauai, that -- in order to feed the increasing number of Hawaiian people -- they used the nearest available resources.
As a participant in the early digs at the sinkhole with Lida, Dave Burney,their children and Stors Olsen, I was privileged to have taken a glimpse of this rich and colorful history of the island I call home. I remain privileged to be friends with such great people as the Burneys and fellow members of Malama Mahaulepu, and I have watched in amazement over the years as the area around the sinkhole transformed from a dense tangle of scrub weeds, kiawe and Haole Koa, into a beautifully landscaped outdoor arboretum of endemic, indigenous and native Hawaiian plants and trees. The Burneys are living treasures on this island, which has greatly benefitted from their tireless endeavors. Everyone should read this book as an inspiration to take responsibility for a small corner of the place they call home: to nourish the land on which they live, and the land, in turn, will nourish the soul.
As a participant in the early digs at the sinkhole with Lida, Dave Burney,their children and Stors Olsen, I was privileged to have taken a glimpse of this rich and colorful history of the island I call home. I remain privileged to be friends with such great people as the Burneys and fellow members of Malama Mahaulepu, and I have watched in amazement over the years as the area around the sinkhole transformed from a dense tangle of scrub weeds, kiawe and Haole Koa, into a beautifully landscaped outdoor arboretum of endemic, indigenous and native Hawaiian plants and trees. The Burneys are living treasures on this island, which has greatly benefitted from their tireless endeavors. Everyone should read this book as an inspiration to take responsibility for a small corner of the place they call home: to nourish the land on which they live, and the land, in turn, will nourish the soul.
Back to the Future in the Caves of Kaua`i
This is a delightful book. If you are a general reader you will be entertained with Burney's story. If you want more of the scientific background then the figures and tables are for you. Either way, a good read no matter what your interest. A must if you're planning a trip to Hawaii or just want to escape for a few hours!
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I knew very little about paleoecology and learned a great deal from reading his book. Peripherally, I learned a bit more about the history of Hawaii and native Hawaiian heritage.