The Desert spans 6 continents to explore 20 of the world's last great wildernesses and the fascinating range of fauna they support--from the black rhinos of Namibia to the bird species of Chile's Atacama. Featuring stunning images from the world's top wildlife photographers, this book not only celebrates the unspoiled beauty of desert landscapes, but also focuses on the human dimension:  indigenous peoples; controversial issues such as the "greening” of deserts; the devastation caused by inappropriate mineral extraction; and conservation efforts to protect these fragile environments, so rich in biodiversity.