In 2001 Text Publishing released Tim Flannery and Peter Schouten's A Gap in Nature, a moving and beautiful account of the extinction of around 100 species since Columbus. It was also published in the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Korea and Taiwan, and enthralled readers around the world.Peter Schouten and Tim Flannery have collaborated again to create another gorgeous treasury of remarkable creatures. Astonishing Animals reveals ninety-seven of the world's most amazing beasts-from the depths of the oceans to the loftiest mountain heights. These creatures exist at the 'outer limits of life's progress'.Here are sumptuous birds of paradise, amazing soft-shell turtles, terrifying fish, frogs that resemble tomatoes, chameleons and the most bizarre bats you could imagine. The text accompanying each species is full of interesting facts and stories, and covers extreme environments, specialised diets, bizarre reproduction and strange worlds.