Wildlife: general interest Books

Book SynopsisCelebrate the bonds of friendship and love by saying you'll be there through the good days and the trash days with this unique and playful fill-in book filled with adorable trash animals. When your recipient feels like a trash panda or maybe a pizza rat, this is the perfect book to remind them that even when they might feel like trash, they are still your treasure. Once you fill in the 46 prompts, this illustrated book full of adorable trash animals like raccoons, pigeons, possums, skunks, mice, and more becomes a personalized gift full of funny, memorable, and endearing expressions of appreciation and support that your loved one will cherish for years to come. 

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the artist behind Mystic Mondays comes a deluxe puzzle, featuring vibrant, celestial animal illustrations from The Cosmic Creatures Deck. Specifications: A 500-piece puzzle, printed in full color on high-quality stock. Puzzle Dimensions: This puzzle measures approximately 20 x 16 inches when finished. Fully Illustrated Package: This puzzle and deluxe box boasts original illustrations from artist Grace Duong and her Mystic Mondays: The Cosmic Creatures Deck. Perfect Gift: A unique gift for fans of Mystic Mondays, Grace's art, and magical creature lovers of all ages. Fun Hobby for All Ages: Everyone will find enjoyment in completing this gorgeous puzzle.

Read more less

Book Synopsis With charming illustrations, clever animal facts, and a tongue-in-cheek title, Feeling Prickly? is a quirky journal sure to appeal to animal lovers, stationery enthusiasts, and fans of a good pun. Spiky friends, from hedgehogs and porcupines to blowfish and sea urchins, frolic through the pages of this adorable flexi journal. With fun facts and spot illustrations of 10 unique animals alongside lined pages for journaling, recording to-do lists, and jotting down notes, this journal is the perfect way to show off your delightfully prickly personality. This journal features: Full-color illustrated flexi binding with rounded corners throughout. Lined and blank interior pages, printed on woodfree paper. Full-color illustrations throughout. 40 animal facts.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA fun, simple game for families to play together, and a great way for children to learn about animals

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis stunning Poyser title looks at the flora and fauna of Lapland - that area of northern Europe and northwestern Russia which lies within the Arctic circle. After general introductions, the book examines the Lapland ecosystems and species by habitat type, with one chapter dealing with freshwater habitats, another with open tundra and so on. The history of natural history study in the region, and the conservation issues affecting it today, are also discussed. The book is illustrated throughout with a wealth of the author''s own colour photographs, and there are also some line drawings and a number of maps and other figures to illustrate key points. This is a wonderfully evocative book which creates a vivid sense of place for one of the planet''s last wildernesses, and will appeal to anyone who loves wildlife and wild places.A rare window onto one of Europe''s most unspoiled areas, by the outstanding British field naturalist of the late 20th century. The I

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis sumptuous book presents a selection of over one hundred stunning artworks, depicting animals real and mythical, from the prints and photography collections of the Bibliothèque nationale de France. The work opens with a preface from celebrated cultural historian Michel Pastoureau, who considers the symbolic importance of animals to our dreams and imagination. Each image is accompanied by a commentary from one of the BnF's expert editorial team of curators and archivists, which provides information on the natural and symbolic history of the creature depicted. Featured artworks include such masterpieces as Dürer's rhinoceros, Manet's cats, a carp by Hiroshige and Matisse's swan. This is a truly beautiful and authoritative collection of some of the most recognisable and accomplished works of animal-themed art, from the medieval period to the present day.Trade ReviewThe edition of Animal: A Beastly Compendium published by Bloomsbury in their beautiful range of “Art History” invites to touch, look, turn every page and to dream yourself into the pictures and immerse yourself in the stories they tell. * The Protagonist Magazine *Opulent, provocative and mind-opening, Animal is a magnificent compendium, which is witness to the intertwining of human and animal lives, showing not only how richly and insistently humans have thought about animals, but also how good animals are to think with. * Steven Connor, Professor of English at Peterhouse, University of Cambridge, UK *Informative, thought-provoking and visually stunning, this volume will prove richly rewarding for anyone interested in probing the connections between animals, culture, art and history. The book's authoritative, engaging texts and sumptuous illustrations make Animal an intellectual and visual pleasure. * Pia F. Cuneo, Professor of Art History at the University of Arizona, USA *Table of ContentsAss - Bear - "Beast of Gévaudan” - Beaver - Bee - Bird - “Bird-Woman” - Bull - Butterfly - Camel - Carp - Cat - Chimera - Cow - Crocodile - Deer - Dinosaur - Dog - Dolphin - Dromedary - Duck - Elephant - Fish - Fox - Frog - Giant Squid - Giraffe - Goat - Goose - Grasshopper - Hippopotamus - Horse - Jaguar - Lion - Mole - Monkey - Mouse - Ostrich - Owl - Ox - Panther - Parrot - Peacock - Pelican - Pig - Porcupine - Rabbit - Ram - Rhinoceros - Salamander - Shrimp - Snake - Snowy Owl - Sperm Whale - Spider - Spiny Lobster - Stag - Swan - Tiger - Turtle Dove - Unicorn - Water Spaniel - Wild Boar - Wolf - Zebra

Read more less

Book SynopsisBrian Blessed has a lifelong love of animals and over the years has rescued cats and dogs, horses and ponies, and even a very ungrateful fighting cock. All were characters in their own right, such as Jessie, a dog left languishing for a year at the local RSPCA, who ruled the entire household with a rod of iron, when she wasn’t out harassing the local vicar. Then there was Bodger, an abused terrier cross breed, who was nursed back to health by Brian and his wife, and Peppone, a stray cat and notorious thief, who was responsible for a crime epidemic in the Bagshot area. Most of all there was Misty, a soul mate and the first Jack Russell Brian met who didn’t take an instant dislike to him. Over the years Brian has encountered more exotic animals too, from Kali the black panther who had free run of his kitchen and the gentle boa constrictor Bo Bo who went for walks with him in Richmond Park to the female gorillas who found him incredibly attractive. Written with all of Brian’s ebullience, The Panther in My Kitchen is a laugh-out-loud, life-affirming book about the joy animals bring and why we should care for them.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom award-winning writer Leila Philip, BEAVERLAND is a masterful work of narrative science writing, a book that highlights, though history and contemporary storytelling, how this weird rodent plays an oversized role in American history and its future. She follows fur trappers who lead her through waist high water, fur traders and fur auctioneers, as well as wildlife managers, PETA activists, Native American environmental vigilantes, scientists, engineers, and the colorful group of activists known as beaver believers.Beginning with the early trans-Atlantic trade in North America, Leila Philip traces the beaver's profound influence on our nation's early economy and feverish western expansion, its first corporations and multi-millionaires. In her pursuit of this weird and wonderful animal, she introduces us to people whose lives are devoted to the beaver, including a Harvard scientist from the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana, who uses drones to create 3-dimensional images of beaver dams; and an environmental restoration consultant in the Chesapeake whose nickname is the "beaver whisperer".What emerges is a poignant personal narrative, a startling portrait of the secretive world of the contemporary fur trade, and an engrossing ecological and historical investigation of these heroic animals who, once trapped to the point of extinction, have returned to the landscape as one of the greatest conservation stories of the 20th century. Beautifully written and impeccably researched, BEAVERLAND reveals the profound ways in which one odd creature and the trade surrounding it has shaped history, culture, and our environment.

Read more less

Book Synopsis"Dog lovers and neuroscientists should both read this important book." -- Dr. Temple Grandin What is it like to be a dog? A bat? Or a dolphin? To find out, neuroscientist and bestselling author Gregory Berns and his team did something nobody had ever attempted: they trained dogs to go into an MRI scanner -- completely awake -- so they could figure out what they think and feel. And dogs were just the beginning. In What It''s Like to Be a Dog, Berns takes us into the minds of wild animals: sea lions who can learn to dance, dolphins who can see with sound, and even the now extinct Tasmanian tiger. Berns''s latest scientific breakthroughs prove definitively that animals have feelings very much like we do -- a revelation that forces us to reconsider how we think about and treat animals. Written with insight, empathy, and humor, What It''s Like to Be a Dog is the new manifesto for animal liberation of the twenty-first century.

Read more less

Book Synopsis#1 New York Times bestseller and USA Today bestseller The more we know about the animals in our world and the better we care for them, the better our lives will be. Former veterinary technician and animal advocate Tracey Stewart understands this better than most—and she’s on a mission to change how we interact with animals. Through hundreds of charming illustrations, a few homemade projects, and her humorous, knowledgeable voice, Stewart provides insight into the secret lives of animals and the kindest ways to live with and alongside them. At home, she shows readers how to speak “dog-ese” and “cat-ese” and how to “virtually adopt” an animal. In the backyard, we learn about building bee houses, dealing nicely with pesky moles, and creative ways to bird-watch. And on the farm, Stewart teaches us what we can do to help all farm animals lead a better life (and reveals pigs’ superpowers!). Part practical guide, part memoir of her life with animals, and part testament to the power of giving back, Do Unto Animals is a gift for animal lovers of all stripes.Trade Review“Do Unto Animals is delightful, entertaining, and hugely important. Tracey’s love for animals has led to a profound understanding of their world, and it becomes clear that the better we know this world, the better their lives will be. And this, in turn, will make our own lives more fulfilling. It is the perfect gift for all who love animals. And for those who should love them better.”—Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, and UN Messenger of Peace “Charming. . . . A memoir and how-to about enriching the world of the creatures in your life, whether they be dogs, cats, or the crows in your backyard. . . . The book details basic animal behavior as well as practical humane solutions to common animal-human conflicts (cats scratching furniture, moles destroying your lawn). It also has craft projects for those of us with great intentions and no skills.” —New York Times “A guide to understanding animals and treating them with respect. . . . While the book is about loving and caring for animals, it also follows Tracey’s path to happiness through animals.” —Gayle King on CBS This Morning “Stewart has a heart as big as all outdoors, which is helpful since her caring largesse extends to moles and squirrels, goats and sheep, as well as the more-commonplace cats and dogs. A lifelong animal lover and one-time veterinary technician, Stewart evinces a genuine empathy for all creatures, from the lowliest frog to the loftiest owl, and winsomely guides other animal enthusiasts in their desire to develop a more rewarding relationship with man’s best friend, whatever that turns out to be. An ardent proponent for the adoption of rescue animals, Stewart broadens that philosophy to include sanctuaries for farm animals as well. Married to former host of The Daily Show, Jon Stewart, who announced their plan to create just such a haven for at-risk animals, Stewart is on a mission far above the typical, nominal celebrity cause du jour. Rich in informed insights on animal behavior, augmented by creative craft projects, and alluring with clever watercolor illustrations, Stewart’s passionate and practical guide to living with domestic pets, backyard critters, and farm animals artfully combines sensible advice with grassroots advocacy. Stewart’s zeal for animal welfare is infectious and sincere, and her desire to create a kinder world for animals and humans is earnest and essential.”—Booklist, starred review “A one-of-a-kind mix of info, advice, philosophy and hands-on activities.” —Philadelphia Daily News “Gives readers not only facts and advice, but also smart and caring ways to improve animals’ existences.” —Chicago Tribune “With humor and grace, this beautiful and inspiring book helps us to understand and appreciate animals and encourages us to treat them with compassion and respect . . . How we treat other animals is a reflection of who we are, and this wonderful book helps us to be kinder, better people.”—Gene Baur, co-founder and president, Farm Sanctuary “This book is a dazzling confluence of art, heart, and animal welfare information. Informative, thought-provoking, and charming, Do Unto Animals is a gentle call to action for animal lovers of all ages that fully embodies Stewart’s vital message: If we all do a little better, a lot of good is possible.”—Susan Friedman, PhD, Behaviorworks.org “I love this book. Superbly illustrated, beautifully written, and with a profound message that everyone needs to hear. Do Unto Animals has an entertaining, instructional, and compassionate message about the animals with whom we live and share this planet. From dogs and cats to birds and horses (even earthworms and bees), the story of life and living together is skillfully woven into the finely illustrated tapestry of this missive. With lighthearted humor and heartfelt sincerity, Tracey Stewart tell it the way it is—or rather the way it should be—when it comes to our understanding and interactions with animals. Two paws up (or feet, hooves, or talons)!”—Dr. Nicholas H. Dodman, director of the Animal Behavior Clinic at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University

Read more less

Book SynopsisLearn to identify threatening species through tracks, scat, and the damage they leave behind. Fascinating profiles of more than 50 predatory mammals, birds, and reptiles teach farmers, ranchers, homesteaders, and backyard-animal raisers how to prevent their livestock, poultry, and pets from becoming prey. By understanding how predators think and behave, where and how they live, and how they attack and kill prey, you’ll be able to interpret the potential threats surrounding your home. Whether you have a vested interest in protecting your pets and livestock or are simply spellbound by wild predators, this is the book for you!

Read more less

Book SynopsisFaster. Stronger,Smarter. Bouncier.Invaluable life lessons that will enable you, too, to crush a bucket. Unlock the Roo within you.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDiscover the wild side of cities around the world in this stunning collection of urban maps. Did you know that there are flying squirrels in the heart of New York City? Or that wild boar roam the streets of Berlin? From bats in air-conditioning vents, to snakes in the sewers, each city is a colourful mix of everyday sightings and one-off stories you wouldn't believe.

Read more less

Book SynopsisGet crazy with The Wild Bunch! This discard game, based on Crazy Eights, will have you up to your ears in lions, monkeys, wombats and whales as you try to get rid of your cards before anyone else. The deck features animals instead of numbers so kids of any age can understand and play, and there are loads of exciting action cards to change things up: play the crab to reverse direction, or the kangaroo to skip over the next player!

Read more less

Book SynopsisNature's creations are more sophisticated and elegant than anything humans have created. Geckos can run upside down along ceilings. Termite mounds can stay cool in the desert without air conditioning. Adapt explores how we can harness such ideas through the ground-breaking new science of biomimicry - which looks to nature to solve pressing problems in engineering and science. From the depths of the oceans to the ice sheets of the Arctic, Amina Khan talks to the researchers at the forefront of this exciting new science, who are designing everything from wind turbines to military camouflage. An entertaining eulogy to the power of evolution, this captivating book is a must read for anyone with an interest in design, nature and technology.Trade ReviewA unique and groundbreaking contribution to innovation through bio-inspired design. One of the most inspiring books of the last decades, which profoundly boosts eco-effective innovations to grasp desperately needed disruptive changes for a planet with 10 billion people. * Professor Michael Braungart, co-author of The Upcycle and Cradle to Cradle *[A] richly detailed, meticulous, well-written book. These well-crafted tales of bio-inspired innovation will entrance general readers and warrant the close attention of scientists and technologists. * Kirkus reviews (starred) *Instead of trying to crudely dominate the world around us, it's nice to learn that more and more smart humans are trying to figure out how we might use the clues from other species to fit in a little more easily on this tired old planet. * Bill McKibben, bestselling author of Eaarth *A skilled journalist and science writer, Khan makes complex topics easy to understand as we travel around the world to meet scientists, engineers, and the plants and animals that are inspiring breakthrough solutions to some of our greatest technological challenges. She doesn't shy away from in-depth explanations of the biology and the engineering behind innovations from material science to nanotechnology to robotics and more, while bringing researchers' stories of discovery to life through her enjoyable, informative writing style. This book is a worthwhile read on many levels. * Jay Harman, author of The Shark's Paintbrush: Biomimicry and How Nature is Inspiring Innovation and CEO of PAX Scientific *As a science writer for the Los Angeles Times, Khan brings to her focus on health and technology a journalist's demands for authenticity and experience as well as a storyteller's desire to enthrall an audience. Hopeful and exciting reading for the future of personal and planetary challenges. * Booklist *

Read more less

Book SynopsisHow can sea cucumbers, geckos and termites help us cure diseases, camouflage soldiers and even keep our buildings cool? Nature's creations are more sophisticated and elegant than anything humans have created. Adapt explores how we can harness such ideas through the ground-breaking new science of biomimicry - which looks to nature to solve pressing problems in engineering and science. From the depths of the oceans to the ice sheets of the Arctic, Amina Khan talks to the researchers at the forefront of this exciting new science, who are designing everything from wind turbines to military camouflage. Adapt draws the line from nature to modernity.Khan leaves no stone unturned... Readers will leave this book with a buzzing excitement. - BBC WildlifeTrade ReviewFull of riches * The Sunday Times *One of the most inspiring books of the last decades * Professor Michael Braungart, co-author of The Upcycle and Cradle to Cradle *Khan leaves no stone unturned... Readers will leave this book with a buzzing excitement. * BBC Wildlife *Richly detailed, meticulous, well-written. * Kirkus reviews (starred) *As a science writer for the Los Angeles Times, Khan brings to her focus on health and technology a journalist's demands for authenticity and experience as well as a storyteller's desire to enthrall an audience. Hopeful and exciting reading for the future of personal and planetary challenges. * Booklist *Instead of trying to crudely dominate the world around us, it's nice to learn that more and more smart humans are trying to figure out how we might use the clues from other species to fit in a little more easily on this tired old planet. * Bill McKibben, bestselling author of Eaarth *A skilled journalist and science writer, Khan makes complex topics easy to understand as we travel around the world to meet scientists, engineers, and the plants and animals that are inspiring breakthrough solutions to some of our greatest technological challenges. She doesn't shy away from in-depth explanations of the biology and the engineering behind innovations from material science to nanotechnology to robotics and more, while bringing researchers' stories of discovery to life through her enjoyable, informative writing style. This book is a worthwhile read on many levels. * Jay Harman, author of The Shark's Paintbrush: Biomimicry and How Nature is Inspiring Innovation and CEO of PAX Scientific *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom alpacas to zebus, crocodiles to wombats, journey through the individual histories of bizarre garden pets and their often bizarre owners. Who would dream of keeping a bear in the summerhouse, or a peccary in the park? Find out why the artist Rossetti favoured a wombat over a zebu, and if hares make good pets for depressed poets.Dr Twigs Way uncovers a secret world where crocodiles lurk in the fernery and flamingos stalk the shrubberies. From the Roman period to the modern day, discover the story of armadillos kept by merchants in London and Queen Charlotte’s filthy-tempered zebra. These are quirky tales of animals in the garden.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA beautifully lyrical collection of essays on the natural world in Britain by the Guardian's country diary writer Paul Evans. With a title taken from the 1940 Batsford book, this is nature writing for the modern reader. It is a book both for those that live in the country and those that don't, but experience nature every day through brownfield edge lands, transport corridors, urban greenspace, industrialised agriculture and fragments of ancient countryside. Evans weaves historical, cultural and literary references into his writing, ranging from TS Eliot to Bridget Riley, from Hieronymus Bosch to Napoleon. The essays include the The Weedling Wild, on the wildlife of the wasteland: ragwort, rosebay willowherb, giant hogweed and the cinnabar moth; Gardens of Light, about the creatures to be found under moonlight: pipistrelle bats, lacewings and orb-weaver spider; The Flow, with tales from the riverbank, estuaries and seas, including kingfisher, minnow, otter and heron. The Commons looks at meadowland with a human footprint, with the Adonis blue butterfly, horseshoe vetch, skylark, black knapweed and the six-belted clearwing moth. Other chapters look at the wildlife returned to Britain, such as wild boar and polecats, and finds nature in and around landscapes as varied as a domestic garden or a wild moor. The book ends with an alphabetical bestiary, an idiosyncratic selection of British wildlife based on the author's personal encounters.Trade Review'Evans has a lovely way of writing, evocative with an eye for detail on the bigger picture' * Half Man Half Book *'There is profound yet unobtrusive elegance in Paul Evans’ writing' * The Ecologist *'There is profound yet unobtrusive elegance in Paul Evans’ writing.' -- Peter Reason * Resurgence & Ecologist Review *'It’s the perfect collection to dip into and out of at leisure and is perfect for anyone with a natural history bent' * Epicurean *'It’s like going on a short walk with a knowledgeable guide. Refreshing and educational.' * The People's Friend *‘By celebrating [the natural world] so beautifully, Evans is playing as important a role in its conservation as anybody.' * Birdwatching *'The ordinary becomes extraordinary in this fascinating book' -- Miriam Darlington * BBC Wildlife *

Read more less

Book SynopsisBuilt in the years AD122-30 by order of the Emperor Hadrian 'to separate Romans from Barbarians', Hadrian's Wall was 73 miles long, running from Wallsend-on-Tyne to Bowness on the Solway Firth. It was originally almost 5 metres high with 16 large forts along its length and is the largest Ancient Monument in northern Europe. Following the author's previous successful book, Hadrian's Wildlife has been enriched and expanded with additional information on wildlife and Roman history. When standing on the WHO site of Hadrian's Wall, many visitors may wonder what the area would have looked like during Roman times. Bringing the bird remains from Roman digs into view reveals which species were living then as well as what the landscape looked like. Although some species such as White-tailed Eagle and Common Crane are no longer found here, others including Nuthatch, Hobby and Little Egret have colonized the area. Living close to Hadrian's Wall, the author has explored its many habitats from the Solway Firth across to the east coast. Many of these wildlife sites have a Roman influence from old forts to the gathering of pearls from the oysters that are found on the North Tyne. Hadrian's Wildlife will encourage visitors to the area to enjoy and appreciate the wide selection of these habitats on a year-round basis. This invaluable guide to the many and varied attractions of the area will take the reader on a voyage of discovery and will be an essential companion for visitors.Trade Review'Hadrian's Wildlife celebrates the landscape and its animal, plant and bird life. Ospreys, white wagtails, lapwings. Natterjack toads, badgers, foxes, roe deer - and the most northerly habitat of the dormouse.' News & Star Weekend ' - Hadrian's Wildlife presents as a guide book to the complex landscapes, social and natural history of a narrow strip of country. - Hadrian's Wildlife is well illustrated with drawings by Mike Henry and many excellent photographs. But do enjoy the text - ' ECOS 'Using a winning combination of history and anecdote, John talks about nature on the Romans' most Northern Frontier - - the result is an absorbing read for anyoneinterested in local history. - What will make this book appeal to the general public is his broad brush approach - he delights in presenting the bigger picture - and what emerges is a strong sense of history and place.' Hexham Courant ' - Hadrian's Wildlife is packed with beautiful artwork and photographs of wildlife and scenes from the topic area. - There is a wealth of fascinating information in the pages of this book. - If you have an interest in history, wildlife and conservation; this is a must have publication. Reading this book has given me a far better understanding of the history of the area I live in - ' The Inked Naturalist 'Hadrian's Wildlife by John Miles, whose past work includes Hadrian's Birds, looks like the perfect companion for walkers and visitors to this part of Northumberland. The book details the wildlife and flowers that can be seen throughout the changing seasons while surveying 2,000 years of history and nature. - In this way John - adds snippets of human interest to the wealth of bird life he features.' The Journal '...an intriguing insight into the wildlife known to have been present in the area in Roman times thanks to evidence uncovered in archaeological digs. ... Detailed information is given about the wildlife to be seen today on crags, loughs and heather moorland in the vicinity of the Wall, and the book also provides a monthly guide to wildlife to look out for...' The Northumbrian '...Adding a new dimension to the famous story ... John Miles' new guidebook offers a delightful blend of the Wall's historical context, expertly intertwined with a rich background of the living landscape it cuts through. ...paints a vivid picture of the surrounding wildlife set against an epic historical backdrop ... the book is the ideal companion for visitors seeking an enriched experience of the Wall as they walk or cycle its length'. Living North '...this is a painstakingly-researched account of one of Britain's most important World Heritage sites. A month by month look at what wildlife can be found, and where, is a nice touch for those who'd like to dip in to sections of the wall at different times of the year.' Scotland OutdoorsTable of ContentsIntroduction; History of the birds; The Solway Estuary; The Solway Mosses; The Solway Marshes; The river course; Silvanus - god of the forest; Geltsdale; Birdoswald and up the Irthing; The heather moorland; The crags; The loughs; Chollerford Bean Field; Kielder; Down the Tyne; Kittiwake City; Hadrian's Kite project; Thomas Bewick; A monthly guide around the Wall; List of bird species found in Roman times; References and further reading; Bibliography; Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisMike Tomkies gives a remarkable picture of the whole cycle of nature around him, in a harsh and testing environment of unrivalled beauty. Vivid colours and sounds fill these pages - exotic wild orchids, the roar of rutting stags, a pair of dragonflies mating, the flight of the redwing, the territorial movements of foxes, otters and badgers, an oak tree being torn apart by hurricane-force gales. Nothing seems to escape his penetrating eye, to which the selection of his photographs in this book - some revealing little-known aspects of animal behaviour - immediately testifies. Yet Mike's extraordinary insights into the wildlife that shared his otherwise empty territory of 300 square miles are not gained without perseverance in the face of perilous hazards. Every pound of supplies (including heavy gas canisters) has to be manhandled in and out of his boat, which once sank beneath him in a storm. Thousands of miles of rock faces and hillside must be trekked each year in summer and winter, the tussock grass concealing sodden peat holes that will break an ankle. Hours on end, day and night, are spent in cramped hides on windy, precipitous ledges.A Last Wild Place is much more than the chronicle of a man who left city life in order to study the wilderness. It is a celebration of nature at its most rugged and spectacular in all Britain. Like the enormous ageing salmon he threw back because he felt he had no right to claim its life, Mike Tomkies reveals through his quest our urgent need to become retuned to natural rhythms if mankind is to regain a measure of health and sanity in a world bent on self-destruction.Trade Review`...unique observations and insights that fuel a powerful story of not only wildlife, but living in the wild amongst them, observing animal behaviour. ...a fine survey that armchair naturalists will appreciate for both its vivid tone and engrossing animal insights’. Donovan’s Bookshelf -------------------- `His phenomenal knowledge of wildlife is not limited to mammals and birds but includes trees, wild plants and insects, particularly butterflies. His chapters on deer in winter are particularly poignant... He is an extraordinary naturalist and his tales are made all the more interesting by the presence of his constant companion, his experienced German shepherd dog Moobli'. Wildlife Detective, The blog of Alan Stewart -------------------- `...presents a truly remarkable picture of the whole cycle of nature around him... ...Impressively informed and informative, "A Last Wild Place" is a simply fascinating and engaging read from cover to cover and an enduring testimonial to a life time of observation and study of the natural world. Midwest Book Review

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe beginning of the author's adventure with a camera - filming wildlife across the world for the BBC Natural History Unit and other major TV companies - began in 1978 when he joined the RSPB's film unit. Untangling the Knot gives an in-depth look into what is involved in capturing the sequences needed for a natural history film, using comprehensive diaries and over 200 photographs. Mike describes the stresses of international flying with 20 cases of film equipment, sometimes alone, to distant corners of the world. The hardships of living and working for weeks in remote regions, avoiding tropical diseases, the onslaught of forest insects, long hours of waiting from dawn to dusk, and of frustration and disappointment when the elements or circumstances conspired against him. There are times of great elation too, when animal behaviour never seen before is captured on film. Working with top biologists and highly-experienced pilots was an essential partnership in understanding the subject to be filmed, often in remote regions where the challenge was reaching the subject in rainforest canopies, on remote islands or in featureless arctic tundra. In a career spanning 35 years, several of the programmes in which he was involved have won major awards. He describes filming Attenborough in Paradise in New Guinea with Sir David Attenborough as a career highlight, where he filmed behaviour of Birds of Paradise that had never been seen before. His last programme, Jewelled Messengers was the fulfilment of an ambition to make the ultimate film on hummingbirds with producer Paul Reddish, using the latest high-speed, high-definition cameras, and which was shot mainly in Brazil and Ecuador. The story concludes when he realizes his dream of visiting the Ross Sea region of the Antarctic. Mike considers himself lucky to have worked in so many spectacular regions of the world and this book enables readers to travel with him and share his incredible experiences.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA professional biologist with wide experience of working both in the UK and overseas, Rory Putman takes us with him on working trips to Iceland, East Africa, Nigeria and Indonesia, introducing us to the countries and their people, their natural history, and explaining some of the wildlife issues which have prompted himself and his colleagues to travel there in the first place. The stories cover episodes from more than four decades of working as a jobbing biologist overseas. The understanding required to solve problems and seek solutions to particular issues related to management and conservation of wildlife means that in some way the observer becomes much more intimately engaged, and perhaps gains a different perspective of the country and its culture than might be apparent to a more casual 'outside' onlooker. To some extent, that deeper involvement enables Rory Putman to give the reader more of an inside view and introduction to the countries and their wildlife from a wholly personal perspective. Like many other enthusiastic naturalists, the author enjoyed experiencing new habitats and seeing wonderful and exotic species on his travels and this engaging book will carry the reader along on the journey.

Read more less

Book SynopsisClassic Victorian countryside writer Richard Jefferies has his best articles gathered together here on the subject of pheasants, pigeons, foxes, rabbits, hares and game birds and the wild habitats in which they live.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWilliam Yarrell (1784-1856) was an influential naturalist at a time when natural history was becoming an important factor in 19th century society. He wrote two notable books: A History of British Fishes and A History of British Birds, that were being quoted as the authorities well into the next century and are still admired today, especially for their delightful wood engravings. He was a member and sometime Treasurer, Secretary and Vice-President of the Zoological, Linnean and Entomological Societies. He was known to, and greatly admired by, the leading naturalists; Charles Darwin sought Yarrell's advice on several occasions. In addition to his key role as an organiser and disseminator of knowledge about the British fish and bird fauna, Yarrell also conducted significant original scientific research, being perhaps best known as the first person to recognise Bewick's Swan as a separate species from the Whooper Swan, naming it Cygnus bewickii after his illustrious ornithological predecessor. Yarrell owned the London newsagency, Jones and Yarrell, with his partner, Edward Jones, from 1803 until 1850. They held a royal warrant and supplied the Houses of Parliament as well as royalty with newspapers. Besides his work on natural history and running the newsagency, he was a popular figure with his friends, renowned for the good food and wine served at his convivial dinner parties, and he was a prolific correspondent.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe natural world is full of unusual relationships, and negotiation between life-forms striving to survive is evolution at its most diverse and awe-inspiring. This title takes us on a voyage of discovery into the world of unusual natural histories, focusing on extraordinary interactions involving animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria.Trade Review"Marty Crump's book is a trawl through the whole gamut of weird animal behaviours. Watch out for spine-anointing, toad-chewing hedgehogs; tortoises that stomp the ground to draw up worms; and the mantids of the title that mate more effectively once the female has bitten off their heads. With Crump's thirty-plus years of experience in the field, this beautifully written and charmingly illustrated book combines acute observation with helpful explanation. Nature has never seemed so bizarre and splendid." - Adrian Barnett, New Scientist"

Read more less

Book SynopsisMarty Crump has searched for salamanders along the Amazon River; surveyed amphibians and reptiles in hostile Huaorani Indian territory; and had run-ins with an electric eel, a boa constrictor and a bushmaster viper. This is a detailed chronicle of Marty Crump's adventures as a field biologist.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPummeled by a century of drought, depopulation, and soil erosion, America's Great Plains are in dire straits. Frank and Deborah Popper have a solution: create a Buffalo common by returning 139,000 acres in ten states to prairie and reintroducing the buffalo that once roamed there.Trade Review"An admirably crafted book, as poignant and entertaining as it is informative." - Seattle Times "Where the Buffalo Roam is very bright, active, effective journalism....An extremely savvy overlook of the dilemmas of the Great Plains." - Wallace Stegner

Read more less

Book SynopsisA state-of-the art analysis of conservation as practiced by zoos and aquariums worldwide today.Trade Review"The role of zoos and aquariums is constantly evolving, particularly as there is pressure to increase their contribution to conservation. This collection ably shows that zoos and aquariums are not a flotilla of little arks that have to be self-sufficient. Rather, we should be better grounded in the social fabric of our communities, better networked, and better connected to the animals outside our walls."--Jenny Gray, CEO of Zoos Victoria, Australia, and president of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums "In an age of extinction, 'wild' places are increasingly being managed like zoos. What role do actual zoos and aquariums have to play? The Ark and Beyond looks at this question from all angles; the result is both informative and thought-provoking."--Elizabeth Kolbert, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning "The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History" "The Ark and Beyond is essential reading for anyone interested in our tangled and evolving relationship with zoos and aquariums. At the zoo we find ourselves at the shifting borderland between the wild and the walled. This book's editors and contributors explore that territory, bringing together decades of practical and theoretical expertise in conservation biology, history, and education. Their insights will deeply inform and benefit readers wrestling with the complex questions we find ourselves asking when we lock eyes with our kindred creatures."--Curt Meine, Aldo Leopold Foundation & Center for Humans and Nature

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn the nineteenth century, richly-drawn social fiction became one of England's major cultural exports. At the same time, a surprising companion came to stand alongside the novel as a key embodiment of British identity: the domesticated pet. In works by authors from the Brontës to Eliot, from Dickens to Hardy, animals appeared as markers of domestic coziness and familial kindness. Yet for all their supposed significance, the animals in nineteenth-century fiction were never granted the same fullness of character or consciousness as their human masters: they remain secondary figures.Minor Creatures re-examines a slew of literary classics to show how Victorian notions of domesticity, sympathy, and individuality were shaped in response to the burgeoning pet class. The presence of beloved animals in the home led to a number of welfare-minded political movements, inspired in part by the Darwinian thought that began to sprout at the time. Nineteenth-century animals may not have been the heroes

Read more less

Book SynopsisTable of ContentsPreface Introduction: The Mule in the Coal Mine 1. Interspecies Anticapitalism in English and American Humanitarian Writings, ca. 1800–1850 Joshua Abram Kercsmar 2. Chicago’s 1872 Equine Influenza Epizootic and the Evolution of Urban Transit Technology Jennifer G. Marks 3. Cattle and Blizzards: Lessons from the Big Die-Up in 1880s Montana Susan Nance 4. Animal Photography and the “Elk Problem” in Modern Wyoming Vanessa Bateman 5. Animals, Infrastructure, and Empire: Insects and Birds as Biological Control Agents in Early Twentieth-Century Hawai‘i Jessica Wang 6. Captive Breeding and the Commodification of “Surplus” Animals at the Central Park Zoo, 1886–1974 Andrea Ringer 7. The Destructive Ecology of Human-Pig Relations in Iowa since 1950 Mary Trachsel 8. “The Next Meal for the Lions”: The US Occupation of the Baghdad Zoo, 2003–2004 John M. Kinder List of Contributors Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisTable of ContentsPreface Introduction: The Mule in the Coal Mine 1. Interspecies Anticapitalism in English and American Humanitarian Writings, ca. 1800–1850 Joshua Abram Kercsmar 2. Chicago’s 1872 Equine Influenza Epizootic and the Evolution of Urban Transit Technology Jennifer G. Marks 3. Cattle and Blizzards: Lessons from the Big Die-Up in 1880s Montana Susan Nance 4. Animal Photography and the “Elk Problem” in Modern Wyoming Vanessa Bateman 5. Animals, Infrastructure, and Empire: Insects and Birds as Biological Control Agents in Early Twentieth-Century Hawai‘i Jessica Wang 6. Captive Breeding and the Commodification of “Surplus” Animals at the Central Park Zoo, 1886–1974 Andrea Ringer 7. The Destructive Ecology of Human-Pig Relations in Iowa since 1950 Mary Trachsel 8. “The Next Meal for the Lions”: The US Occupation of the Baghdad Zoo, 2003–2004 John M. Kinder List of Contributors Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"This is an excellent introduction and a good launching point for further inquiry into understanding our planet’s coasts." * CHOICE *"Highly recommend[ed]. . . . to all coastal scientists, managers, and planners and anyone concerned about the future of our extensive global coastlines. This book serves both as a comprehensive and artfully illustrated guide to the science behind coastal processes and hazards, and an environmental call to action to address the crisis we are facing for the majority of the world’s population." * Coastal Management *"A concise overview of current . . . knowledge of these threats, and is a valuable reference for anyone concerned about the well-being of coastal zones, particularly the next generation of planners and politicians." * Conservation Biology *Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments PART ONE. INTRODUCTION TO HUMANS AND COASTS 1. Human Settlement of the Coastal Zone PART TWO. NATURAL PROCESSES AND HAZARDS AFFECTING COASTAL REGIONS 2. Coastal Tectonics and Hazards 3. Tropical Cyclones, Hurricanes, and Typhoons 4. Storms, Waves, Coastal Erosion, and Shoreline Retreat 5. Climate Change and Sea-Level Rise PART THREE. IMPACTS OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES ON COASTS 6. Marine Pollution 7. Plastic and Marine Debris 8. Petroleum and the Coastal Zone 9. Coastal Power Plants 10. Renewable Energy from the Coastal Zone 11. Groundwater and Petroleum Withdrawal: Subsidence and Seawater Intrusion 12. Desalination: Fresh Water from the Ocean 13. Carbon Dioxide, Climate Change, and Ocean Acidification 14. Coral Reefs and Threats to Their Health and Survival 15. Fishing, Overfishing, and Aquaculture 16. Aquatic Invasive Species 17. Sand, Dams, and Beaches Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn recent years, Peru has transformed from a war-torn country to a global high-end culinary destination. Connecting chefs, state agencies, global capital, and Indigenous producers, this gastronomic revolution makes powerful claims: food unites Peruvians, dissolves racial antagonisms, and fuels development. Gastropolitics and the Specter of Race critically evaluates these claims and tracks the emergence of Peruvian gastropolitics, a biopolitical and aesthetic set of practices that reinscribe dominant racial and gendered orders. Through critical readings of high-end menus and ethnographic analysis of culinary festivals, guinea pig production, and national-branding campaigns, this work explores the intersections of race, species, and capital to reveal links between gastronomy and violence in Peru. Trade Review"The book presents a stunning and innovative analysis of the politics of Peru’s recent gastronomic boom. . . .[it] is at the forefront of scholarly discussions on the topic and deserves a wide readership among anthropologists and food studies scholars working on food, race, and nationalism in a range of geographic settings." * Gastronomica *Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Preface: Understories Acknowledgments Introduction: Stories of Resurgence and Coloniality Part One: Structures of Accumulation Interlude: Hauntings 1 • Gastropolitics and the Nation Interlude: Eating the Nation 2 • Cooking Ecosystems: The Beautiful Coloniality of Virgilio Martínez Interlude: "Gastronomy Is a Display Case" 3 • Staging Difference: The Gastropolitics of Inclusion and Recognition Part Two: Narratives from the Edge Interlude: "Apega Needs Us to Look Pretty" 4 • Gastropolitics Otherwise: Stories in and of the Vernacular Interlude: Of Humor and Violence 5 • Guinea Pig Matters: Figuring Race, Sex, and Nation Interlude: Chemical Castration 6 • Death of a Guinea Pig Epilogue. Huacas Rising Notes References Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn recent years, Peru has transformed from a war-torn country to a global high-end culinary destination. Connecting chefs, state agencies, global capital, and Indigenous producers, this gastronomic revolution makes powerful claims: food unites Peruvians, dissolves racial antagonisms, and fuels development. Gastropolitics and the Specter of Race critically evaluates these claims and tracks the emergence of Peruvian gastropolitics, a biopolitical and aesthetic set of practices that reinscribe dominant racial and gendered orders. Through critical readings of high-end menus and ethnographic analysis of culinary festivals, guinea pig production, and national-branding campaigns, this work explores the intersections of race, species, and capital to reveal links between gastronomy and violence in Peru. Trade Review"The book presents a stunning and innovative analysis of the politics of Peru’s recent gastronomic boom. . . .[it] is at the forefront of scholarly discussions on the topic and deserves a wide readership among anthropologists and food studies scholars working on food, race, and nationalism in a range of geographic settings." * Gastronomica *Table of ContentsList of Illustrations Preface: Understories Acknowledgments Introduction: Stories of Resurgence and Coloniality Part One: Structures of Accumulation Interlude: Hauntings 1 • Gastropolitics and the Nation Interlude: Eating the Nation 2 • Cooking Ecosystems: The Beautiful Coloniality of Virgilio Martínez Interlude: "Gastronomy Is a Display Case" 3 • Staging Difference: The Gastropolitics of Inclusion and Recognition Part Two: Narratives from the Edge Interlude: "Apega Needs Us to Look Pretty" 4 • Gastropolitics Otherwise: Stories in and of the Vernacular Interlude: Of Humor and Violence 5 • Guinea Pig Matters: Figuring Race, Sex, and Nation Interlude: Chemical Castration 6 • Death of a Guinea Pig Epilogue. Huacas Rising Notes References Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"Historian Alagona skillfully demonstrates how America’s cities have become ‘weird wildlife refuges,’ in this hopeful account. He sets the stage by describing animal life in cities in times past: many metropolises were founded on sites of biological richness, but as cities grew, wildlife populations declined. But in the past few decades, that’s changed, and cities have become places with rich ecosystems that have fostered an ‘explosion of wildlife’. . . . Alagona argues that people must learn to live with wildlife." * Publishers Weekly *“Alagona shows that wildlife in urban areas can be a blessing, a curse, or both. Ultimately, he sees a golden opportunity to redefine our relationship with wildlife and perhaps with each other as we share urban ecosystems.” * Natural Resource Management Today *"Highly readable and relevant." * Forbes *"This book is equal parts history and science lessons, both of which are delivered in an accessible and engaging manner." * The Quarterly Review of Biology *"A marvelous history of the present. . . . an eminently teachable book." * California History *"The Accidental Ecosystem by Peter Alagona, explains why urban neighborhoods like yours and mine, are being slowly repopulated by wild animals. Repopulation is the key, because the locations of early cities were originally chosen for their access to water, forests, and surrounding agricultural resources." * Triangle Gardener *Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Introduction: Where the Wild Things Are, Now 1: Hot Spots 2: The Urban Barnyard 3: Nurturing Nature 4: Bambi Boom 5: Room to Roam 6: Out of the Shadows 7: Close Encounters 8: Home to Roost 9: Hide and Seek 10: Creature Discomforts 11: Catch and Release 12: Damage Control 13: Fast-Forward 14: Embracing the Urban Wild Coda: Lost and Found Notes Selected Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisDoes your dog know when you've had a bad day? Can your cat tell that the coffee pot you left on might start a fire? Could a chimpanzee be trained to program your computer? This book debunks some commonly held notions about our furry friends. It argues that it may be romantic to ascribe human qualities to critters, but it's not very realistic.Trade Review"[An] enjoyably written exploration of recent discoveries of modern animal behavior... Wynne is clearly arguing against the view of animal rights advocates such as Peter Singer and Jane Goodall who ascribe human attributes to animals. But Wynne is no reactionary--he strongly sympathizes with those who wish to improve the treatment of animals... It helps his arguments that Wynne is often as entertaining as he is erudite."--Publishers Weekly "In this critical account of selected research, Clive Wynne takes aim at over-sentimental anthropomorphism, particularly on the part of animal-rights advocates. He argues that the degree to which animals are like us cannot be the measure of how much they are worthy of our respect and protection... All this material is presented in a clear informal and entertaining way, enlivened by historical asides."--Sara J. Shettleworth, Nature "Wynne has a pleasant writing style and a knack for engaging the reader... [H]is book offers many insightful descriptions of animal behavior... He seems to take delight in animals, and possesses great knowledge about them, yet he prefers them at arm's length. The constant message is that animals are not people."--Frans B.M. de Waal, Natural History "Wynne's new book provides a timely corrective to many myths about animal minds, without detracting from the wonders of the natural world."--Nicola S. Clayton, Science "[Wynne] is a lively writer with a congenial sense of humor, an obvious passion for truly understanding the minds of animals, and a sincere desire to come to terms with what all this means for the larger philosophical and ethical questions about the place of man and animals in the world."--Stephen Budiansky, Cerebrum: The Dana Forum on Brain Science "A fun read ... packed with clever experiments, intriguing anecdotes, and a delight in the diversity of animal behavior."--Sy Montgomery, Discover "Readers will delight in this insightful, well-referenced book."--Choice "Lucid and witty... Mr. Wynne makes a compelling case against true rationality in animals, but he resists the temptation to reduce animals to mere 'machines,' as Descartes famously did; he is too seized with wonder at the marvels of animal behavior to adopt so barren a model. In the end, Mr. Wynne prefers to accept our fellow animals for what they are, as they are."--Eric Ormsby, New York Sun "An intelligent and balanced discussion of our attitudes towards other species and what (if anything) animals think... A refreshingly skeptical and pugnacious investigation."--P.D. Smith, The Guardian (UK)Table of Contents1 What Are Animals? 1 2 The Secrets of the Honeybee Machine 13 3 How Noble in Reason 46 4 What Is It Like to Be a Bat? 84 5 Talk to Me 106 6 The Pigeon That Saved a Battalion 139 7 Monkey See, Monkey Do? 162 8 Dolphins Divine 195 9 Sandwiches to Go 222 References 245 Acknowledgments 261 Index 263

Read more less

Book SynopsisEver since Charles Darwin visited there in 1835, the Galapagos have fascinated us like no other spot on Earth. This illustrated book captures the ethereal, haunting quality of the Galapagos and of the birds and animals that make these islands their home. Featuring 245 full-color photographs, it offers a photographic tour of the Galapagos.Trade Review"[E]ngaging and inspirational... The author makes one appreciate the fragile beauty of the fiery isles."--The Press "The book is elegantly structured: each chapter emphasizes one distinct aspect of the Galapagos in the hope that by 'displaying visually the essence of its splendid wildness,' the volume can serve as an inspiration to ensure the survival of the islands' threatened animals."--Scientific American "In words and pictures, De Roy captures the ethereal, haunting quality of the islands with their cold seas and burning rocks."--Ocean Realm

Read more less

Book SynopsisMany animals, including humans, acquire valuable skills and knowledge by copying others. Scientists refer to this as social learning. It is one of the most exciting and rapidly developing areas of behavioral research and sits at the interface of many academic disciplines, including biology, experimental psychology, economics, and cognitive neurosciTrade Review"The pragmatic approach makes the book a great starting point for researchers who wish to plan a study or to look for ways to analyze data. Students will find it accessible, and the analytical tools can be used by anyone having a basic understanding of statistical methods... Hoppitt and Laland's accessible writing and the book's clear graphics support its effectiveness. We predict a long and useful life for this welcome volume."--Dorothy Fragaszy and Yonat Eshchar, Science "This excellent volume provides a thorough introduction to research and issues in this field, and also serves as a handbook of methods and techniques for studying social learning... Detailed tables and figures throughout add to the volume's usefulness. A valuable introductory resource for students and an essential handbook for investigators."--Choice "[R]eaders will find food for thought in this book especially in the ninth chapter, Modeling Social Learning and Culture, which begins by operationalizing culture and establishing parallels between biological and cultural evolution. A complete theoretical approach to social learning and culture is then introduced and the modeling methods are described. I highly recommended this chapter to researchers ... and I also encourage them to take a look at the whole textbook."--Francesc S. Beltran, Journal of Artificial Societies and Social Simulation "Social Learning provides the first compelling synthesis of the social-learning literature and is of value not only to newcomers seeking an introduction to a complex, multidisciplinary field, but also to established researchers looking for challenging views on familiar topics. A copy should not only be on the bookshelf of but also read by anyone interested in the study of social learning."--Bennett G. Galef, Quarterly Review of Biology "The field of social learning challenges animal behaviorists to define and distinguish concepts that have been colloquially applied for centuries. Hoppitt and Laland have substantially advanced this field by providing a concise but broadly readable guide for those interested in investigating questions about social learning. Researchers would be wise to recognize the many potential applications of the theoretical and empirical techniques presented therein... Rather than reading about social learning all by oneself though we suggest you and several close colleagues all buy Hoppitt and Laland's fine book, so that together you can socially learn about social learning."--Mark E. Laidre & Thomas S. Kraft, International Journal of PrimatologyTable of ContentsAcknowledgments ix 1Introduction 1 What Is Social Learning? 3 Social transmission 5 Imitation 9 Innovation 9 Why Study Social Learning? 11 Summary of the Book 14 2A Brief History of Social Learning Research 16 The Evolution of Mind 17 Social Learning Mechanisms 20 Animal "Culture" 24 The Diffusion of Innovations 27 Child Development 28 Cultural Evolution 30 Conclusions 31 3Methods for Studying Social Learning in the Laboratory 33 Traditional Social Learning Studies 35 Alternative Experimental Approaches 38 Transmission chain studies 40 Diffusion studies 47 Innovation 50 The Biological Bases of Social Learning 52 Neuroendocrinological studies 53 Social learning of fear 54 Neural mechanisms of observational learning 56 Conclusions 61 4Social Learning Mechanisms 62 A Classification of Social Learning Mechanisms 63 Stimulus enhancement 65 Local enhancement 65 Observational conditioning 68 Response facilitation 69 Social facilitation 70 Imitation 70 Observational R-S learning 77 Emulation 77 Opportunity providing 78 (Inadvertent) coaching 79 Distinguishing Social Learning Mechanisms 80 Stimulus enhancement 80 Local enhancement 81 Observational conditioning 83 Response facilitation 85 Contextual imitation 87 Production imitation 89 Observational R-S learning 92 Emulation 93 Opportunity providing 94 (Inadvertent) coaching 96 A Pragmatic Approach to Characterizing Mechanisms of Social Transmission 96 Teaching 98 Summary 104 5Statistical Methods for Diffusion Data 105 Diffusion Curve Analysis 106 Network-Based Diffusion Analysis (NBDA) 108 Inclusion of individual-level variables 112 Model selection and inference 114 Modeling multiple diffusions 115 Choosing a social network 120 "Untransmitted" social effects 121 Related methods 122 Is NBDA realistic? 123 Examples 125 Spatial Spread of a Behavioral Trait 125 Wave of advance models 125 Other approaches for spatial data 127 Summary 128 6Repertoire-Based Methods for Detecting and Quantifying Social Transmission 129 The Group-Contrasts Approach 130 The Method of Exclusion 133 Basic and advanced methods of exclusion 133 Methods for assessing the genetic hypothesis 134 Methods for assessing the ecological hypothesis 143 Further problems with the method of exclusion 149 A Model-Fitting Approach 150 A matrix regression approach 150 Examples 151 A return to group comparisons 154 A Causal Modeling Framework 155 Relationship to the matrix regression approach 164 Ruling out homophily 164 Ruling out unknown ecological variables 167 Relationship to the method of exclusion 168 Conclusions 168 7Developmental Methods for Studying Social Learning 172 Observational Data 173 Describing the developmental process 173 Modeling probability of acquisition 177 Modeling time of acquisition 179 Modeling proficiency of trait performance 184 Modeling option choice 185 Limitations of observational data 188 Experimental Manipulations 188 Diffusion experiments 189 Manipulation of social experience 191 Translocation studies 193 Conclusions 195 8Social Learning Strategies 196 Why Social Learning Is Strategic 196 "When" Strategies 203 Copy when established behavior is unproductive 203 Copy when asocial learning is costly 205 Copy when uncertain 210 Copy when prior information is outdated 212 Copy when dissatisfied 213 Is copying a first or last resort? 214 "Who" Strategies 215 Frequency-dependent biases 216 Success biases 221 Kin and age biases 225 "What" Strategies 226 Random Copying 227 Statistical Methods for Detecting Social Learning Strategies 229 Meta-strategies, Best Strategies, and Hierarchical Control 232 9Modeling Social Learning and Culture 235 Introduction 235 Why model? 235 Operationalizing the culture concept 237 Parallels between biological and cultural evolution 238 Theoretical Approaches to Social Learning and Cultural Evolution 239 Population-genetic style models of cultural evolution 239 Population-genetic style models of gene-culture coevolution 241 Neutral models and random copying 246 Social foraging theory 250 Spatially explicit models 251 Reaction-diffusion models 253 Agent-based models 254 Phylogenetic models 255 Conclusions 258 10Conclusions 260 References 265 Index 301

Read more less