Wildlife: mammals: general interest Books

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Book SynopsisSimple yet powerful in its messages, this motivational guide draws inspiration from an inconspicuous group of wild animals. Aiding in the discovery of personal strength and the will to overcome adversity, it conducts a magical journey through an unknown world overflowing with love, compassion, and determination.Trade Review"Lessons from the Wild opened my mind to a whole new world -- a world were self-belief, preparation, confidence, determination, integrity and trust take on new meaning." --Mahesh Bhupathi, Wimbledon, U.S. and French Open doubles champion tennis player"Lessons from the Wild highlights the wild, natural instinct which, when coupled with intelligence, is very potent." --Leander Paes, Olympic bronze medalist, Wimbledon, U.S. and French Open doubles champion tennis player

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Book Synopsisand Canada.Trade ReviewRichly illustrated with an outstanding assortment of full-color photographs... Written in a clear and conversational style... Whether you are just becoming interested in bats or are already a well-informed chiropteran reader, this text will be a fine addition to your caving library. -- Danny A. Brass Underground Movement If you are at all interested in bats, get a copy of this book. You will be glad you did! Book Bargains and Previews A well-written, interesting primer on bats that provides a broad overview of bat biology and conservation... The book is richly illustrated with an excellent assortment of full-color photographs. Written in a clear, conversational style, the volume is suitable for general readers interested in learning more about this fascinating and unique group of mammals. Choice Almost anyone who has an interest in bats will find the book useful. For the expert it's a quick but not overly detailed description of the biology, distribution, and appearance of the species in question and perfect for quick questions regarding life history or distribution. For novice bat biologists it should be a great introduction to the biology of bats; I can see it as an inexpensive text for an undergraduate class in bats. And for the general reader it's an easy way to start to plumb bat diversity, biology,and threats. Journal of Mammalogy A nice addition to home and library bookshelves everywhere. -- Micheal D. Baker Journal of Mammal Evolution I would recommend this book to anyone interested in an up-to-date introduction to bats and their biology, in the United States and Canada... an inexpensive and invaluable resource for teaching and outreach. -- Matina Kalcounis-Rueppell Bat Research News This comprehensive guide will be useful for all interested in Chiroptera. -- Evelyne Bremond-Hoslet MammaliaTable of ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroductionClassificationBiologyEcholocationsBenefits of Insectivorous BatsForagingFeeding BehaviorNoninsectivorous BatsVampire BatsGuanoSummer HabitatSummer–Autumn SwarmingWinter Habitat and HibernationMigrationHoming AbilityReproduction and LongevityBats as FoodBat "Bombs"Mines and BridgesControlling "Nuisance" BatsAttracting BatsThreats to BatsRabiesHistoplasmosisBats and Wind PowerWhite-nose SyndromeConservationStatus of Bats in the United States and CanadaEndangered Species and SubspeciesResearch TechniquesInventoriesThermal ImagingNets and TrapsBat BandingRadiotelemetryAcoustic IdentificationAdditional TechniquesSpecies AccountsMexican Long-tongued Bat, Choeronycteris mexicanaMexican Long-nosed Bat, Leptonycteris nivalisLesser Long-nosed Bat, Leptonycteris yerbabuenaeCalifornia Leaf-nosed Bat, Macrotus californicusJamaican Fruit-eating Bat, Artibeus jamaicensisPeter's Ghost-faced Bat, Mormoops megalophyllaFlorida Bonneted Bat, Eumops floridanusGreater Bonneted Bat, Eumops perotisUnderwood's Bonneted Bat, Eumops underwoodiPallas' Mastiff Bat, Molossus molossusPocketed Free-tailed Bat, Nyctinomops femorosaccusBig Free-tailed Bat, Nyctinomops macrotisBrazilian Free-tailed Bat, Tadarida brasiliensisBig Brown Bat, Eptesicus fuscusWestern Red Bat, Lasiurus blossevilliiEastern Red Bat, Lasiurus borealisHoary Bat, Lasiurus cinereusSouthern Yellow Bat, Lasiurus egaNorthern Yellow Bat, Lasiurus intermediusSeminole Bat, Lasiurus seminolusWestern Yellow Bat, Lasiurus xanthinusEvening Bat, Nycticeius humeralisCanyon Bat, Parastrellus hesperusTri-colored Bat, Perimyotis subflavusRafinesque's Big-eared Bat, Corynorhinus rafinesquiiTownsend's Big-eared Bat, Corynorhinus townsendiiSpotted Bat, Euderma maculatumAllen's Big-eared Bat, Idionycteris phyllotisPallid Bat, Antrozous pallidusSilver-haired Bat, Lasionycteris noctivagansSouthwestern Bat, Myotis auriculusSoutheastern Bat, Myotis austroripariusCalifornia Bat, Myotis californicusWestern Small-footed Bat, Myotis ciliolabrumLong-eared Bat, Myotis evotisGray Bat, Myotis grisescensKeen's Bat, Myotis keeniiEastern Small-footed Bat, Myotis leibiiLittle Brown Bat, Myotis lucifugusDark-nosed Small-footed Bat, Myotis melanorhinusArizona Bat, Myotis occultusNorthern Long-eared Bat, Myotis septentrionalisIndiana Bat, Myotis sodalisFringed Bat, Myotis thysanodesCave Bat, Myotis veliferLong-legged Bat, Myotis volansYuma Bat, Myotis yumanensisSpecies of Accidental OccurrenceHairy-legged Vampire Bat, Diphylla ecaudataBuffy Flower Bat, Erophylla sezekorniCuban Flower Bat, Phyllonycteris poeyiCuban Fig-eating Bat, Phyllops falcatusSummaryAppendix: Bats of the United States and Canada (Including Protection Status)Index

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Book SynopsisCaptivating, accurate, and inspiring, Polar Bears belongs in the hands of all who love the wild.Trade ReviewCaptivating, accurate, and inspiring, Polar Bears belongs in the hands of all who love the wild. Guardian Derocher and Lynch's handiwork, however, is less a lament and more a celebration of polar bears. And that will almost certainly make it a winner with increasingly fussy readers looking to be awed, inspired, and informed by artfully illustrated books. -- Ed Struzik Edmonton Journal Everyone with an interest in polar bears or bears of any species will want to add this book to their bookshelf. -- Sterling Miller International Bear News This book is as amazing to look at as it is fascinating to read... Captivating, precise, inspiring, Polar Bears is intended for all those who love nature. PhotoNews This magnificent species has got the book it deserves. -- Jeff Wilson BBC Wildlife Magazine A book which would grace any coffee table, but equally one which should be in the library of every zoo and scientific institution which has an interest in polar bears, Arctic biodiversity or the possible effects of global warming. For every curator, animal manager, veterinarian and zoo architect it should be mandatory reading... Global warming, with or without mankind's help, may cause the polar bear to become extinct and this book may be the best record we have to remember it by. -- Richard Perron International Zoo News A welcome and timely contribution... a reliable and comprehensive source of information. -- Kristin Laidre ARCTIC For a read on polar bears, this book has it all. There is not a stone unturned throughout these pages, which look at every aspect of the species in thorough detail, including their evolution, arctic marine ecosystems and hunting methods... Proving that polar bears are everything you thought they were and more-you won't want to miss out on this read. Pet Focus Derocher lays our for us a comprehensive review of work done on these great mammals including their biology, ecology, and behavior. The text is supplemented by stunning photographs by Wayne Lynch who has spent decades following the bears. It all works excellently together-photos and text-and the reader comes away with a renewed appreciation for one of nature's most charismatic carnivores. National Outdoor Book Awards University of Alberta biology professor Andrew E. Derocher and award-winning science writer/wildlife photographer Wayne Lynch set out to produce the most comprehensive book about polar bears to date. They succeeded, with Derocher packaging more than 20 years of scientific study and the experience from more than 40 field expeditions into a reader-friendly, text-based guide complemented by Lynch's stunning Arctic images. -- Michelle LePage Canadian Geographic Derocher, a bear biologist, and Lynch, a physician turned wildlife photographer, have put together an accessible book that takes full advantage of Derocher's research experience and Lynch's eye for capturing wildlife on film. Choice When I first started reading the book I wondered who the audience would be. Would the general public, including school children and polar bear enthusiasts, be interested in the level of detail of this book? Us scientists who study polar bears already know all about the bear (of course!)-would we read this book? The answers to those two questions are yes and yes... I believe that this book will satiate any polar bear enthusiast's curiosity about the species and the environment in which it lives. At the same time, it also is a useful resource to those of us who study polar bears and their prey in the Arctic. -- Karyn D. Rode Marine Mammal Science This is a beautiful book, a fascinating subject, and a turning point in our human evolution and relationship with the natural world. Get the book, then go out and do something. -- William L. Gannon Journal of Mammalogy Captivating, accurate, and inspiring, Polar Bears belongs in the hands of all who love the wild. Northeastern Naturalist Derocher has certainly written one of the most authoritative and technically comprehensive yet engaging books on polar bears that will be available for many years. The technical detail and background information is such that parts of the book have a textbook quality... If I were to pick one book that would give a general audience a solid understanding of polar bear ecology, it would be Derocher's Polar Bears: A Complete Guide to Their Biology and Behavior. -- Dag Vongraven Polar ResearchTable of ContentsAcknowledgments1. Introduction2. A Polar Bear Described3. Evolution4. Early Polar Bear–Human Interactions5. Arctic Marine Ecosystems6. Sea Ice and Habitat7. Prey8. Distribution and Populations9. Hunting Methods10. Polar Bear Behavior11. Den Ecology12. From Birth to Death13. Threats14. Looking ForwardAppendix A: Scientific Names of Plants and AnimalsAppendix B: Species of Plants and Animals Eaten by Polar BearsReferencesIndex

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Book SynopsisThe most comprehensive reference on Mexico''s diverse mammalian fauna.Mammals of Mexico is the first reference book in English on the more than 500 types of mammal species found in the diverse Mexican habitats, which range from the Sonoran Desert to the Chiapas cloud forests. The authoritative species accounts are written by a Who's Who of experts compiled by famed mammalogist and conservationist Gerardo Ceballos.Ten years in the making, Mammals of Mexico covers everything from obscure rodents to whales, bats, primates, and wolves. It is thoroughly illustrated with color photographs and meticulous artistic renderings, as well as range maps for each species. Introductory chapters discuss biogeography, conservation, and evolution. The final section of the book illustrates the skulls, jaws, and tracks of Mexico's mammals. This unparalleled collection of scientific information on, and photographs of, Mexican wildlife belongs on the shelf of everTrade ReviewAn outstanding reference...Without a doubt, Mammals of Mexico is the best available book of its kind ever in Mexico. -- E. Alejandro Lozano-Carvazos Journal of Wildlife Management Not only the best compendium for information about peccaries in Mexico but for Collared peccaries and White-lipped peccaries (and all the endemic mammal species in Mexico)... A valuable reference about their ecology, natural history, morphology and conservation. Suiform Surroundings ... useful for anyone who has an interest in the mammals of Mexico and adjacent areas. This edition represents decades of work of many experts and is a great contribution to the current knowledge of mammals of Mexico. Oxford University Press Journals: Journal of Mammalogy ... a comprehensive treatment of the terrestrial and marine mammal fauna of Mexico... This edition represents decades of work of many experts and is a great contribution to the current knowledge of mammals of Mexico. Journal of Mammalogy Mammals of Mexico represents an outstanding reference for academic, research, and conservation practioners... Without a doubt, Mammals of Mexico is the best available book of its kind ever in Mexico The Journal of Wildlife Management Mammals of Mexico is a seminal work in mammalogy and one that should be available in all public or academic libraries with a focus on this region. Reference ReviewsTable of ContentsPreface AcknowledgmentsDiversity and ConservationHistory of Mammalogy in MexicoSystematic List of SpeciesPart I: Species AccountsChapter 1. DidelphimorphiaChapter 2. CingulataChapter 3. PilosaChapter 4. SoricomorphaChapter 5. ChiropteraChapter 6. PrimatesChapter 7. CarnivoraChapter 8. ArtiodactylaChapter 9. CetaceaChapter 10. PerissodactylaChapter 11. SireniaChapter 12. RodentiaChapter 13. LagomorphaAppendixA. Tracks of Some Mammal Species of Mexico B. Skulls of Mammal Genera from MexicoC. AbbreviationsReferencesIndex

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Book SynopsisAnyone with an interest in the mammalian fauna of Mexico, or mammals in general, will find this one-of-a-kind book an indispensable reference to Mexico's rich diversity of wildlife.Trade ReviewThe dichotomous presentation is both easy to follow and flawlessly compiled, including updated and expanded material that surpasses any previously available resource... Anyone with an interest in the mammalian fauna of Mexico, or mammals in general, will find this one-of-a-kind book an indispensable reference to Mexico's rich diversity of wildlife. Birdbooker ReportTable of ContentsPrólogo/ForewordIntroducción/IntroductionNecesidad de guías de identifi cación/ The need for identification guidesComo usar esta guia/How to use the guideDistribución/DistributionProtección/ProtectionAgradecimientos/AcknowledgmentsCaracterísticas de los mamíferos/Mammal characteristicsCaracterísticas externas/External characteristicsCaracterísticas internas/Internal characteristicsCaracterísticas óseas/Bone characteristicsListado de especies/Species listClaves de ordenes/Key ordersOrden/ order ArtiodactylaFamilia/Family AntilocapridaeFamilia/Family BovidaeFamilia/Family CervidaeFamilia/Family TayassuidaeOrden/Order CarnivoraFamilia/Family CanidaeFamilia/Family FelidaeFamilia/Family MephitidaeFamilia/Family MustelidaeFamilia/Family OtariidaeFamilia/Family PhocidaeFamilia/Family ProcyonidaeFamilia/Family UrsidaeOrden/Order ChiropteraFamilia/Family EmballonuridaeFamilia/Family MolossidaeFamilia/Family MormoopidaeFamilia/Family NatalidaeFamilia/Family NoctilionidaeFamilia/Family PhyllostomidaeFamilia/Family ThyropteraFamilia/Family VespertilionidaeOrden/Order CingulataFamilia/Family DasypodidaeOrden/Order DidelphimorphiaFamilia/Family DidelphidaeOrden/Order LagomorphaFamilia/Family LeporidaeOrden/Order PerissodactylaFamilia/Family TapiridaeOrden/Order PilosaFamilia/Family CyclopedidaeFamilia/Family MyrmecophagidaeOrden/Order PrimatesFamilia/Family AtelidaeOrden/Order RodentiaFamilia/Family AgoutidaeFamilia/Family CastoridaeFamilia/Family CricetidaeFamilia/Family CuniculidaeFamilia/Family ErethizontidaeFamilia/Family GeomyinaeFamilia/Family HeteromyidaeFamilia/Family MuridaeFamilia/Family SciuridaeOrden/Order SireniaFamilia/Family TrichechidaeOrden/Order SoricomorphaFamilia/Family SoricidaeFamilia/Family TalpidaeAnexo I medidas/ Appendix I measurementsMedidas somáticas/ Somatic measurementsMedidas craneales/ Cranial measurementsMedidas axiales/ Axial measurementsAnexo II colecta de mamíferos/ Appendix II mammal collectionMamíferos pequeños/Small mammalsMamíferos medianos/Medium mammalsMamíferos grandes/Large mammalsMurciélagos/BatsPreservación y conservación/ Preservation and conservationAnexo III técnica para la preparación/ Appendix III preparation techniqueSecado de los ejemplares/ Drying the samplesMétodo para limpiar los cráneos/ Method for cleaning craniumsVariación a la técnica de preparación/ Variation of the preparation techniquePieles de mamíferos que serán curtidas/ Mammal skins to be tannedPreparación de los cráneos/Cranium preparationPreparación de esqueletos/Skeleton preparationGlosario/GlossaryLiteratura citada/BibliographyÍndice/Index

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Book SynopsisThe story of the recovery of mountain lions in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Mountain lions, sometimes called pumas or cougars, were once spread throughout the United States, occupying all 48 of the contiguous states. By the 1960s, though, they were almost extinct in central and eastern North America. In Mountain Lions of the Black Hills, Dr. Jonathan A. Jenks, who, along with his team of graduate students, has tracked over 200 of these fascinating predators, tells the complex story of the big cats' lives in the northern Great Plains. Jenks reports on mountain lion population dynamics, diet, nutrition, diseases, behavior, and genetics. He explores the impact of a changing prey base on population growth and decline, movements within and away from the region, and hunting on the species; discusses interactions between the cats and livestock; and examines local people's evolving perceptions of mountain lions. Throughout, Jenks explores how we can balance conservation techniques withTrade ReviewThe book is enriched by more than 25 years of research . . . All the chapters are interesting, highly readable and, in places, somewhat autobiographical . . . Likely to appeal to anyone interested in big cats or the ecology of large predators, this book should be particularly useful to wildlife professionals, including ecologists, conservationists and researchers.—Sue Howarth CBiol FRSB, The BiologistThe book was an enjoyable read and is a valuable contribution to North America's predatory fauna . . . I loved all the pictures and thought that it complemented the text perfectly. In fact, I wish more scientifically-oriented books were like this: simple to read, containing concise information, and well illustrated!—Jonathan Way, Eastern Coyote/Coywolf Research, Osterville, MA, The Canadian Field-NaturalistTable of ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgments1. Introduction2. Ecology of the Black Hills3. Characteristics of Black Hills Mountain Lions4. Population Dynamics of Mountain Lions5. Disease Ecology of Mountain Lions6. Nutritional Ecology of Mountain Lions7. Genetics of Mountain Lions8. Perceptions of Mountain LionsEpilogueIndex

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Book SynopsisOpen up a world of understanding into wolf behavior.Trade Review“Ever since, as a child, I read about Romulus and Remus and Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book, I have been in love with wolves. This exciting book will help their cause—they deserve our concern and our protection.” —Jane Goodall “An inspired account. The return of the gray wolf is a proud moment in the history of our American lands.” —Bruce Babbitt, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior"The Dutchers are known for their world-class photography, and this volume does not disappoint…the mystery and awe that wolves have always evoked in humans is conveyed in crisp, color images. The photos are at once beautiful, startling and mesmerizing." —Bill Cannon, former editor-in-chief of Motor Age Magazine"The photography is stunningly beautiful and the insights that Jim and Jamie Dutcher share with us opens a world of understanding into wolf behavior." —Apogee Photo Magazine "A richly layered work that speaks to the intricate and controversial relationship between wolves and humans." --The Oregonian"Remarkable photographs...an in-depth and up-close look at the intimate behaviors and social bonds of [Wolves]." --American Profile "Loaded with wonderful photographs...should go a long way to help protect these most amazing beings." --Psychology Today “A richly layered work that speaks to the intricate and controversial relationship between wolves and humans.” --Oregon Live

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Book SynopsisFrom the world-famous couple who lived alongside a wolf pack, this book of inspiration will fascinate animal and nature lovers.Trade Review“The Dutchers’ captivating account reveals wolves as emotionally intelligent creatures capable of empathy, compassion, apology, encouragement and forgiveness. Perhaps learning and observing wolves can make us better humans. If nothing else, this book will have you YouTube-ing “awesome wolf pack howl,” and hopefully it’ll ignite a passion to save their habitat so they can have thriving families, too.” –Esquire "Dutcher et al. followed one pack of wolves over several years to examine our assumed role as stewards of the world from a new, but also ancient angle." –RealClear Life “Writing in alternate chapters in "The Wisdom of Wolves," Jim and Jamie look back on their experiences and make a heartfelt plea for smarter and kinder treatment of these majestic animals.” –The Washington Post"The long-time wolf advocates want to see wolves understood in a new way, because, as the Dutchers write in their book, "As it happens, many of the qualities that make a wolf successful at being a wolf also represent the best in human nature." —Mother Nature Network "The couple has produced an enthralling addition to their body of work. Their latest effort...reveals under wolves’ furry hides a surprisingly human face." —The Epoch Times"The Dutchers’ captivating account reveals wolves as emotionally intelligent creatures capable of empathy, compassion, apology, encouragement and forgiveness. Perhaps learning and observing wolves can make us better humans. If nothing else, this book will have you YouTube-ing “awesome wolf pack howl,” and hopefully it’ll ignite a passion to save their habitat so they can have thriving families, too." —Esquire"Through the stories and life lessons in the book—which also features black-and-white photography from the Dutchers’ time with the wolves—the couple hopes readers can get a better picture of wolves and glean some of the wisdom they imparted to the Dutchers."—Idaho Mountain Express “The authors challenge the cultural perception of wolves as ruthless with more positive stories of wolf behavior…sharing stories as if they were doting grandparents. This optimistic expression of faith in the everyday wisdom of wolf and humankind alike shows the wolves as a reflection of the best in humans.” –Publishers Weekly “An accessible book for nature lovers that imparts wisdom for humanity. For all readers in need of a reminder to be the best that they can be.” –Library Journal"Those who read this book will have a greater understanding of these charismatic animals (who share an ancestor with our domestic dogs), and, it is hoped, will be inspired to become active stewards of the wild world." –The Bark"This book could not be more welcome, both as inspiration and educational tool, at this time of great uncertainty for America’s wolves." –Endangered Species Coalition blog“I found each chapter so enlightening and meaningful, and I feel as though I learned more about life from this short book than I have in a long time.” –Forever Lost in Literature“Jim and Jamie Dutcher offer a rare and insightful view into the hidden lives of wolves. Though this species is often misunderstood, these remarkable animals have much to teach us if we will take the time to learn.”—Robert Redford “There is only one way to really understand animal behaviour, and that is to spend months and months patiently observing and learning not just about them, but from them. As I did with the chimpanzees. And Jim and Jamie Dutcher have done just that, living for years with the wolves of the Sawtooth Pack in a tented camp in the Idaho wild. In this compelling book they share with us the insights gained by hours and hours of study, providing us with a window through which we can learn about the world of a family of wolves. If you ever doubted that wolves have rich emotional lives those doubts will be swept away as you read about the close bonds between the members of this pack, how they care for each other, and how they cooperate. In many ways they are like us: clearly they experience emotions of joy and grief and suffering just as we do. They are so intelligent, so in harmony with the natural world that they have much to teach us. How tragic that the wolf, ancestor of the domestic dogs with whom we share our lives, is so misunderstood. I believe that this book, so compelling in its authenticity, will help you understand why I feel shocked and saddened by the way that wolves are misunderstood and persecuted. And you will, I am sure, want to join the fight to protect them.”—Jane Goodall“The Dutchers have ended up producing one of the most intimate portraits ever made of the North American gray wolf. Though it has taken years, their study of the Sawtooth pack has proven deeply insightful, with riveting stories and stunning photography. This is a body of work that will stand the test of time.”—Joel Sartore, National Geographic fellow and founder of the Photo Ark “Wolves are both the most hated and best loved animal in North America. That is partly because we don’t know them. We make them a character in our own cartoon—villain or savior. Wolves really are—as this book explains so beautifully—complex, devoted, loyal, and yes sometimes fierce creatures. In them it is easy to see ourselves reflected, because wolves are more like us in their approach to life and family than any other creature. I invite you into this lovely and graceful book, not just because wolves are full of surprises but because by knowing them better we can better understand ourselves.”—Carl Safina, author of Beyond Words: What Animals Think and Feel “Beautifully intimate stories of wolves being wolves that might even teach us to be better humans. The Dutchers' love and respect for wolves shines [howls] throughout this book. Touching, intimate portraits of an unfairly maligned species. As watchers of [and listeners to] wolves, the Dutchers don't miss a thing. They do real justice to these glorious canids.”—Jennifer S. Holland, author of the New York Times best-selling Unlikely Friendships series “With passion and a personal flair, the Dutchers once again roll out an intimate story about wolves. Drawing upon their deep knowledge gained from countless hours spent with the Sawtooth wolf pack, Jim and Jamie relate rarely seen wolf behaviors, even emotions, connecting them to wild wolf packs which helps interpret what is observed in places like Yellowstone and Denali national parks. Written by each of them in alternating chapters, they reveal much too about their story and how their love of wolves and each other came to be.”—Douglas W. Smith PhD, Senior Wildlife Biologist, Yellowstone National Park “In their wonderful new book, The Wisdom of Wolves, Jim and Jamie Dutcher provide convincing evidence that wolves are our finer selves.”—Mark Derr, author of Dog’s Best Friend, A Dog’s History of America, and How the Dog Became the Dog

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Book SynopsisIn this captivating, suspenseful memoir, white lion conservationist Linda Tucker describes her perilous struggle to protect the sacred white lion from the merciless and mafia-like trophy-hunting industry, armed only with her indomitable spirit and total devotion.   Her story begins in 1991 with a heart-stopping misadventure in the Timbavati Reserve of South Africa. Tucker—then a successful advertising executive—and a group of fellow travelers found themselves surrounded by a pride of angry lions. There was no way out, night had fallen, and the battery in their only flashlight was beginning to flicker. Miraculously, a local medicine woman, with two youngsters in tow, passed, trancelike and fearless, through the lions and escorted them all to safety.   For Tucker, that life-threatening experience became a life-changing one. She abandoned her career, left Europe, and returned to Timbavati to track down the medicine woman who had saved her: Maria Khosa. Upon seeing Tucker again, Khosa only smiled and said, “What took you so long?” She had been expecting her, and there was so much to do. Under Khosa’s shamanic tutelage, Tucker learned of her sacred destiny: to be the “keeper of the white lions,” believed to be angelic beings sent to Earth to save humanity at a time of crisis. Khosa also prophesized that the queen of the white lions—the embodiment of the mother of Ra, the sun god—would soon be born, on a day and in a place considered holy by Westerners.   On December 25, 2000, in the little South Africa town of Bethlehem, a snowy white lion cub, Marah, was born. From the moment of her first meeting with Marah, Tucker’s story immediately takes off into battle, as she dedicates her every waking moment to prying Marah and her siblings from the grips of the trophy-hunting industry.     Compellingly written in the intimate style of a journal, Tucker describes with unflinching honesty her fears, doubts, hopes, and dreams, all the while unfolding for us an unforgettable tale of adventure, romance, spirituality, and most of all, justice.

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Book SynopsisSet in the early 1950s rural South, One Good Mama Bone chronicles Sarah Creamer’s quest to find her “mama bone” after she is left to care for a boy who is not her own but instead is the product of an affair between her husband and her best friend and neighbor, a woman she calls “Sister.” When her husband drinks himself to death, Sarah, a dirt-poor homemaker with no family to rely on and the note on the farm long past due, must find a way for her and young Emerson Bridge to survive. But the more daunting obstacle is Sarah’s fear that her mother’s words, seared in her memory since she first heard them at the age of six, were a prophesy: “You ain’t got you one good mama bone in you, girl.”When Sarah reads in the local newspaper that a boy won $680 with his Grand Champion steer at the recent 1951 Fat Cattle Show & Sale, she sees this as their financial salvation and finds a way to get Emerson Bridge a steer from a local farmer to compete in the 1952 show. But the young calf is unsettled at Sarah’s farm, crying out in distress and growing louder as the night wears on. Some four miles away, the steer’s mother hears his cries and breaks out of a barbed-wire fence to go in search of him. The next morning Sarah finds the young steer quiet, content, and nursing on a large cow. Inspired by the mother cow’s act of love, Sarah names her Mama Red. And so Sarah’s education in motherhood begins with Mama Red as her teacher.But Luther Dobbins, the man who sold Sarah the steer, has his sights set on winning too, and, like Sarah, he is desperate, but not for money. Dobbins is desperate for glory, wanting to regain his lost Grand Champion dynasty, and he will stop at nothing to win. Emboldened by her lessons from Mama Red and her budding mama bone, Sarah is fully committed to victory until she learns the winning steer’s ultimate fate. Will she stop at nothing, even if it means betraying her teacher?McClain’s writing is distinguished by a sophisticated and detailed portrayal of the day-to-day realities of rural poverty and an authentic sense of time and place that marks the best southern fiction. Her characters transcend their archetypes, and her animal-as-teacher theme recalls the likes of Water for Elephants and The Art of Racing in the Rain. One Good Mama Bone explores the strengths and limitations of parental love, the healing power of the human-animal bond, and the ethical dilemmas of raising animals for food. Mary Alice Monroe, a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of eighteen novels and two children's books, provides a foreword to the novel.Trade ReviewFirst-time novelist McClain draws on her family’s history in the rural South to create a cast of deeply relatable characters, both human and animal, who readers will find themselves rooting for until the very last page.”—Booklist“A thought-provoking story about families and the animals who sustain them.”—Kirkus Reviews

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