Zoology and animal sciences Books

Book SynopsisEvery year millions of puppies enter homes, carrying their new family’s expectation of a wonderful relationship. Sadly, many are rehomed or lose their lives as the result of behaviours which their owners find difficult to live with. Helping a puppy to grow into a resilient dog, capable of coping with the challenges of daily living, whilst retaining a good quality of life and exhibiting behaviours acceptable within society, is not an easy task. 'Life Skills for Puppies' aims to simplify puppy education by presenting the skills that are required to achieve these goals within the context of everyday life. By enabling owners to incorporate teaching into each interaction they enjoy with their puppy, it not only becomes easier for them, but also enables the puppy to practice appropriate behaviour choices within day-to-day situations. By teaching skills such as self-control, respect for rules, and clear communication, owners can spend less time directing their dog, and more time enjoying their relationship with him, as he takes more control for his own good behaviour. Beautiful, specially-taken photographs illustrate the points made, and each chapter includes a worksheet to help owners chart their puppy's progress.

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Book SynopsisA look at the range of close relationships between humans and wild and domesticated animals in the Himalayas.

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Book Synopsis“The powerful origin story of one of Yellowstone’s greatest and most famous wolves.” —Washington Post“[The Rise of Wolf 8] is a goldmine for information on all aspects of wolf behavior and clearly shows they are clever, smart, and emotional beings.” —Marc Bekoff, Psychology TodayYellowstone National Park was once home to an abundance of wild wolves—but park rangers killed the last of their kind in the 1920s. Decades later, the rangers brought them back, with the first wolves arriving from Canada in 1995.This is the incredible true story of one of those wolves.Wolf 8 struggles at first—he is smaller than the other pups, and often bullied—but soon he bonds with an alpha female whose mate was shot. An unusually young alpha male, barely a teenager in human years, Wolf 8 rises to the occasion, hunting skillfully, and even defending his family from the wolf who killed his father. But soon he faces a new opponent: his adopted son, who mates with a violent alpha female. Can Wolf 8 protect his valley without harming his protégé?Authored by a renowned wolf researcher and gifted storyteller, The Rise of Wolf 8 marks the beginning of The Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone series, which will transform our view of wolves forever.Trade ReviewAn Amazon.com Best Science Book of 2019!Runnerup — 2020 Reading the West Book Awards!Named a Notable Book by the 2019 Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Awards!“[McIntyre's] greatest strength is the quiet respect and wonder with which he regards his subjects, a quality clearly informed by decades of careful watching."—Publishers Weekly“Rick's book [The Rise of Wolf 8] is a goldmine for information on all aspects of wolf behavior and clearly shows they are clever, smart, and emotional beings."—Psychology Today“The main attraction of this book, though, is the storytelling about individual wolves, including the powerful origin story of one of Yellowstone’s greatest and most famous wolves."—Washington Post“Yellowstone’s resident wolf guru Rick McIntyre has been many things to many people: an expert tracker for the park’s biologists, an indefatigable roadside interpreter for visitors, and an invaluable consultant to countless chronicles of the park’s wolves—including my own. But he is first and foremost a storyteller whose encyclopedic knowledge of Yellowstone’s wolf reintroduction project—now in its 25th year—is unparalleled.”—Nate Blakeslee, New York Times bestselling author of American Wolf

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Book SynopsisMarine Ecology: Processes, Systems, and Impacts offers a carefully balanced and stimulating survey of marine ecology, introducing the key processes and systems from which the marine environment is formed, and the issues and challenges which surround its future conservation.Trade Review'Kaiser et al. is the best and most comprehensive textbook in Marine Ecology on the market today. It deals with the complex processes in the marine environment and how these operate in the various systems, and it shows how human societies benefit from and influence these systems.' * Dr Jens Tang Christensen, Aarhus University *'This is a perfect blend of the fundamentals of key oceanic processes that takes the reader from the simplest of processes to greater complexities in a very easy and well-structured read. It's an essential on the reading list for all marine related undergraduate studies.' * Dr Nicholas Ray, Nottingham Trent University *Review of the previous edition: 'I have always liked the fact that Marine Ecology focuses on the key ecological processes within the marine environment as well as the systems and habitats separately. The layout of the book is ideal for its target audience of undergraduate students and I recommend marine biology students purchase this book as it provides a handy reference guide throughout their degree. The balance of the book is excellent in that it provides web links to projects and suggested references for further reading.' * Dr Cathy Lucas, University of Southampton *Table of Contents1: Patterns in the Marine Environment 2: Primary Production Processes 3: Microbial Production and the Decomposition of Organic Material 4: Secondary Production 5: Estuaries 6: Rocky and Sandy Shores 7: Pelagic Ecosystems 8: Continental Shelf Seabed 9: The Deep Sea 10: Mangrove Forests and Seagrass Meadows 11: Coral Reefs 12: Polar Regions 13: Fisheries 14: Aquaculture 15: Pollution, Disturbance and Environmental Monitoring 16: Conservation 17: Climate change 18: Sea and Society

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Book SynopsisMichael Day''s Veterinary Immunology: Principles and Practice is the adopted text in numerous veterinary schools throughout the world. Updated and revised by Brian Catchpole and Harm HogenEsch with advances in knowledge since 2014, this third edition reflects the rapid developments in the field internationally, while preserving the strengths of Day''s original writing. It adds numerous case studies demonstrating the clinical context across companion and farm animals.The textbook presents information on commonly used diagnostic test procedures and includes learning objectives at the start and key points at the end of each chapter, standard symbols in diagrams throughout the text to provide continuity, clinical examples and clinicopathological figures throughout, and a glossary of terms and list of commonly used abbreviations. Short animations are viewable via the Support Materials tab on the Routledge webpage, adding a new element of practical application. ExplorTrade ReviewPraise for the previous editions"Information is clearly presented and well written, layering immunological knowledge with each chapter. I found the chapter lengths perfect – providing comprehensive information without being overwhelming. The objectives of each chapter are defined at the beginning and key points concisely reviewed at the end, allowing easy navigation and assisting comprehension. The excellent illustrations are a boon for visual learners. Immunological systems, diagnostic test procedures, clinical disease, therapy, and recent developments in the field are explored. Finally a series of case studies helps bring together and test your understanding. ... A practical textbook for students and handy reference for clinicians. ... the authors kept a challenging subject alive with analogy, illustration and clear explanations, providing a basic knowledge of immune function and clearly relating this to clinical practice. I would recommend this book to anyone challenged, intrigued or inspired by veterinary immunology."—Caroline Blundell, BVetMed CertSAM RCVS, in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery"... an excellent tool to understand the basic principles of immunology and veterinary immunology. ... updated with the most recent advances in veterinary immunology developments. ... the basic knowledge provided is always practice-oriented, with practical examples on disease pathogenesis and diagnosis. This is why this book is not only a useful tool for undergraduates, but also for postgraduate veterinarians either doing a PhD, internship or residency in any area of veterinary medicine. But it is also a useful tool for veterinary clinicians who are keen to have a solid and deeper understanding of the immunology of diseases and routine procedures (such as vaccination or immunotherapy). ... The format of this book is very helpful, with a great number of illustrations and graphics that I found extremely valuable to gain understanding of difficult concepts or mechanisms, as well as the learning objectives and key points boxes in each chapter."—Albert Lloret, DVM, in European Journal of Companion Animal Practice"…an excellent companion to veterinary science students in their study of immunology and for the practising veterinarian interested in gaining a greater understanding of the principles behind clinical immunology."—Australian Veterinary Journal"This is a wonderful tool, very clearly designed and beautifully illustrated.. the reader is guided very logically in a journey of discovery of the immune system …and the authors are keen on explaining clearly the latest knowledge in their field."—Tomorrow’s Vets"Veterinary Immunology: Principles and Practice is exactly the type of textbook necessary for teaching immunology to veterinary students. It is also an excellent reference for practitioners and residents who need to review immunology in preparation for board examinations. The format of the book is inviting, with diagrams or photographs on most pages. Tables with pertinent information are well placed and easily understood. Having taught immunology to veterinary students at the University of California -Davis for over 30 years, I appreciate the logical order in which the material is presented. ... a concise, well-written, and well-illustrated book that will be very useful for teaching veterinary immunology."—Laurel J. Gershwin, DVM, PhD, DACVM, University of California-Davis, in Vet Med Today: Book Reviews, JAVMATable of ContentsAn overview of the immune system Important concepts and principles of innate and adaptive immunity. Introduction. History of immunology. The immune system: An overview. Principles of innate immunity. Principles of adaptive immunity. Evolution of the immune system. Key points. Cells and tissues of the immune system. Introduction. Haematopoesis and production of white blood cells. Primary lymphoid tissues. Secondary lymphoid tissues. The lymphatic system, lymphocyte recirculation and immune surveillance. Key points. Innate immunity. Introduction. Defensive barriers. Pattern-recognition receptors. Phagocytes and phagocytosis. Innate lymphoid cells and natural killer cells. Lymphocytes with restricted diversity of antigen receptors. The interferon response. The inflammatory response. The acute phase response. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The complement system. Key points. Lymphocyte development. Introduction. Antigen recognition by lymphocytes. Development of B lymphocytes. T cell development and maturation. Key points. The major histocompatibility complex and antigen presentation. Introduction. The major histocompatibility complex. MHC class I processing pathway. MHC class II processing pathway. Antigen presentation by CD1 molecules to NKT cells. Antigen presenting cells. Genetics and inheritance of the MHC. MHC associations with immune function and disease. MHC and transplantation / tissue graft rejection. Key points. Cytokines, chemokines and their receptors. Introduction. Chemokines and chemokine receptors. Cytokines and cytokine receptors. Key points. The biology of T lymphocytes. Introduction. Chemokines and chemokine receptors. Cytokines and cytokine receptors. Key points. Antibody structure and function. Introduction. Antibody structure. Antibody binding to antigen. Biological properties of antibody. Immunoglobulin classes. Key points. The biology of B lymphocytes. Introduction. Antigen recognition by B cells. Activation of B lymphocytes. The immunoglobulin class switch. Kinetics of the antibody response. Monoclonal antibodies. Key points. Immunodiagnostics: Serology, immunoassays and measurement of cell-mediated immunity. Introduction. Serological tests and immunoassays. Immunophenotyping. Lymphocyte stimulation assays. Tests of cytotoxic function. Tests of phagocytic cell function. Key points. The immune response to infectious agents. Introduction. The immune response to viral infection. The immune response to bacterial infection. The immune response to helmith infection. The immune response to protozoal infection. The immune response to fungal infection. Key points. Immune evasion by pathogens. Introduction. Evading the innate immune response. Evading the antibody-mediated adaptive immune response. Evading the cell-mediated adaptive immune response.Specific viral strategies for immune evasion. Key points. Vaccination. Introduction. Passive immunization. Active immunization. Vaccine technologies. Vaccines for non-infectious diseases. Vaccine adjuvants. Routes of administering vaccines. Basic principles of vaccination. Vaccination failure. Adverse consequences of vaccination. Key points. Immune system ontogeny and neonatal immunology. Introduction. Immune system ontogeny. Passive transfer of maternal immune protection. Neonatal vaccination. Failure of passive transfer. Neonatal isoerythrolysis. Early life immune development. Key points. Immunological tolerance and immune suppression. Introduction. Tolerance and tolerance mechanisms. Central tolerance. Peripheral tolerance. Mucosal tolerance. Fetomaternal and neonatal tolerance. Antibody-mediated suppression. The neuroendocrine-immunological loop. Key points. Immunodeficiency. Introduction. Primary immunodeficiency. Secondary immunodeficiency. Key points. Hypersensitivity reactions. Introduction. The Gell and Coombs classification of hypersensitivity. Type I hypersensitivity. Type II hypersensitivity. Type III hypersensitivity. Type IV hypersensitivity. Key points. Hypersensitivity disorders and allergic disease. Introduction. Factors predisposing to allergic disease. Systemic allergic reactions. Allergic skin disease. Respiratory disease. Gastrointestinal disease. Diagnosis of allergic disease. Key points. Autoimmunity and autoimmune disease. Introduction. The genetic basis for autoimmunity. Intrinsic / host factors in susceptibility to autoimmune disease. Extrinsic / environmental factors in susceptibility to autoimmunity. Autoimmune diseases mediated by autoantibodies. Autoimmune diseases mediated by autoreactive T cells. Diagnostic tests for autoimmune disease. Key points. Cancer immunology and immune system neoplasia. Introduction. Tumour antigens. The anti-tumour immune response. Tumour-promoting immune activity. Immune evasion by tumours. Immunotherapy to enhance the anti-tumour immune response. Tumours of the immune system. Key points. Immunotherapy. Introduction. Immunosuppressive agents. Janus kinase inhibitors. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. Allergen-specific immunotherapy. Monoclonal antibody therapy. Cytokine therapy. Immunostimulatory agents. Key points. Case studies in clinical immunology.

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Book SynopsisWhen a driver dies during a glamourous classic car event at her family's estate, Dr Nell Ward is in a race against time to uncover the truth and prevent the killer from making a speedy getaway...Back in her natural habitat, Dr Nell Ward heads to a woodland pond to survey local newt populations. She's shocked to discover a car submerged in the water - with the driver dead behind the wheel.Nell recognises the dead man as professional racing driver, and tabloid love rat, Jack Rafferty, whose performance on (and off) Finchmere's racetrack had earned him enemies.Suspecting this isn't the tragic accident it appears DI James Clark calls upon Nell and her ecological skills to help find the murderer. But she soon finds that more lurks under the surface than she could ever have imagined. Despite the danger, Nell is determined to dredge up the truth from the murky depths of this case, before it's too late...A completely gripping and page-turning cosy mystery, perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Janice Hallett and Robert Thorogood.Readers love A Mischief of Rats:'A real roller coaster of a read with plenty of red herrings' Reader review, 5 stars'Fantastic cosy crime book I love everything about this book. Can't wait for the next in the series... Had me on the edge of my seat' Reader review, 5 stars'The action is non-stop... Colourful cast of characters, a compelling plot... a wholly immersive one sit read' Reader review, 5 stars'Plenty of suspects and twists... The author cleverly uses Nell's science and ecological background to help piece together what happened... A new favourite series' Reader review, 5 stars

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Book SynopsisAnimal Physiology: an environmental perspective provides a broad review of animal physiology, demonstrating how an understanding of the physiology of animals in their natural habitats helps us to understand how and why animals evolved the way they did, as well as how we can protect them from the extreme effects of changes to their environments.Trade ReviewFor a course more focused on animal physiology, this would certainly work as an appropriate, comprehensive textbook, especially as it includes all of the basics that students would, in theory, know before taking a physiology course, but have surely forgotten ... Overall, the volume is a considerable achievement -- and one that I am happy to have, especially in an electronic format. * Theodore Garland Jr., Quarterly Review of Biology *Very clearly explained. Easy and enjoyable to read. * Dr Sheena Cotter, University of Lincoln *The descriptions and explanations are excellent...the best I have read in a long time. * Professor William Velhagen, New York University *The emphasis on the environmental factors influencing physiological processes and the link from this to adaption to change is particularly helpful. * Dr Debbie Bartlett, University of Greenwich *Table of ContentsPART ONE - ANIMALS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT1: The diversity of animals and their interactions with natural environments2: Energy metabolism - generating energy from food3: Cells, organisms and interactions with their environmentPART TWO - WATER AND SALTS4: Body fluid regulation: principles and processes5: Osmotic and ionic regulation in aquatic animals6: Water balance of land animals7: Kidneys and excretionPART THREE - TEMPERATURE8: Temperature and the principles of heat exchange9: Temperature regulation in ectotherms10: Temperature regulation in endothermsPART FOUR - OXYGEN11: The respiratory gases, gas exchange and transport: key characteristics and principles12: Respiratory systems: an overview13: Transport in respiratory systems, and acid-base balance14: Cardiovascular systems: an overview15: Environmental and behavioural influences on the cardio-respiratory systemPART FIVE - COORDINATION AND INTEGRATION16: Neurons, nerves and nervous systems: an overview17: How animals sense their environments18: Muscles and animal movement19: Hormones20: Reproduction21: Control of sodium, water, and calcium balance22: Integration of the respiratory and circulatory systems: rhythm generation and control

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewBeautifully packaged and very authoritative * Country Walking *...like opening the drawers of a Victorian natural-history cabinet... beautifully photographed. Eye candy for nature lovers of all ages * BBC Wildlife *An absolute browser's delight * Bird Watching *Not since the first pre-dawn unwrapping of a Christmas Annual For Boys have I leafed through a new book with quite the wonder commanded by The Natural History Book. -- Michael Viney * Irish Times *A strikingly illustrated bible. * Country Life *Compiled by a team of experts, it is thorough, knowledgeable and authentic. * The Field *A spectacular and exceptionally well-illustrated guide to life. * How It Works *If anyone can provide a succinct potted reference book on any subject under the sun, DK can. * The Daily Express *It is the kind of book you will pore over for hours. * The Natural History Book *

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times BestsellerA new, fully updated narrative edition of David Attenborough's seminal biography of our world, The Living Planet.Nowhere on our planet is devoid of life. Plants and animals thrive or survive within every extreme of climate and habitat that it offers. Single species, and often whole communities adapt to make the most of ice cap and tundra, forest and plain, desert, ocean and volcano. These adaptations can be truly extraordinary: fish that walk or lay eggs on leaves in mid-air; snakes that fly; flightless birds that graze like deer; and bears that grow hair on the soles of their feet.In The Living Planet, David Attenborough's searching eye, unfailing curiosity and infectious enthusiasm explain and illuminate the intricate lives of the these colonies, from the lonely heights of the Himalayas to the wild creatures that have established themselves in the most recent of environments, the city. By the end of this book it is difficult to say which is the more astonishing the ingenuity with which individual species contrive a living, or the complexity of their interdependence on each other and on the habitations provided by our planet.In this new edition, the author, with the help of zoologist Matthew Cobb, has added all the most up-to-date discoveries of ecology and biology, as well as a full-colour 64-page photography section. He also addresses the urgent issues facing our living planet: climate change, pollution and mass extinction of species.Trade ReviewPraise for the New Edition of Life on Earth: ‘It does not disappoint. The new Life on Earth is as glorious as the first’ Guardian ‘A beautiful and wide ranging work. The breadth of natural history covered is extraordinary and mesmerising. Life on Earth is still breathtakingly rich, and we would know far less about it were it not for Attenborough’s wonderful skills of communication over the years: our cultural and scientific lives would be poorer without him’ New Scientist ‘This natural history masterpiece offers a spectacular snapshot of a once-wild planet’ New Scientist Praise for David Attenborough: ‘A marvellous book … unputdownable … utterly engaging’ Telegraph ‘An elegant and gently funny writer’ The Times ‘His writing is as impressive and as enjoyable as his TV programmes and there can be no higher praise’ Daily Express ‘A great educator as well as a great naturalist’ Barack Obama ‘Sir David is a wizard of television, and, like Gandalf or Dumbledore, he has a near-magical gift for combining warmth and gravitas . . . the man who, for me, exemplifies the best in British broadcasting’ Louis Theroux ‘When I was a young boy I used to love turning on the television and watching David's programmes and really feeling like I was either back out in Africa or I was learning about something magical and almost out of this planet’ HRH Prince William

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive guide to the calls of the 44 species of bat currently known to occur in Europe. Following on from the popular British Bat Calls by Jon Russ, this new book draws on the expertise of more than forty specialist authors to substantially update all sections, further expanding the volume to include sound analysis and species identification of all European bats. Aimed at volunteers and professional alike, topics include the basics of sound, echolocation in bats, an introduction to acoustic communication, equipment used and call analysis. For each species, detailed information is given on distribution, emergence, flight and foraging behaviour, habitat, echolocation calls – including parameters of common measurements – and social calls. Calls are described for both heterodyne and time expansion/full spectrum systems. A simple but complete echolocation guide to all species is provided for beginners, allowing them to analyse call sequences and arrive at the most likely species or group. The book also includes access to a downloadable library of over 450 calls presented as sonograms in the species sections.Trade ReviewBat Calls of Britain and Europe is a scholarly publication that will primarily be of interest and value to bat biologists who conduct acoustic-related field research. This is true regardless of whether their research is conducted in Britain, mainland Europe, or elsewhere. -- Danny A. Brass * National Speleological Society (NSS) News *Identifying species from bat calls is a complex business, and the book tackles its responsibilities to both novice and experienced bat workers with impressive thoroughness...An essential reference, and there can be hardly anyone who will not learn something new from the explanatory chapters. -- Bob Cornes * Bedfordshire Bat Group *The new bat calls ‘bible’ and an essential companion for anyone interested in acoustic diagnosis of bat calls, from ‘citizen scientists’ like me, to seasoned professional researchers. Unreservedly recommended to all. -- Steven Budd * Mammal News *The book is a real identification tool and undoubtedly an invaluable resource for anyone serious about bat identification and survey. It’s certainly a book I will be returning to time and time again. -- Stephanie Holt * Country-Side, British Naturalists’ Association magazine *This skillfully edited book by Jon Russ is a “must have” for hobbyist and professional bat researchers in Europe and provides useful and interesting information for bat workers elsewhere. …A hidden gem that makes this book even more valuable to anyone working with bat calls is the downloadable full-spectrum call library: the more than 450 fully annotated echolocation and social calls of the bats of the region make this one of the most accessible and useful bat call libraries. If you are interested in or work with bat acoustic data in Europe or Britain, I guarantee you will regularly refer to this volume and its companion call library. -- Eran Amichai * Quarterly Review of Biology *Table of Contents1. Introduction 2. The Basics of Sound: Properties, Acquiring, Representing and Describing 3. Echolocation 4. An Introduction to Acoustic Communication in Bats 5. Equipment 6. Call Analysis 7. A Basic Echolocation Guide to Species 93 8. The Bat Species References and Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisSee the animal kingdom in all its glory, from jellyfish to polar bears, with up-close details of their unique features from head to toe. Filled with magnificent photographs that were specially commissioned for this book and cannot be seen anywhere else. Written in association with the Natural History Museum.This visual reference book starts with the question what is an animal? and takes you through the animal kingdom - mammals, reptiles, birds, and sea creatures. It uses a unique head to toe approach that showcases in spectacular detail special features such as the flight feathers of a parrot, the antenna of a moth, or the tentacles of coral.This visual encyclopedia is filled with clear and fascinating information on everything about the social lives of animals. Read exciting stories, like how animals communicate, defend their territories, and attract mates.Learn how evolution has helped wildlife to adapt to their unique environments, whether

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Book SynopsisCombining the literary sensibility of David Quammen with the scientific rigor of Stephen Jay Gould, Carl Zimmer reveals the power, danger, and beauty of the surprising creatures who dominate the earth: parasites.For centuries, parasites have lived in nightmares, horror stories, and the darkest shadows of science. In Parasite Rex, Carl Zimmer takes readers on a fantastic voyage into the secret universe of these extraordinary life-forms—which are not only among the most highly evolved on Earth, but make up the majority of life’s diversity. Traveling from the steamy jungles of Costa Rica to the parasite-riddled war zone of southern Sudan, Zimmer introduces an array of amazing creatures that invade their hosts, prey on them from within, and control their behavior. He also vividly describes parasites that can change DNA, rewire the brain, make men more distrustful and women more outgoing, and turn hosts into the living dead. This comprehensive, gracefully written book brings parasites out into the open and uncovers what they can teach us all about the most fundamental survival tactics in the universe—the laws of Parasite Rex.

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Book Synopsis“A redemption story, an adventure story, and perhaps above all, a love story.”—Nate Blakeslee, New York Times-bestselling author of American WolfThe Druid Peak Pack was the most famous wolf pack in Yellowstone National Park, and maybe even in the world.This is the dramatic true story of its remarkable leader, Wolf 21—whose compassion and loyalty challenges commonly held beliefs about alpha males.In this compelling follow-up to the national bestseller The Rise of Wolf 8, Rick McIntyre profiles one of Yellowstone’s most revered alpha males, Wolf 21. Leader of the Druid Peak Pack, Wolf 21 was known for his unwavering bravery, his unusual benevolence (unlike other alphas, he never killed defeated rival males), and his fierce commitment to his mate, the formidable Wolf 42.Wolf 21 and Wolf 42 were attracted to each other the moment they met—but Wolf 42’s jealous sister interfered viciously in their relationship. After an explosive insurrection within the pack, the two wolves came together at last as leaders of the Druid Peak Pack, which dominated the park for more than 10 years.McIntyre recounts the pack’s fascinating saga with compassion and a keen eye for detail, drawing on his many years of experience observing Yellowstone wolves in the wild. His outstanding work of science writing offers unparalleled insight into wolf behavior and Yellowstone’s famed wolf reintroduction project. It also offers a love story for the ages.“Like Thomas McNamee, David Mech, Barry Lopez, and other literary naturalists with an interest in wolf behavior, McIntyre writes with both elegance and flair, making complex biology and ethology a pleasure to read. Fans of wild wolves will eat this one up.”—Kirkus starred reviewTrade Review“McIntyre’s stories of mutual aid among the wolves will remind us that all life is poised in an ever-shifting dance of competition and co-operation. We can all learn some lessons from McIntyre’s beloved beasts.”—The Vancouver Sun“Like Thomas McNamee, David Mech, Barry Lopez, and other literary naturalists with an interest in wolf behavior, McIntyre writes with both elegance and flair, making complex biology and ethology a pleasure to read. Fans of wild wolves will eat this one up.”—Kirkus starred review“Like Darwin, McIntyre is an inclusionist and is thus able to enter the hearts and minds of wolves, providing us with a consummately rounded picture of their lives. Along the way, he creates a fully realized world that stands whole and sublime alongside our far more troubled human one.”—Mountain Journal“Wolves have always been majestic creatures, and The Reign of Wolf 21 [...] beautifully illustrates this. [G]reat for nature lovers or people interested in learning more about wolves and wolf behavior.”—The Yakima Herald“A gripping tale of triumph and loss told with an unsurpassed appreciation for the wolves of Yellowstone and the natural world they inhabit.”—Bernd Heinrich, professor emeritus of biology at the University of Vermont and author of Mind of the Raven“I’m always eager for the next book by Rick McIntyre. I learn so much fascinating information about wolves and their interactions with each other and with their prey.”—L. David Mech, author of The Wolf: Ecology and Behavior of an Endangered Species, now in its 50th year in print“It is the way [Rick McIntyre] sees wolves—as fellow social beings with stories to share—that makes his books so powerful.”—Ed Bangs, former US Fish and Wildlife Service wolf recovery coordinator for the Northern Rockies“This book is a treasure.”—Douglas W. Smith, PhD, Yellowstone Wolf Project Leader, Yellowstone National Park“Rick is constantly collecting information—from his own observations and those made by others. He is a researcher to the bone and an amazing witness to the wolves’ incredible stories.”—Scott Frazier, Crow/Santee, director of Project Indigenous“In his second book on Yellowstone wolves, Rick McIntyre provides a riveting history about a powerful dynasty, a wolf pack called the Druids. There were palace revolutions, despotic leaders, and interlopers to contend with, overlaying the incredible daily challenge of making a living with just teeth and feet. Life begets life, and this fascinating story is dominated by the overwhelming strength of family bonds, bravery, and benevolence.”—Rolf Peterson, Michigan Technological University, author of The Wolves of Isle Royale: A Broken Balance“Rick brilliantly weaves the dramatic life-story of wolf 21 through the intertwining of his life with the different personalities of his mate wolf 42, their sons and daughters, and members of nearby packs. As a story teller, Rick generates great compassion in the reader - a fitting antidote to the hatred and indifference that still plagues this long-persecuted species.”—Dr. John and Mary Theberge, wildlife ecologists, wolf biologists and authors“Wolves are possessed of an ancient and enduring wisdom. This is why old-time Indians used to spend the kind of time watching wolves that Rick has, and for the same reasons—to learn FROM them, not just ABOUT them.”—John Potter, Anishinaabe wildlife artist“If ever there was a ‘perfect’ wolf, it was Wolf 21. He lived an outsized life, more like an action hero than a real creature. And no one knew him better than master storyteller Rick McIntyre.”—Carl Safina, author of Becoming Wild; How Animal Cultures Raise Families, Create Beauty, and Achieve Peace“No wolf's life has ever been laid before us in such detail and with such rich analysis.”—Norm Bishop, director of the Wolf Recovery Foundation and co-author of Yellowstone's Northern Range: Complexity and Change in a Wildland EcosystemPraise for the first book in the Alpha Wolves of Yellowstone series, The Rise of Wolf 8:An Amazon.com Best Science Book of 2019“Rick’s book is a goldmine... and clearly shows [wolves] are clever, smart, and emotional beings.”—PSYCHOLOGY TODAY“[Rick McIntyre’s] greatest strength is the quiet respect and wonder with which he regards his subjects, a quality clearly informed by decades of careful watching.”—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY“The main attraction of [The Rise of Wolf 8] is the storytelling... including the powerful origin story of one of Yellowstone’s greatest and most famous wolves.”—WASHINGTON POST“Fascinating.”—NEWSWEEK“McIntyre is a gifted and fluent storyteller... His book will make readers reconsider negative images of the wolf.”—VANCOUVER SUN

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Book SynopsisAn illuminating account of animal migration and the stunning new science that reveals their infinite, untapped knowledge.“A loving ode to science itself, told with wit and wonder."—Thor Hanson, author of Hurricane Lizards and Plastic SquidWhat do animals know that we don’t? How do elephants detect tsunamis before they happen? How do birds predict hurricanes? In The Internet of Animals, renowned scientist Martin Wikelski convincingly argues that animals possess a unique “sixth sense” that humans are only beginning to grasp …All we need to do is give animals a voice and our perception of the world could change forever. That’s what author Martin Wikelski and his team of scientists believe, and this book shares their story for the first time. As they tag animals around the world with minuscule tracking devices, they link their movements to The International Space Station, which taps

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Book SynopsisWhen the wedding of her oldest friend ends with a shocking murder, Dr Nell Ward is once again caught up in a web of subterfuge, secrets and lies... Dr Nell Ward is delighted when her childhood friend Percy announces she's engaged to handsome businessman Hawke McAnstruther - and rashly offers to host the wedding at Finchmere, her family's estate. But she hadn't anticipated Percy's parents' fiery disapproval of the groom. The ceremony is barely over before Hawke's shady personal and professional life starts to unravel, and tension ripples through the assembled guests. When the wedding night ends with a shocking death, Nell, best-friend Rav and DI James Clarke all find themselves embroiled in a murder mystery worthy of Agatha Christie. Surviving a terrifying threat to her own life, Nell has to face up to the truth. Not just about murder at Finchmere, but about where her heart truly lies... The second book in the Nell Ward cosy crime series - perfect for fans of Richard Osman, Fiona Leitch, Faith Martin and The Appeal. Praise for A Cast of Falcons'With a credible and colourful cast of characters, a compelling plot and a solid narrative this is, once again, a wholly immersive one-sit read.' - NetGalley reviewer'A great, easy and enjoyable read! Highly recommended.' - NetGalley reviewer'The plot is riveting and keeps you guessing right till the end!' - NetGalley reviewer'Lovely well-rounded characters and a great setting. Definitely recommended.' - NetGalley reviewer

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Book Synopsis**OVER ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD**How well do you know your dog? Did you know that dogs have dreams and fears? That they do see colour, that they smell electric storms, and feel scent as an emotion?Jeffrey Masson takes us into the world of the dog, a world created by a sense of smell one hundred million times more acute than ours, and reintroduces us to man''s best friend - loyal, honest, straightforward, spontaneous and almost unbelievably forgiving. Drawing on observations of his own three dogs, as well as true stories of dogs'' friendship, heroism and loyalty, Masson makes us laugh, cry and think again about our canine companions, who, unlike humans, will never lie about love.A charming, playful and moving book which will forever change the way you think about dogs.Trade ReviewTremendously reassuring for me, because my dog and I love each other to distraction...Masson dares to write about dogs' emotions, dreams, sadness, fears and loves, and attempts to interpret their feelings without sounding even slightly soppy...This is a fascinating and very moving book * Mail on Sunday *Charming...personal and dynamic * Independent *Gentle, funny and entertaining * Observer *Brilliant * Guardian *A joyous read... Hats of to Jeffrey Masson for his excellent, down-to-earth, understandable and, more importantly, loving study of man's best friend * Literary Review *

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Book SynopsisIn the modern era, zoos and aquariums fight species extinction, educate communities, and advance learning of animal behaviour. This book features first person stories and scientific reviews to explore ground breaking projects run by these institutions. Large-scale conservation initiatives that benefit multiple species are detailed in the first section, including critical habitat protection, evidence-based techniques to grow animal populations and the design of community education projects. The second section documents how zoos use science to improve the health and welfare of animals in captivity and make difficult management decisions. The section on saving species includes personal tales of efforts to preserve wild populations through rehabilitation, captive breeding, reintroduction, and public outreach. The concluding section details scientific discoveries about animals that would have been impossible without the support of zoos and aquariums. The book is for animal scientists, zoo pTable of ContentsIntroduction Michael Hutchins, Robert J. Wiese and Brandie Smith; Part I. Programs and Initiatives: 1. Evolving approaches to zoo-based conservation Corinne J. Kendall and Richard A. Bergl; 2. Protecting an underwater rainforest: freshwater science in the Southeastern United States Anna L. George, Joshua R. Ennen and Bernard R. Kuhajda; 3. Headstarting as a conservation strategy for threatened and endangered species Patrick Thomas, Donal M. Boyer, David A. Oehler, Scott Silver and Lou Perrotti; 4. Strategic gene banking for conservation: the ins and outs of a living bank Rebecca J. Hobbs, Justine K. O'Brien and Rebecca E. Spindler; 5. The environmental education program at São Paulo Zoo (Brazil): perspectives and experiences for wildlife conservation Kátia Gisele de Oliveira Rancura, Camila Martins and João Batista da Cruz; 6. Conservation and education through dolphin research and eco-tourism Kathleen Dudzinski and Mary Ellen Mateleska; Part II. Captive Care and Management: 7. Lear´s macaw, Anodorhynchus leari, ex situ breeding program at São Paulo Zoo Fernanda Junqueira Vaz Guida, Regiane Vieira de Paiva Morais and Angélica Midori Sugieda; 8. Measuring welfare through behavioral observation and adjusting it with dynamic environments Jason V. Watters, Bethany L. Krebs and Eridia Pacheco; 9. Empowering zoo animals Stephanie M. Allard and Meredith J. Bashaw; 10. Transforming the nutrition of zoo primates (or how we became known as Loris Man and that Evil Banana Woman) Amy Plowman and Francis Cabana; 11. Tough questions, complex answers: American zookeeper responses in a nationwide survey about culling David M. Powell and Matt Ardaiolo; Part III. Saving Species: 12. Fly away home: a collaborative program to return rehabilitated black cockatoos to the wild in Western Australia Anna Le Souëf, Simone Vitali, Rick Dawson, Jill M. Shephard and Kristin S. Warren; 13. Back into European wildlife: the reintroduction of the northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita) Johannes Fritz, Markus Unsöld and Bernhard Völkl; 14. The thin green line: medical considerations in fighting extinction of the Houston toad Lauren L. Howard and Paul S. Crump; 15. Condor conservation comes home to roost: the Santa Barbara Zoo's story Estelle A. Sandhaus and Rich Block; 16. Saving the black-footed ferret from extinction: in theory and practice Rachel Santymire; Part IV. Basic Research: 17. 'Largest breeding colony outside of Australia': linking koala ex situ and in situ research Jennifer R. Tobey; 18. Comparative cognition research in zoos Bonnie M. Perdue; 19. Learning about dolphins: an era of discovery in managed care Holli C. Eskelinen, Jill L. Richardson and Kelley A. Winship; 20. Contributions of zoo-based reproductive research to marine animal conservation Justine K. O'Brien, Karen J. Steinman, Gisele A. Montano and Todd R. Robeck; 21. Studying play in zoos and aquariums Sabrina I. C. A. Brando and Gordon M. Burghardt; 22. Krogh's principle and why the modern zoo is important to academic research Joseph R. Mendelson, III, Gordon W. Schuett and Dwight P. Lawson; 23. Does research have a place in the zoological garden? Terry L. Maple and Sally L. Sherwen; 24. Conclusion: cultivating science in world zoos and aquariums Meredith J. Bashaw and Terry L. Maple.

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Book SynopsisPractical Feline Behaviour contains all the relevant information that a veterinary nurse or technician needs to understand and handle the behaviour and welfare of house cats, and to offer safe and practical advice to clients. There have been ground-breaking advances in our understanding of feline behaviour in recent years and, to protect the welfare of cats, it is increasingly important that anyone involved with their care, especially those in a professional capacity, keep up to date with these developments. This approachable and down-to-earth text describes the internal and external influences on feline behaviour; on communication, learning, social behaviour, the relationship between behaviour and disease, and the cat - human relationship. It also provides practical advice on how the welfare of cats in our care may be protected and how behaviour problems should be addressed and how to avoid them. In this book Trudi Atkinson draws on her extensive experience as a veterinary nurse and a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist to provide a rapid reference and an intensely practical feline behaviour resource for owners, breeders, veterinary professionals, shelter and cattery workers and anyone involved in the care of our feline companions. - Practical, down to earth guide detailing all aspects of feline behaviour - Rapid reference for instant access to information - Written by a well-known animal behaviourist who has extensive experience in treating feline behaviour problems and in advising clients to protect the welfare of their cats - Includes a foreword by John Bradshaw, School of Veterinary Science at University of Bristol, UKTable of Contents-: About the Author -: Preface Part One: Understanding Feline Behaviour 1: The Origin and Evolution of the Domestic Cat 2: The Senses 3: Feline Communication 4: Social, Feeding and Predatory Behaviour 5: Kitten to Cat - Reproduction and the Behavioural Development of Kittens 6: Health and Behaviour 7: Learning, Training and Behaviour Part Two: Practical Feline Behaviour 8: Advice for Breeders 9: Advice for Prospective Cat Owners 10: Advice for Cat Owners 11: Advice for Veterinary Professionals 12: Advice for Other Cat Carers Appendix 1: Environmental Enrichment Appendix 2: Play Appendix 3: Reducing Resource Competition in a Multi-cat Household Appendix 4: Neutering Appendix 5: Introducing an Additional Cat to your Household Appendix 6: Helping a Grieving Cat Appendix 7: Introducing Cats and Dogs Appendix 8: Cat Flaps Appendix 9: Teaching Your Cat to Come to You When You Call Appendix 10: Cats, Babies and Children Appendix 11: House-training Your Cat or Kitten Appendix 12: Training Your Cat to Like the Cat Carrier Appendix 13: Medicating Your Cat Appendix 14: Teaching Your Cat or Kitten to Accept Veterinary Examination Appendix 15: First Aid Advice for Common Feline Behaviour Problems Appendix 16: Friend or Foe Appendix 17: Approaching, Stroking and Picking Up Appendix 18: Recognizing Stress

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Book SynopsisStuarts’ Field Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Southern, Central and East African Wildlife provides detailed coverage of tracks, droppings, bird pellets, nests and shelters, and feeding signs, not only for mammals, but also for birds, reptiles, insects and other invertebrates. First published in 1994, it has since been comprehensively revised and greatly expanded, making it the standard reference on the subject in the region. This new edition – featuring additional updates, a revised title and a new cover – retains the unique approach to identification that made the earlier editions so useful and popular: multiple full-colour photographs of all tracks and signs; detailed descriptions, track sketches and measurements; photographs of animal species to supplement the tracks and signs; advice on where to look for tracks and signs and how to interpret them. Navigation is by means of a set of keys showing the shape and size of the tracks and signs, allowing readers to navigate quickly to the animal or group of species responsible for the track in question. Keys on the inside covers help readers access information even faster. Sales points: Authoritative, highly detailed guide to a popular subject; new cover and title matches distinctive branding of authors’ other books; full-colour photographs throughout; expert authors with extensive field experience.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Coppinger and Feinstein take a scientific look at dogs and other canids, such as wolves and coyotes. They explain why dogs do what they do--why they play, why they bark, how they forage--as well as how they have evolved into the animals they are."--Chicago Tribune "Almost everything you think you know about dogs is wrong. Forget the loyal companion stereotype, or the idea you've got to show you're the alpha of the pack. Ethologists Coppinger and Feinstein present this most familiar of animals in a new objective light, analyzing their anatomy and behavior with science rather than sentimentality."--Discover "In a complement to existing science-informed books on the subject, Coppinger and Feinstein bring the concept of dog behaviour neatly to the forefront. While we already have a fairly firm grasp on the physical inner workings of canines, How Dogs Work focuses more on the differences brought about by breed traits, and makes comparisons between dogs and an array of wild canid species, including jackals and dingoes. . . . Aimed at both lay and specialist reader, what really sets How Dogs Work apart is a host of anecdotes by Coppinger that provide compelling real-life context. Throughout the book, he draws on his experience of owning and competing with sled dogs as well as his expertise with a range of other working dogs." --Times Higher Education "Packed with fascinating and provocative insights, How Dogs Work throws down the gauntlet to those who believe that dogs possess humanlike feelings and cognitive capacities."--James Serpell, author of In the Company of Animals "Coppinger and Feinstein reveal how dog behavior has built-in biological origins and constraints and how it is influenced by genetics, the environment, and the consequences of that behavior. If you really want to know more about animal behavior, and dog behavior especially, then this is a book for you. Be prepared to be challenged and you will learn a lot." --Robert Bailey, animal trainer "How Dogs Work draws on the authors' extensive knowledge from years of experience and field experiments. They have done more serious, hands-on experiments with dogs, over a longer period of time, than almost any other researcher, which makes their research worth paying close attention to. While offering an integrated perspective for viewing and understanding the behaviors of dogs, the book is also entertaining and informative due to its frequent use of colorful examples."--Lynette Hart, author of The Perfect Puppy: How to Choose Your Dog by Its Behavior "Written by two of the most distinguished teachers and scientists ever to have studied dogs, Coppinger and Feinstein, this book explores the behavioral design of the dog most eloquently. The authors detail a modern perspective on our understanding of canine ethology that began with Charles Darwin and continued with Konrad Lorenz, as they build on the pedagogical approach of a course written by Ray for the UK's Centre of Applied Pet Ethology. How Dogs Work clearly describes why a dog behaves like a dog as result of being physically, physiologically, genetically, and developmentally shaped like a dog, and steadily shapes our understanding of just how and why dogs are such a special species. But this is no dry scientific tome; rather, it is delightfully and sensitively written and will surely strengthen your love of dogs by enhancing your appreciation of their evolution alongside man, their emotions, and their behavior. It is quite simply a 'must have' for all dog enthusiasts, dog behaviorists, and training professionals and is an illuminating joy to read for all dog owners."--Peter Neville, The Ohio State University and the Center of Applied Pet Ethology, Sheffield, UK

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Book SynopsisA New York Times Notable Book of 2020 ‘Bracing and enlightening’ Science Culture is something exclusive to human beings, isn’t it? Not so, says intrepid researcher Carl Safina. Becoming Wild reveals the rich cultures that survive in some of Earth’s remaining wild places. By showing how sperm whales, scarlet macaws and chimpanzees teach and learn, Safina offers a fresh understanding of what is constantly going on beyond humanity, and how we’re all connected. ‘Becoming Wild demands that we wake up’ TelegraphTrade Review‘[A] bracing and enlightening book… Safina’s writing on the watery depths and its denizens is sublime… [challenging] us to be more acutely aware of species whose social lives have much to teach us.’ -- SCIENCE‘In this superbly articulate cri de coeur, Safina gives us a new way of looking at the natural world that is radically different.’ -- Washington Post‘Safina, the ecologist and author of many books about animal behavior, here delves into the world of chimpanzees, sperm whales and macaws to make a convincing argument that animals learn from one another and pass down culture in a way that will feel very familiar to us.’ * New York Times, 100 NOTABLE BOOKS OF 2020 *‘A smorgasbord of compelling details . . . Becoming Wild could easily become a television series.’ * Fortean Times *‘Fascinating… [Becoming Wild] gives the reader a sense of being near these creatures and experiencing some of the most seductive environments on Earth… Safina’s prose achieves the elusive goal of being both informative and luminously evocative.’ * Wall Street Journal *‘Carl Safina combines his passion for the natural world with absorbing, sometimes breathtaking prose, transporting us into the intimate, nuanced worlds of some of the planet’s most charismatic beings.’ -- Jonathan Balcombe, author of What a Fish Knows‘Eloquent… This revelatory work sheds as much light on what it means to be human as it does on the nature of other species.’ -- Publishers Weekly‘Few readers will doubt that these magnificent creatures need urgent attention. Enthralling.’ -- Kirkus, starred review‘[Safina] turns the human view of animal cultures on its head… Becoming Wild demands that we wake up and realise that we are intrinsically linked to our other-than-human neighbours.’ * Telegraph *‘Dr. Safina is a terrific writer, majestic and puckish in equal measure.’ * New York Times *‘[Safina] is a font of research, his wonder contagious.’ * Elle *‘Safina puts forward several eye-opening and previously-overlooked implications of animal culture… a pleasure to read… another jewel in the crown of Safina’s work that packs fascinating field studies, interesting theoretical ideas, soul-searching questions, and probing reflections on human and animal nature into a book that is as profound as it is moving.’ * Inquisitive Biologist *

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Book Synopsis'A brilliant book [that] shows a way out of the destructive trap of Anthropocentric arrogance.' Vandana Shiva, from the Foreword 'Read this book if you would like to understand the intelligence of living systems.' Dr Denis Noble, University of Oxford ‘A welcoming yet fiercely challenging and provocative read shining a light on the way we look at the science of life.’ LoveReading What is life? This is arguably the fundamental question in all of science, and yet many scientists believe that life can be reduced to mechanistic factors, such as genes and information codes. But in a world as rich and complex as this one, can such an assertion really be true? Biocivilisations is a thrillingly original look at the mystery of life and a recognition of the complex civilisations of bacteria, viruses, fungi, plants and animals that have preceded the human world by billions of years. Dr Predrag Slijepčević, senior lecturer in the Department of Life Sciences at Brunel University, reconsiders the limited scope and timeframe of our current ‘scientific revolution’ and shares how – from the tiniest bacteria to the largest mammals – the living world has long fostered ancient biocivilisations: how ants practice agriculture, how insects perform surgery, how trees conduct research, how slime moulds build networks as complex as our modern transportations systems and more. More than 99.99 percent of life on Earth has existed without humanity and life will continue without humans long into the future. Biocivilisations challenges us to reconsider the limited scope and time-window of our current ‘scientific revolution’ and to fundamentally reimagine what we call ‘life on Earth’ by posing a powerful question: Are we really the intelligent masters over nature we think we are? Trade Review'A prodigious synthesis and a great, ambitious and informative book dovetailing multiple fields in its effort – largely successful I think – to light a match – and then blow on the fires of the coming "Copernican biological revolution."' Dorion Sagan'Read this book if you would like to understand the intelligence of living systems. Civilisation did not just start with Homo sapiens. Life cannot be reduced to pure mechanism.' Dr Denis Noble, Emeritus Professor of Cardiovascular Physiology, University of Oxford; Fellow of the Royal Society; 2022 Lomonosov Grand Gold Medal laureate'In Biocivilisations, Predrag Slijepčević tells stories about animals that create art, insects that do battlefield surgery, trees that perform scientific research, bacteria that create intelligent networks, and whole ecosystems that are organized with an efficiency that surpasses any human supply chain. Maybe you thought humans were the crown of creation. Maybe we humans have to learn humility and respect for the biosphere that birthed us. Maybe our future depends on it.' Josh Mitteldorf, PhD, coauthor of Cracking the Aging Code'Predrag Slijepčević’s Biocivilisations: A New Look at the Science of Life offers a powerful and welcome synthesis of what we ought by now to be happy to call Gaian science. It brings together crucial developments in biological systems thinking – such as symbiogenesis, epigenetics, biosemiotics, Gaia theory and autopoiesis – under a comprehensive vision founded on the cosmological longevity and cognitive acumen of the bacterial microcosm and its planetary offspring: multicellular life in all of its forms and alliances. Biocivilisations vigorously dismantles modern strains of scientific and cultural anthropocentrism and their current avatars peddling the futurist delusions of Singularity buffs and AI transhumanists. Slijepčević’s presentation of these crucial and heady matters is properly technical but consistently readable and deeply documented. His approach to science participates in a poetic spirit he perceives everywhere in a terrestrial biosphere that has risen for over four billion years to collective, eventually cross-kingdom consortia such as the ‘Wood Wide Web’ revealed by the new forest ecology. The environmental constructions of such biocivilisations long precede the human elaboration of its own technosphere. I highly recommend Slijepčević’s Biocivilisations for those who would like to get effectively up to speed on the most cogent contemporary challenges to the physicalist-mechanistic technoscientific mainstream.' Bruce Clarke, Paul Whitfield Horn Distinguished Professor of Literature and Science, Texas Tech University, Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology‘Biocivilizations is an unusually thought-provoking and ambitious book. It challenges the reader to abandon several centuries of assumptions about how to describe the living world in purely physical and mechanistic terms, a world governed by an evolutionary process that places human beings at the apex.’ Dr. James A. Shapiro, author of Evolution: A View from the 21st Century'Sentience, cognition and intelligence are emerging as inherent faculties of all life which has evolved on the Earth. Most of these living systems are much older than humanity and obviously are well integrated to support life. In Biocivilisations, Predrag Slijepčević makes clear that the sentient life is essential for the habitability of our planet and that humans should step down from the so-called crown of evolution model in order to appreciate our true position within the complex network of life. Only then will our civilization improve its rather doomed prospects for survival.' Dr František Baluška, Institute of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Bonn"Constructed with care, [Slijepčević's] arguments integrate hundreds of examples from the natural world . . . The prose is solid, impassioned, and informed. . . . [and] by defying entrenched and arrogant assumptions about human superiority, the book shows that people have much to learn from creatures like ants and bacteria." Foreword Reviews"Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, and as fascinating as it is informative, thoughtful, and thought-provoking, "Biocivilisations: A New Look at the Science of Life" will have a very special appeal and relevance to readers with an interest in bacteriology, microbiology, evolution, nature and ecology." Midwest Book Review

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Book SynopsisDr Nell Ward is an ecologist, not a detective. As the only person with any clues as to what happened, Nell soon finds herself in the middle of the investigation. Desperate to clear her name Nell, along with her colleague Adam, set out solving the murder using their skills as ecologists to uncover details no one else would notice.

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Book SynopsisFew animals have a worse reputation than the vulture. But is it deserved? With Vulture, Katie Fallon offers an irresistible argument to the contrary, tracing a year in the life of a typical North American turkey vulture. Turkey vultures, also known as buzzards, are the most widely distributed and abundant scavenging birds of prey on the planet, found from central Canada to the southern tip of Argentina and nearly everywhere in between. Deftly drawing on the most up-to-date scientific papers and articles and weaving those in with interviews with world-renowned raptor and vulture experts and her own compelling natural history writing, Fallon examines all aspects of the bird’s natural history: breeding, incubating eggs, raising chicks, migrating, and roosting. The result is an intimate portrait of an underappreciated bird—one you’ll never look at in the same way again.Trade Review"[A]n excellent quick read, suitable not only for bird lovers and naturalists but for anyone with a bit of natural curiosity and an inclination to root for the common, the misunderstood, and the underdog.” * Birding Magazine *“Fallon’s personal accounts of her field experiences are engrossing and entertaining. . . . Recommended.” * Choice *"Through thorough research, interviews, and firsthand experience, Fallon establishes unquestionable credibility; however, it is her own narrative writing and descriptive skills that make Vulture a book that is not only educational and inspiring, but readable and entertaining." * The Los Angeles Review *"Fallon truly loves these skillful gliders, and she hopes that readers will see the light. Every time I've seen a vulture this year, this book has come to mind, so I guess I'm hooked." * The Exponent Telegram *“Who would have suspected the astonishments of vultures? Katie Fallon has given us an ingenious, funny, delightful book.” -- Janisse Ray, author of Ecology of a Cracker Childhood“Katie Fallon, who writes with elegance, humor, and restraint, tells the lost stories of the vulture tribe. This book will fill you with wonder.” -- David Gessner, author of All The Wild That Remains: Edward Abbey, Wallace Stegner, and the American West“Fallon shines a bright light on this clan of sadly unloved birds, which are not only vitally important ecologically, but are also among the most imperiled avian groups on the planet. Vulture is an overdue love letter to a bird that deserves far better than we’ve given it.” -- Scott Weidensaul, author of Living on the Wind“This is a book that begged to be written. . . . Fallon allows that the study of flying turkey vultures is akin to meditation. Rarely hurried, coursing the heavens like a setter seeks quail, this most widespread of North American vultures invites both contemplation and envy. . . . A book as inspired as the bird that is its focus.” -- Pete Dunne, New Jersey Audubon’s ambassador for birding and author of The Wind Masters: The Lives of North American Birds of Prey“A heartfelt and authoritative account of the world’s most numerous and misunderstood avian scavenger. Writing in a style reminiscent of Edward Abbey and John McPhee, Fallon successfully captures the natural history of the species and its ability to succeed in both natural and man-made landscapes. Destined to change the mind of anyone who reads it.” -- Keith L. Bildstein, Sarkis Acopian Director of Conservation Science at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary“Entertaining, well-researched. . . . [Fallon] displays great passion and enthusiasm yet writes knowingly and dispassionately on the science of her subject in an engaging, literary style.” * Library Journal *Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Spokesbird1. Vulture Culture2. The Private Lives of Public Birds3. Rockshelter4. Wings and Prayers5. Rebirth6. Hill of the Sacred Eagles7. On the Move8. Virginia Is for Vultures9. Battlefield Ghosts10. Welcome Back11. BuzzardsEpilogue: Spokesbirds for the SpokesbirdsAfterword: What You Can DoAcknowledgmentsBibliographyIndex

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Book Synopsis'The modern day Doctor Dolittle' (Guardian), bestselling author of Animals in Translation, investigates the secrets of mental health in animals.Trade Review'A woman whose understanding of animals is very special. What's more, she not only understands them, she also puts her knowledge to practical use' Desmond Morris 'Admirable and extraordinary' Guardian 'Temple Grandin is a global phenomenon ... For those of us who love animals and want the best for them, Temple Grandin is a beacon of common sense and wisdom' Daily Mail

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Book SynopsisA Short History of the World in 50 Animals provides a new perspective on the grand sweep of our planet’s making, taking readers from the time of the dinosaurs to the time of Dolly, the first cloned mammal. This book will include a great variety of beasts from across the animal kingdom, some well known and others far more surprising, from every continent in the world. Each entry will show the creature’s influence on world development, economy, health, culture, religion and society. The size of the animals range from hulking elephants to tiny bees but each one has made a significant impact on history.A Short History of the World in 50 Animals details the impact, legacy and role of fifty animals that determined the world’s history and shows how many of them are essential for our future survival. Featuring charming black and white illustrations throughout, which celebrate these extraordinary animals.In the same series: A Short History of the World in 50 Places.

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Book SynopsisTHE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER I wanted to know what they were experiencing, and why to us they feel so compelling, and so close. This time I allowed myself to ask them the question that for a scientist was forbidden fruit: Who are you? Weaving decades of field observations with exciting new discoveries about the brain, Carl Safina's landmark book offers an intimate view of animal behavior to challenge the fixed boundary between humans and animals. Travelling to the threatened landscape of Kenya to witness struggling elephant families work out how to survive poaching and drought, then on to Yellowstone National Park to observe wolves sort out the aftermath of one pack's personal tragedy, the book finally plunges into the astonishingly peaceful society of killer whales living in the crystalline waters of the Pacific Northwest. Beyond Words brings forth powerful and illuminating insight into the unique personalities of animals through extraordinary stories of animal joy, grief, jealousy, anger, and love. The similarity between human and nonhuman consciousness, self-awareness and empathy calls us to re-evaluate how we interact with animals. Wise, passionate, and eye-opening at every turn, Beyond Words is ultimately a graceful examination of humanity's place in the world.Trade ReviewDr. Safina is a terrific writer, with a contagious enthusiasm ... draws out haunting resonances between animal lives and our own ... Captivating * New York Times *At once moving and surprising, Beyond Words asks us to reexamine our relationship to other species-and to ourselves -- Elizabeth Kolbert, author of * The Sixth Extinction *This book breathes love of and respect for animals and is rich with observations and extraordinary travel experiences. It is a delightful and enlightening account of both how we relate to them and how they relate to each other -- Frans de WaalCombines lambent writing with dazzling facts, while also illuminating our knowledge of significant and engaging subjects ... Exemplary * Washington Post *Wise, passionate, and eye-opening at every turn, Beyond Words is ultimately a graceful examination of humanity's place in the world * Psychology Today *Safina's engaging writing takes readers along on his journey ... The result is a meandering, entertaining tour of the animal kingdom, with pit stops for both amusing anecdotes and the latest scientific studies of animal behavior ... entertaining and informative * Slate *Brilliant ... makes intimate these wild animals in vivid family portraits ... Safina is a font of research, his wonder contagious * Elle *Safina offers a rich and often heart-touching account of his journeys with scientists exploring the minds and emotions of elephants, wolves, and dolphins. His compassion and empathy for animals shines throughout, and he uses both to illuminate the booming field of animal cognition. A beautifully written, accessible, and compelling read -- Virginia Morrell, author of * Animal Wise: How We Know Animals Think and Feel *

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"This book is an incredible asset for solving those identification problems and is a must-have for any person or entity responsible for positively identifying marine mammals." --Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association "...truly is a comprehensive guide to identification...contains updated taxonomy, illustrations and photographs and also features four new species...will make a fantastic addition to the library of any marine scientist, student or nature enthusiast." --AVJTable of Contents1. Introduction 2. Basic Marine Mammal Biology 3. Taxonomic Groupings Above the Species Level 4. Cetacean Species Accounts 5. Pinniped Species Accounts 6. Sirenian and Other Species Accounts 7. Extinct Species Accounts 8. Dichotomous Identification Keys 9. Summaries of Characters for Similar Species 10. Glossary of Technical Terms 11. References and Sources for More Information 12. Index

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Book SynopsisProvides a practical step-by-step guide to successfully planning, implementing, and evaluating the re-establishment of animal populations in former habitats or their introduction in new environments. This book covers a broad range of taxonomic groups, ecosystems, and global regions.Table of ContentsContributors Foreword Joel Berger 1 • ANIMAL REINTRODUCTION IN THE ANTHROPOCENE David S. Jachowski, Rob Slotow, Paul L. Angermeier, and Joshua J. Millspaugh Part 1 • What Are Reintroductions and When Are They Appropriate? 2 • REINTRODUCTION AND OTHER CONSERVATION TRANSLOCATIONS: HISTORY AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS Philip J. Seddon and Doug P. Armstrong 3 • A CONSERVATION PALEOBIOLOGY PERSPECTIVE ON REINTRODUCTION: CONCEPTS, VARIABLES, AND DISCIPLINARY INTEGRATION R. Lee Lyman Part 2 • Setting Goals 4 • HUMAN DIMENSIONS INSIGHTS FOR REINTRODUCTIONS OF FISH AND WILDLIFE POPULATIONS Shaun J. Riley and Camilla Sandström 5 • THE REINTRODUCTION LANDSCAPE: FINDING SUCCESS AT THE INTERSECTION OF ECOLOGICAL, SOCIAL, AND INSTITUTIONAL DIMENSIONS Jason B. Dunham, Rollie White, Chris S. Allen, Bruce G. Marcot, and Dan Shively 6 • SETTING OBJECTIVES AND DEFINING THE SUCCESS OF REINTRODUCTIONS Alienor L. M. Chauvenet, Stefano Canessa, and John G. Ewen 7 • DEMOGRAPHIC MODELING FOR REINTRODUCTION DECISION-MAKING Sarah J. Converse and Doug P. Armstrong Part 3 • Obstacles to Successful Reintroductions 8 • GENETIC ISSUES IN REINTRODUCTION Iris Biebach, Deborah M. Leigh, Kasia Sluzek, and Lukas F. Keller 9 • ACCOUNTING FOR POTENTIAL PHYSIOLOGICAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND COMMUNITY-LEVEL RESPONSES TO REINTRODUCTION David S. Jachowski, Samantha BremnerHarrison, David A. Steen, and Kim Aarestrup 10 • WHY YOU CANNOT IGNORE DISEASE WHEN YOU REINTRODUCE ANIMALS Erin Muths and Hamish McCallum 11 • RELEASE CONSIDERATIONS AND TECHNIQUES TO IMPROVE CONSERVATION TRANSLOCATION SUCCESS Axel Moehrenschlager and Natasha A. Lloyd Part 4 • Managing Reintroduced Populations 12 • EFFECTIVE AND PURPOSEFUL MONITORING OF SPECIES REINTRODUCTIONS Robert A. Gitzen, Barbara J. Keller, Melissa A. Miller, Scott M. Goetz, David A. Steen, David S. Jachowski, James C. Godwin, and Joshua J. Millspaugh 13 • MANAGEMENT OF REINTRODUCED WILDLIFE POPULATIONS Matt W. Hayward and Rob Slotow 14 • OUTREACH AND ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOR REINTRODUCTION PROGRAMS Anna L. George and Estelle A. Sandhaus 15 • THE FUTURE OF ANIMAL REINTRODUCTION David S. Jachowski, Rob Slotow, Paul L. Angermeier, and Joshua J. Millspaugh Index

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Book SynopsisSunday Times BestsellerPassionate and well-researched' TatlerA must-read' IndependentA social history of Labradors, and how they have become the world's most beloved dogs, by writer, presenter and long-time dog lover Ben Fogle.Labradors are the most popular breed of dog in the world. Not only a great family companion, they also excel at hunting, tracking, retrieving, guiding and rescuing. But where did the breed originally come from? How did it develop? When did black, yellow and chocolate Labradors first appear? Did they really all come from Labrador in Canada and are they really all related to just one dog?In this first history of the Labrador, Ben Fogle goes in search of what makes Labradors so special. Their extraordinary companionship, intelligence, work ethic and loyalty is captured by Ben as he weaves the story of the breed into his own story of his beloved Inca.Ben visits Canada, discovers hair-raising stories of early Labrador exploits and uncovers stories of RNIB Labradors anTrade Review‘Passionate and well-researched, this book will make you wag your tail with delight. Woof!’ Tatler ‘A must-read for anyone with an interest in the history of man's relationship to dogs, regardless of breed, and Fogle's typical adventure-style storytelling keeps the narrative light and entertaining.’ Independent Further praise for Ben Fogle: ‘Funny, entertaining and really rather inspiring, too’ Daily Mail 'A great escapade told with refreshing frankness.' Independent on Sunday

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Book SynopsisThe authorised biography of the great naturalist and conservationist Gerald Durrell, who died aged seventy in January 1995 in Jersey, where he founded the zoo he'd dreamed of as a small boy and pioneered the captive breeding of animals for conservation.Gerald Durrell was a world-famous naturalist and popular author who wrote, in all, some thirty-seven immensely readable yarns, including the bestselling My Family and Other Animals'. His other books include Birds, Beasts and Relatives', The Bafut Beagles' and A Zoo in My Luggage'.Above all, he paved the way in print for the popular presentation of the natural world on television and presented twelve series himself the early ones, of his own expeditions. Sir David Attenborough has said: He was responsible for changing people's attitudes to zoology and changing their agenda. He showed them small animals could be as interesting as apes and elephantsHe was a pioneer with a marvellous sense of humour.'His brother was the famous writer Lawren

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisUntil recently, surprisingly little has been known about the biology and behavior of tropical forest raptors, including such basic aspects as diets, breeding biology, habitat requirements, and population ecology, information critical to the development of conservation efforts. The Peregrine Fund conducted a significant eight-year-long research program on the raptor species, including owls, in Tikal National Park in Guatemala to learn more about Neotropical birds of prey. Impressive and unprecedented in scale, this pioneering research also involved the development of new methods for detecting, enumerating, and studying these magnificent but often elusive birds in their forest home. Beautifully illustrated with photographs of previously little-known species, the resulting book is the most important single source for information on the lowland tropical forest raptor species found in Central America. Neotropical Birds of Prey covers twenty specific species in depth, including theTrade Review"... a remarkableindeed exceptionalpublication; well produced certainlybut valuable above all because of the enormous contribution to our knowledge of Neotropical raptors that it represents.... To sum upthis is a most impressive volume that documents the efforts of the many people who studied this raptor community and who have greatly advanced our knowledge of Neotropical raptors. It is a fitting tribute to these magni?cent birds and the dedicated researchers involved in the Maya Project." —José Hernán Sarasola * IBIS *Neotropical Birds of Prey is a handsome tribute to an ambitious project. Not least, the book captures the dedication required to squeeze a decent set of data out of any suite of raptors—a notoriously difficult group to study—much less those of the remote, dense, and humid Tikal forest, with its heavily armed plants, aggressive insects, and venomous snakes. -- Penny Olson * BioScience *"I was not sure what to expect when I first saw the title of this bookbut it quickly became clear that it is a remarkableindeed exceptionalpublication; well produced certainlybut valuable above all because of the enormous contribution to our knowledge of Neotropical raptors that it represents.... To sum upthis is a most impressive volume that documents the efforts of the many people who studied this raptor community and who have greatly advanced our knowledge of Neotropical raptors. It is a fitting tribute to these magnificent birds and the dedicated researchers involved in the Maya Project." — Jose Hernan Sarasola * IBIS *The in-depth accounts compare favorably to those in the knowledge of tropical raptors.... The book is well referenced, and each chapter is illustrated with tables/figures. An important resource for ornithologists and tropical raptor researchers. Summing Up: Highly recommended. * Choice *The subtitle of the work may suggest that this is a book for the specialist—and no doubt this is a volume that no raptor expert will want to be without. However, as a simple admirer of birds of prey I found this book hard to put down. So much fascinating information is to be found within its pages, yet it reads like one of the classic Collins New Naturalist or Poyser editions that are familiar to British readers: Leslie Brown'sBritishBirds of Preyor Ian Newton'sThe Sparrowhawk. * Neotropical Birding *Table of ContentsForeword by J. Peter JennyAcknowledgments About the Authors1. The Maya Project David F. Whitacre and William A. Burnham2. The Maya Forest David F. Whitacre and Mark D. Schulze3. Gray-headed Kite Russell K. Thorstrom, David F. Whitacre, Juventino López, and Gregorio López4. Hook-billed Kite David F. Whitacre and Miguel A. Vásquez5. Swallow-tailed Kite Richard P. Gerhardt, Dawn M. Gerhardt, and Miguel A. Vásquez6. Double-toothed Kite Mark D. Schulze, José L. Córdova, Nathaniel E. Seavy, and David F. Whitacre7. Plumbeous Kite Nathaniel E. Seavy, Mark D. Schulze, David F. Whitacre, and Miguel A. Vásquez8. Bicolored Hawk Russell K. Thorstrom9. Crane Hawk Jason Sutter10. White Hawk Gregory S. Draheim, David F. Whitacre, Angel M. Enamorado, Oscar A. Aguirre, and Aquiles E. Hernández11. Great Black Hawk Richard P. Gerhardt, Nathaniel E. Seavy, and Ricardo A. Madrid12. Roadside Hawk Theresa Panasci13. Crested Eagle David F. Whitacre, Juventino López, and Gregorio López14. Black Hawk-eagle David F. Whitacre, Juventino López, Gregorio López, Sixto H. Funes, Craig J. Flatten, and Julio A. Madrid15. Ornate Hawk-eagle David F. Whitacre, Julio A. Madrid, Héctor D. Madrid, Rodolfo Cruz, Craig J. Flatten, and Sixto H. Funes16. Barred Forest Falcon Russell K. Thorstrom17. Collared Forest Falcon Russell K. Thorstrom18. Laughing Falcon Margaret N. Parker, Angel M. Enamorado, and Mario Lima19. Bat Falcon Margaret N. Parker and David F. Whitacre20. Orange-breasted Falcon Aaron J. Baker, David F. Whitacre, and Oscar A. Aguirre21. Mexican Wood Owl Richard P. Gerhardt and Dawn M. Gerhardt22. Black-and-white Owl Richard P. Gerhardt, Dawn M. Gerhardt, Normandy Bonilla, and Craig J. Flatten23. Ecology and Conservation of Tikal's Raptor Fauna David F. Whitacre and William A. BurnhamAppendix 1: Body Mass and Sexual Size Dimorphism Data for Maya Forest Raptor SpeciesAppendix 2: Linear Measurements and Sexual Size Dimorphism for Maya Forest Raptor SpeciesLiterature CitedIndex

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Book SynopsisWhen Duck gets tired of working for Farmer Brown, his political ambition eventually leads to his being elected President.

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Book SynopsisThe understanding and management of land resources used by grazing animals are of major importance to ecologists and agricultural and environmental scientists. This book fills a major gap in the market by synthesising a range of perspectives on grazing systems, drawn from plant science, animal science and ecology. It outlines the principles of herbage growth and competition, of animal nutrition and grazing behaviour, and of the interactions of plant and animal factors that are central to an understanding of grazing systems. Chapters on the management of grazing systems cover both intensive and extensive systems (including rangelands) from all major agroecological zones of the world. The book is written by leading authorities from the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Israel and France. It represents a major contribution to the literature for advanced students and research workers concerned with plant science (especially grasslands), animal science (especially ruminants), aTable of ContentsPart 1: Plants and Plant Populations 1: Tissue flows in grazed plant communities D Chapman (AgResearch, New Zealand) and G Lemaire (INRA, France) 2: Strategies of plant survival in grazed systems: A functional interpretation D Briske (Texas A&M University) 3: Plant competition and population dynamics J Bullock (ITE, Wareham, UK) 4: Assessing and interpreting grass-woody plant dynamics S Archer (Texas A&M University) Part 2: Animals and Animal Populations 5: Foraging strategies of grazing animals M Demment (University of California) and E Laca (Texas Tech University) 6: Biochemical aspects of grazing behaviour K Launchbaugh (Texas Tech University) 7: Ingestive behaviour E D Ungar (ARO, Israel) 8: The ruminant, the rumen and the pasture resource: Nutrient interactions in the grazing animal H Dove (CSIRO, Australia) 9: Multispecies grazing in the Serengeti M Murray (University of Edinburgh, UK) and A W Illius Part 3: Grazing Systems and their Management 10: Complexity and stability in grazing systems N Tainton (University of Natal, South Africa) et al. 11: Management of grazing systems - temperate pastures G W Sheath (AgResearch, New Zealand) and D Clarke (DRC, New Zealand) 12: Management of rangelands: Paradigms at their limit M Stafford Smith (CSIRO, Australia) 13: Management of Mediterranean grasslands N Seligman (ARO, Israel) 14: Grasslands in the well-watered tropical lowlands M J Fisher et al (CIAT, Colombia)

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Book SynopsisKnowledge of insect movement, particularly of flight, is crucial to our understanding of the great ecological and evolutionary success of insects. The last 20 years have seen many advances in this subject area. New fields have arisen, such as metapopulation theory, and dramatic developments have taken place in methods of studying movement, as a result of new techniques in molecular biology and radar monitoring. There have also been advances in our knowledge of flight-related physiology and behaviour. This book, which is based on the main papers presented at the Royal Entomological Society's 20th Symposium held in September 1999, brings us up to date with these developments.It contains chapters on:- flight mechanisms- foraging movements- migration- the evolution of movement strategies- the interactions between dispersal rates, population structure and gene flow - the effects of climate change on geographical distributionIt is essential readingTable of Contents1: Contributors 2: Preface 3: Introduction and overview, I. Woiwood, C D Thomas and D Reynolds 4: The biomechanics and functional diversity of flight, R Dudley 5: How insect wings evolved, R Wootton 6: Physiology and endocrine control of flight, G Goldsworthy and M Joyce 7: Insect behaviours associated with resource finding, J Hardie, G Gibson and T Wyatt 8: Host location by parasitoids, W Powell and G Poppy 9: Flight trajectories of foraging insects: observations using harmonic radar, J R Riley and J L Osborne 10: The evolution of migratory syndromes in insects, H Dingle 11: Migration patterns and orientation mechanisms within the flight boundary layer, R B Srygley and E G Oliveira 12: Characterising the spatial and temporal components of insect migration in inland Australia with novel and traditional methods, V A Drake, P C Gregg et al. 13: Significance of habitat persistence and dimensionality in the evolution of insect dispersal strategies, R F Denno, C Grattan and G A Langellotto 14: Predation and the evolution of dispersal, W W Weisser 15: Evolution of mass transit systems in ants - a tale of two societies, N R Franks 16: Dispersal and conservation in heterogeneous landscapes, N F Britton, G P Boswell and N R Franks 17: Scale, dispersal and population structure, C D Thomas 18: Gene flow, J Mallet 19: Use of genetic diversity in movement studies of flying insects, H D Loxdale and G Lushai 20: Coping with modern times? Insect movement and climate change, C Parmesan 21: Analysing and modelling range changes in UK butterflies, J K Hill, C D Thomas, R Fox, D Moss and B Huntley 22: Index

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewMark Catesby, the English naturalist and artist, as well as his considerable accomplishments, is given new life in this well-written, multiauthored account. Emphasis is placed on Catesby's travels in North America that led to his monumental volumes on the flora and fauna of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahamas. The book is an important addition to the library of the history of natural history of colonial America.- William D. Anderson Jr., Professor of Marine Biology, Grice Marine Biological Laboratory, College of Charleston;""The Curious Mister Catesby is an absorbing blend of early colonial history in the American Southeast and the Bahamas, with the rich fauna and flora the settlers freshly contained. Catesby emerges as one of the first true naturalists of the New World.""- Edward O. Wilson, University Professor Emeritus of Entomology, Harvard University;""A landmark book filled with introspective and concise essays, each developed with a richness of detail, revealing the absorbing portrait of a self-taught artist from Suffolk who had an insatiable curiosity about nature. Wonderfully readable, this classic is an engaging introduction to Catesby's timeless illustrations and to his keen observation of the natural world. Like an investigation by forensic scientists the contemplative and thorough scholarship of these authors reveals new insight into Catesby, his journeys, his peers, and the inexhaustible pursuit of botanical and zoological specimens in an eighteenth-century world.""- Marian Hill, former president of the Garden Club of America;""This comprehensive, lavishly illustrated work . . . will stand for many years as the best critical analysis of [Catesby's] work, and of the groundbreaking natural science that his curiosity inspired.""- Linda Lear Nature;""This remarkable commemorative publication represents the perspectives of two dozen learned contributors representative of a broad spectrum of disciplines, including historians, botanists, zoologists, ornithologists, anthropologists, landscape architects, fine arts authorities, museum specialists and associated fields. Each of the 22 chapters is an essay revealing another of the many layers of Catesby's genius.""- Ben MCC. Moise The Post and Courier;""As if one of Catesby's ivory-billed woodpeckers swooped down before your eyes, this work draws the once-mysterious Catesby out of the shadows and, fittingly, displays him in vibrant living color.""- Robert Salvo Charleston Mercury;""The Curious Mr. Catesby is important for the history of natural history as it offers so much to know and understand about this interesting man and his contributions to natural history.""- Charles Tancin Huntia;""For the book’s top-notch construction and amazing array of colored maps and illustrations, The University of Georgia Press should be commended, reminding us why the physical book is so worthy of praise. This book should find a deserved place on the shelf of both general and academic readers.""- Vaughn Scribner, The Journal for Southern Literature

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Book SynopsisThe book aims to integrate our understanding of mammalian societies into a novel synthesis that is relevant to behavioural ecologists, ecologists, and anthropologists.Trade Review"Mammal Societies is an authoritative and magnificently written synthesis of mammalian social behavior. As Tim Clutton-Brock states in the preface, his goal was to �. . .create an integrated account of mammalian societies. . .,� which he achieves with a seamless elegance honed through decades of long-term research on primates, ungulates, and carnivores. The book explains the fundamental theory underlying sociality, and then applies it to understand the diversity of mammalian behavior. Unlike previous syntheses that separate humans from non-human primates, and primates from non-primates, Clutton-Brock masterfully integrates his knowledge of these disparate literatures, and of behavioral diversity in general, to create a genuinely interesting and stimulating overview and synthesis of what we do and do not know about mammalian social behavioral diversity with implications for understanding ourselves.....Throughout, Clutton-Brock clearly deconstructs hypotheses and critically reviews both the logic and the data supporting them...Mammal Societies is a goldmine for graduate students and those establishing new studies about the adaptive value of sociality in any taxa. It would make an outstanding book to read in a graduate seminar and should be on the desk of any graduate student or academic interested in social behavior in any taxa...In summary, Mammal Societies is an intellectual tour de force that will become a citation classic and will set the stage for the next generation of studies on the adaptive value of sociality. Although not an easy read, it is a must read for anyone interested in the diversity of social behavior and its implications for population demography, and the evolution and maintenance of animal sociality..."(Journal of Wildlife Management-December 2016)Shortlisted for the British Ecological Society�s �Marsh Book of the Year Award 2017', which acknowledges the important role that books have on ecology and its development.Table of ContentsPreface, xi Acknowledgements, xiii 1 Social evolution, 1 1.1 Origins, 1 1.2 Sociality and mating systems, 11 1.3 Reproductive competition, 13 1.4 Mate choice, 17 1.5 Parental care, 20 1.6 Cooperation, 24 1.7 Loaded labels, 34 References, 35 2 Female sociality, 47 2.1 Introduction, 47 2.2 Contrasts in female sociality, 47 2.3 Benefits of grouping, 53 2.4 Costs of grouping, 60 2.5 Sociality and fitness, 63 2.6 Comparative sociality, 65 2.7 The distribution of female sociality, 78 2.8 Group coordination, 79 2.9 Consequences of female sociality, 80 3 Female dispersal and philopatry, 94 3.1 Introduction, 94 3.2 Variation in female philopatry and dispersal, 96 3.3 Benefits of philopatry, 102 3.4 Benefits of dispersing, 104 3.5 Species differences in female philopatry, 111 3.6 Social and ecological consequences of female philopatry, 113 References, 115 4 Female mating decisions, 123 4.1 Introduction, 123 4.2 Direct benefits of mate choice to females, 128 4.3 Genetic benefits of mate choice to females, 128 4.4 Female mating preferences, 130 Maturity, 130 4.5 Mate choice copying, 142 4.6 Partner number and post-copulatory mate choice, 142 4.7 Variation in mate choice and partner number, 145 4.8 Consequences of female mating preferences, 146 References, 147 5 Maternal care, 156 5.1 Introduction, 156 5.2 The evolution of maternal care, 156 5.3 Prenatal investment, 162 5.4 Maternal effects, 166 5.5 Lactation and infant care, 170 5.6 Post-weaning investment, 176 5.7 Investment strategies, 180 5.8 Relationships between siblings, 182 5.9 Parent–offspring conflict, 185 5.10 Consequences of maternal care, 187 References, 188 6 Social development, 196 6.1 Introduction, 196 6.2 Social learning, 197 6.3 Social development, 203 6.4 Play, 204 6.5 Social knowledge, 205 6.6 Individual differences and personality, 210 6.7 Traditions, 212 References, 219 7 Communication, 226 7.1 Introduction, 226 7.2 Types of signal, 230 7.3 Signalling in theory and practice, 250 References, 255 8 Competition between females, 263 8.1 Introduction, 263 8.2 Competitive tactics, 267 8.3 Social structure and competition, 273 8.4 Conflict proliferation and limitation, 282 8.5 Consequences of female competition, 285 9 Cooperation between females, 298 9.1 Introduction, 298 9.2 Cooperation in different contexts, 298 9.3 Cheating in theory and practice, 322 9.4 The evolution of cooperation, 323 9.5 Consequences of cooperation, 324 References, 326 10 Mating systems, 333 10.1 Introduction, 333 10.2 Social monogamy, 335 10.3 Polygynous systems, 339 10.4 Genetic mating systems, 359 10.5 Consequences of polygyny, 360 11 Association between males, 373 11.1 Introduction, 373 11.2 Contrasts in the formation and structure of male groups, 373 11.3 Costs of association to males, 379 11.4 Benefits of association to males, 380 11.5 Kinship, familiarity, cooperation and hostility, 384 11.6 The size of male associations, 386 11.7 Contrasts in reproductive skew, 389 11.8 Consequences of male association, 391 References, 395 12 Male dispersal and its consequences, 401 12.1 Introduction, 401 12.2 Variation in dispersal rates by males, 401 12.3 The costs and benefits of dispersal to males,409 12.4 Secondary dispersal by males, 412 12.5 Sex differences in philopatry, 414 12.6 Dispersal distance, 416 12.7 The social and ecological consequences of male dispersal, 418 References, 421 13 Reproductive competition among males, 427 13.1 Introduction, 427 13.2 The benefits and costs of fighting, 427 13.3 Assessment and the evolution of maledisplays, 434 13.4 Adaptive fighting tactics, 445 13.5 Benefits and costs of mate guarding, 445 13.6 Adaptive guarding tactics, 447 13.7 Alternative tactics, 452 13.8 Sperm competition, 453 13.9 Consequences of reproductive competition between males, 456 References, 458 14 Relationships between males in multi-male groups, 466 14.1 Introduction, 466 14.2 The development of dominance, 467 14.3 Dominance and breeding success, 470 14.4 Reproductive skew in multi-male groups, 474 14.5 Dominance, condition and survival, 476 14.6 Coalitions and alliances, 477 14.7 Market models and the dynamics of supportive relationships, 482 14.8 Punishment, retaliation and reconciliation,482 14.9 The consequences of male hierarchies, 484 References, 486 15 Males and females, 493 15.1 Introduction, 493 15.2 Male mate choice, 494 15.3 Manipulation, 496 15.4 Coercion, 496 15.5 Female counter-strategies to male coercion,507 15.6 Male infanticide, 508 15.7 Female counter-strategies to male infanticide, 516 15.8 Post-copulatory sexual conflict, 521 15.9 Demographic consequences of sexual conflict, 521 References, 524 16 Paternal care, 532 16.1 Introduction, 532 16.2 The distribution of paternal care, 533 16.3 Control mechanisms, 543 16.4 Benefits and costs of paternal care, 545 16.5 Tactical investment, 547 16.6 Conflicts between parents, 548 16.7 Male care and the evolution of mating systems, 548 References, 551 17 Cooperative breeding, 557 17.1 Introduction, 557 17.2 Delayed dispersal, 562 17.3 Reproductive suppression, 564 17.4 Reproductive skew, 570 17.5 Benefits and costs of helping, 574 17.6 Division of labour, 580 17.7 Regulation of workload, 584 17.8 The evolution of cooperative breeding, 586 17.9 Consequences of cooperative breeding, 589 References, 594 18 Sex differences, 605 18.1 Introduction, 605 18.2 Body size, 606 18.3 Weaponry, 608 18.4 Ornaments, 610 18.5 Growth, 610 18.6 Nursing, 615 18.7 Social development, 618 18.8 Feeding ecology, 621 18.9 Mortality, 623 18.10 Sex ratios at birth, 626 18.11 Adult sex ratios, 631 References, 633 19 Hominins and humans, 643 19.1 Introduction, 643 19.2 Human evolution, 644 19.3 Life histories, 649 19.4 Sex differences, 653 19.5 Hominin and human societies, 663 19.6 Why us?, 671 References, 673 20 Human behaviour, 680 20.1 Introduction, 680 20.2 Mate choice, 681 20.3 Parental care, 687 20.4 Allo-parental care, 693 20.5 Cooperation, 698 20.6 The human condition, 713 References, 714 Index, 725

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