Zoology: mammals (mammalogy) Books

Book SynopsisThis is the definitive field guide to African Mammals, fully revised and updated following the publication of the groundbreaking Mammals of Africa (2013).Jonathan Kingdon, one of the world''s foremost authorities on African mammals, has both written and illustrated this landmark field guide. The unique combination of his extensive field experience and artistic talent has produced a stunning work that sets new standards.The concise text provides full information on identification, distribution, ecology, relationships and conservation status, with introductory profiles that summarise the characteristics of each mammal group.All known species of African land mammal are covered, with coverage of several of the more complex groups of small mammals simplified by reference to genera. Classification has been fully updated and this new edition includes many newly recognised species.With over 780 colour illustrations, numerous line drawings and more than 520 maps, this book will beTable of ContentsPreface and acknowledgements Checklist of species Introduction to the first edition Introduction to the second edition The African environment Profiles of all mammal species Conservation Further reading Glossary

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Book Synopsis‘Steve Brusatte, the author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs, brings mammals out from the shadow of their more showy predecessors in a beautifully written book that . . . makes the case for them as creatures who are just as engaging as dinosaurs.’ – The Sunday Times, ‘Best Books For Summer’The passing of the age of the dinosaurs allowed mammals to become ascendant. But mammals have a much deeper history. They – or, more precisely, we – originated around the same time as the dinosaurs, over 200 million years ago; mammal roots lie even further back, some 325 million years.Over these immense stretches of geological time, mammals developed their trademark features: hair, keen senses of smell and hearing, big brains and sharp intelligence, fast growth and warm-blooded metabolism, a distinctive line-up of teeth (canines, incisors, premolars, molars), mammary glands that mothers use to nourish their babies with milk, qualities that have underlain their success story.Out of this long and rich evolutionary history came the mammals of today, including our own species and our closest cousins. But today’s 6,000 mammal species - the egg-laying monotremes including the platypus, marsupials such as kangaroos and koalas that raise their tiny babies in pouches, and placentals like us, who give birth to well-developed young – are simply the few survivors of a once verdant family tree, which has been pruned both by time and mass extinctions.In The Rise and Reign of the Mammals, palaeontologist Steve Brusatte weaves together the history and evolution of our mammal forebears with stories of the scientists whose fieldwork and discoveries underlie our knowledge, both of iconic mammals like the mammoths and sabre-toothed tigers of which we have all heard, and of fascinating species that few of us are aware of.For what we see today is but a very limited range of the mammals that have existed; in this fascinating and ground-breaking book, Steve Brusatte tells their – and our – story.Trade ReviewTerrific . . . a saga on the grandest scale . . . beautifully told . . . Brusatte brings well-known extinct species, the sabre-toothed tigers and the woolly mammoths, thrillingly back to life * The Times, 'Book of the Week' *Nothing short of a thriller, revealing the luck, evolutionary twists and near-apocalyptical catastrophes that have led to the mammals of today, us included . . . Fascinating revelations come thick and fast * Guardian *Stands out for its brilliant balance of scientific detail and lively, efficient storytelling * New Scientist *Deeply researched and entertaining . . . Brusatte’s real achievement is to show us that, for all its sheer weight of numbers and impact, Homo sapiens is just ‘a single point, among millions of species over more than 200 million years. -- Mark Cocker * The Spectator *Gorgeous book . . . fantastic writing, brilliant science. -- Alice Roberts, author of AncestorsRiveting . . . A real page-turner that proves science fact is more amazing than science fiction. * The Sun *The epic story of how our mammalian cousins evolved to fly, walk, swim, and walk on two legs . . . [Brusatte's] deep knowledge infuse[s] this lively journey of millions of years of evolution with infectious enthusiasm. -- Neil Shubin, bestselling author of Your Inner Fish and University of Chicago paleontologistA fascinating account of how mammals survived the great extinction that destroyed the dinosaurs and evolved to their current position of dominance. A worthy sequel to [Steve Brusatte's] The Rise and Fall of Dinosaurs. -- Venki Ramakrishnan, 2009 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry and Cambridge University biologist

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Book SynopsisThe essential mammal guide to take on safari, covering every African land mammal.Originally published in 2004, the Kingdon Pocket Guide to African Mammals quickly became the field guide of choice to take on African safaris. Its compact format makes it ideal for use in the field, while its coverage is the most comprehensive currently possible in this format.Adapted from the Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals, the greatly condensed text focuses on essential information such as identification and distribution, while the author''s superb illustrations have been rearranged into an easy-to-use plate format and placed opposite the text. Complex and more obscure groups like the bats and certain rodent families are summarised by genera. Over 500 maps plot the distribution of all larger species, and for smaller mammals the maps show distribution by genus.This is a completely revised second edition of this popular guide. The information and taxonomy have been updated to fTrade ReviewExcellent, comprehensive field guide so you can tell your puku from your lechwe. * BBC Wildlife *Table of ContentsPreface Introduction How to Use this Guide The African Environment Evolution in Africa Mammals Afrotheria Primates Rodents Hares, Rock-Hares and Rabbits Hedgehogs Shrews Bats Carnivores Pangolins Odd-toed Ungulates Even-toed Ungulates Further Reading Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisThis book is a fully revised and updated second edition of the only comprehensive guide to the mammals of South-east Asia, one of the world''s richest regions in terms of mammal diversity, where species new to science are still being described regularly, though there is increasing pressure on all of its wild mammal populations.From large mammals such as the elephant, big cats, dolphins and whales through bears, monkeys and badgers to bats, civets, rats and shrews, more than 550 species are described in detail, including key identification characteristics, habitat, behavior, distribution and status, accompanied by line drawings of footprints and details of anatomy, or other aspects of identification. Beautiful color plates depict nearly all species and their variations, while accompanying range maps provide up-to-date information on distribution. This field guide is essential for any naturalist or traveler visiting this special corner of Asia.Table of ContentsPreface to second edition Acknowledgements Introduction What is a mammal? Classification and naming How to identify mammals Colour plates Species accounts Finding and studying mammals Where to find mammals Conservation of mammals in South-east Asia Species Accounts Pholidota - Pangolins Insectivora - Gymnures, Moles, Shrews Scandentia - Treeshrews Dermoptera - Colugos Chiroptera - Bats Primates - Lorises, Monkeys, Gibbons Carnivora - Dogs, Bears, Red Pandas, Martens, Weasels, Badgers, Otters, Civets, Mongooses, Lisangs, Cats, Fur seals, Sealions, Seals Cetacea - Oceanic dolphins, Porpoises, Whales Sirenia - Dugong Proboscidea - Elephants Perissodactyla - Tapirs, Rhinoceroses Artidodactyla - Pigs, Mousedeer, Musk-deer, Deer, Cattle, Buffalo, Antelopes, Goats, Sheep Rodentia - Squirrels, Rats, Mice, Pygmy-dormice, Voles, Bamboo rats, Kha-nyou, Porcupines Lagomorpha - Pikes, Hares, Rabbits Glossary Selected bibliography Figure credits Index

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Book SynopsisBat detector surveys are carried out by ecological consultants, researchers, conservationists and hobbyists. Understanding and categorising non-bat sounds in surveys offers the potential of knock-on benefits for informing development projects (e.g. other important records discovered within a site), as well as the possibility of associated conservation benefits. In recent years the number of people carrying out these surveys and recording calls with bat detectors has grown considerably. These surveys often generate vast amounts of audio recordings, resulting in the heavy workload associated with completing the sound analysis and reporting process. Those carrying out analysis can be distracted, intrigued or delayed owing to the occurrence of recordings that are unfamiliar and not identifiable to them. These recordings can relate to ‘difficult to ID’ bat species, but also, often, sounds not related to bats. This can be especially true when noise triggers such as insects, small mammals or birds look like bat-related noise. Therefore, only knowing what bats sound like is not enough. It is extremely useful to know what other sources of noise look and sound like within the same soundscape. This resource will help bat workers, in whatever environment they are in, to be more confident in recognising, categorising and dismissing other sounds. The book includes a substantial downloadable sound library (.wav format) that readers can listen to by ear or process through sound analysis software. Is That a Bat? also caters for sounds that are also heard by ear alone, in the field, during the hours of darkness. These scenarios often have bat surveyors intrigued or confused as to what they are listening to. Occasionally, knowing what these sounds are could be important, or at the very least, of interest. The first chapter caters for the subject overall, including suggestions from the author as to why the subject matter is of value. It also discusses bat-related calls (including social calls) with a view to offering comparisons against the other sources of sound discussed in separate chapters. Continuing through the book, there are chapters covering the following: small mammals; amphibians; insects; birds; electrical/mechanical noise; and other noise/nuisances. Within each chapter there are sub-sections about bat detector recorded sound, sound by ear, as well as advice on techniques and methods to reduce or increase the likelihood of recording other sounds. The book concludes with associated appendices, including a ‘Problem Solving Key’ to help those encountering an unfamiliar sound to narrow it down to the likely source. With technology advancing at pace, the technical ability of the analyst is of huge importance. With a wider perspective and more knowledge, those responsible for interpreting field encounters can be more confident when making decisions about sources of sound. Apart from that, ‘knowing stuff’ makes the job far more interesting and gives the bat worker a greater appreciation of the natural world within which they are working.Trade ReviewIn fact it is an invaluable read and reference for anyone identifying bats through sound analysis at any level, from beginners to the more experienced. .… This book succeeds brilliantly in encouraging appreciation of the rich and varied world of sound around us. These sounds can sometimes confound our attempts to accurately identify bat species from their calls but at the same time they greatly increase our scope for evaluating and enjoying the biodiversity around us (very timely in the context of current multi-taxa monitoring initiatives). It also makes an important contribution to helping raise standards in the acoustic identification of bats. -- Philip Briggs, Bat Conservation Trust.. this is the book highlight for me this year. -- Stuart Newson * BTO News *Very readable book... I expect to use it regularly as a source of reference. I recommend it not just to those members interested in bats and ultrasonics, but to the growing number of us doing nocmig, or using an Audiomoth or other long-term monitoring device. -- Simon Elliott * Wildlife Sound *… a nice overview of problems a non-expert in bat echolocation research might encounter during a nightly excursion, or when analysing their recordings. -- Martin K. Obrist * Bioacoustics *Without a doubt, anyone who intends to record bats in their natural environment, would do well with a copy of this book. -- Al Milano * batdetecting.blogspot.com *Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgements Preamble: Before We Get Started Downloading Files from the Sound Library 1. Well, What On Earth Could It Be? 2. Terrestrial Mammals 3. Birds 4. Amphibians 5. Insects 6. Electronic & Mechanical 7. Weather, People & Other Nuisances References Appendix I Supporting Figures Appendix II Problem Solving Appendix III Useful Additional Resources Appendix IV Test Yourself Appendix V Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisAn essential companion for anyone visiting or hiking in the Alpine regions of France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The Alps remain one of Europe''s foremost tourist destinations not just for its world-famous scenery, but also its remarkable and diverse wildlife. Field Guide to Alpine Wildlife covers all of the animals and plants you are likely to see on a trip to this extraordinary place, including mammals such as Mouflon and Ibex, birds like the Bearded Vulture, White-winged Snowfinch and Wallcreeper, and a diversity of insects and wild flowers that will stop even seasoned wildlife-watchers in their tracks. It is packed with photography of each species, with photos carefully chosen to help pinpoint key identification criteria. Portable and pocket-friendly crucial for all travellers in this mountainous region this book is an essential companion for anyone visiting or walking through this spectacular part of central Europe.Table of ContentsIntroduction Animals Mammals Birds Reptiles and Amphibians Fish Insects Plants Ferns, Mosses and others Trees and Shrubs Flowers and Grasses Index

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Book SynopsisA comprehensive and richly illustrated field guide to the mammals of the Western Palearctic.Fully revised and updated, this major work presents all species that occur in the Western Palearctic, serving as the perfect field guide to the great diversity of mammals in the region. This new edition presents 86 new species, including 40 cetaceans, and reports on the latest scientific advances and taxonomic changes.Species accounts are concise and authoritative, giving information on size, distribution, habitat, behaviour, reproduction and feeding. Each account is supported by distribution maps and superb colour illustrations. The book features over 125 plates, comprising more than 650 colour species artworks. Variation between the sexes is illustrated, and anatomical diagrams including tooth arrays are provided to assist identification.Field Guide to Mammals of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East is the only guide you'll need to identify any mammal across the Western Palearctic.

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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 SynopsisHighlighting startling discoveries made over the last ten years, this new edition provides authoritative accounts of the behaviour of domestic cats and their interactions with humans. It is a definitive resource for veterinarians, breeders of cats and students of behavioural biology and psychology, as well as the non-specialist general reader.Trade Review'The long-awaited third edition of this authoritative book on cat behaviour provides the reader with an up-to-date scientific knowledge on behaviour and welfare of domestic cats. The coverage is considerably broader than in previous editions, including more chapters relevant to cat welfare, cat breeding, behavioural problems, and how to handle overpopulation of stray cats. Some intriguing new research results, [such as] on human and cat personalities, are presented in detail; part of this is previously unpublished. The editors have successfully [cast] an impressive list of experts on the various topics. This book is very valuable and highly recommended to students and professionals of ethology, veterinary medicine, biology and others interested in this exciting animal species, which is now the most widely kept companion animal in most countries.' Bjarne O. Braastad, Norwegian University of Life Sciences'In The Domestic Cat, Turner and Bateson provide the ultimate compendium of all things cat. This book will be of benefit to scientists, practitioners, and perhaps most importantly to cat owners by unraveling the enigma that is the cat, dispelling myths, and answering questions which may be vital to optimizing cats' and their humans' lives together.' Rebecca A. Johnson, International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO)'This updated and expanded new edition of The Domestic Cat edited by Dennis Turner and Pat Bateson gives a comprehensive and authoritative account of the behaviour of one of our most popular companion animals. It makes fascinating reading both for the behavioural biologist and for the cat lover.' Felicity A. Huntingford, University of Glasgow'… meticulously researched, thorough and well-written.' GrrlScientist, The GuardianTable of ContentsList of contributors; Part I. Introduction: 1. Why the cat? Dennis C. Turner and Patrick Bateson; Part II. From Kitten to Adulthood: 2. Behavioural development in the cat Patrick Bateson; 3. Normal and problematic reproductive behaviour in the domestic cat Benjamin L. Hart and Lynette A. Hart; 4. Communication in the domestic cat: within and between species Sarah L. Brown and John W. S. Bradshaw; Part III. Social Life and Ecology: 5. Social organization and behavioural ecology of free-ranging domestic cats Dennis C. Turner; 6. Social behaviour of domestic cats in the human home Penny L. Bernstein and Erika Friedmann; Part IV. Cats and People: 7. Domestication and history of the cat James A. Serpell; 8. Cultural differences in human-cat relations Dennis C. Turner, Eva Waiblinger and Barbara Fehlbaum; 9. Human and cat personalities: building the bond from both sides Kurt Kotrschal, Jon Day, Sandra McCune and Manuela Wedl; Part V. Cat Breeding and Cat Welfare: 10. Feline welfare issues Irene Rochlitz; 11. Breed and gender behaviour differences: relation to the ancient history and origin of the domestic cat Benjamin L. Hart, Lynette A. Hart and Leslie A. Lyons; 12. Showing cats Anne Gregory, Steve Crow and Hilary Dean; 13. Individual and environmental effects on health and welfare J. L. Stella and C. A. T. Buffington; 14. Feline behavioural problems and solutions Benjamin L. Hart and Lynette A. Hart; Part VI. The Future: 15. Cat population management Elly Hiby, Harry Eckman and Ian MacFarlaine; 16. Postscript: questions and some answers Patrick Bateson and Dennis C. Turner; References; Index.

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Book Synopsis‘Steve Brusatte, the author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs, brings mammals out from the shadow of their more showy predecessors in a beautifully written book that . . . makes the case for them as creatures who are just as engaging as dinosaurs.’ – The Sunday Times, ‘Best Books For Summer’'In this terrific new book, Steve Brusatte . . . brings well-known extinct species, the sabre-toothed tigers and the woolly mammoths, thrillingly back to life' – The TimesThe passing of the age of the dinosaurs allowed mammals to become ascendant. But mammals have a much deeper history. They – or, more precisely, we – originated around the same time as the dinosaurs, over 200 million years ago; mammal roots lie even further back, some 325 million years.Over these immense stretches of geological time, mammals developed their trademark features: hair, keen senses of smell and hearing, big brains and sharp intelligence, fast growth and warm-blooded metabolism, a distinctive line-up of teeth (canines, incisors, premolars, molars), mammary glands that mothers use to nourish their babies with milk, qualities that have underlain their success story.Out of this long and rich evolutionary history came the mammals of today, including our own species and our closest cousins. But today’s 6,000 mammal species - the egg-laying monotremes including the platypus, marsupials such as kangaroos and koalas that raise their tiny babies in pouches, and placentals like us, who give birth to well-developed young – are simply the few survivors of a once verdant family tree, which has been pruned both by time and mass extinctions.In The Rise and Reign of the Mammals, palaeontologist Steve Brusatte weaves together the history and evolution of our mammal forebears with stories of the scientists whose fieldwork and discoveries underlie our knowledge, both of iconic mammals like the mammoths and sabre-toothed tigers of which we have all heard, and of fascinating species that few of us are aware of.For what we see today is but a very limited range of the mammals that have existed; in this fascinating and ground-breaking book, Steve Brusatte tells their – and our – story.Trade ReviewThe epic story of how our mammalian cousins evolved to fly, walk, swim, and walk on two legs . . . [Brusatte's] deep knowledge infuse[s] this lively journey of millions of years of evolution with infectious enthusiasm. -- Neil Shubin, bestselling author of Your Inner Fish and University of Chicago paleontologistA fascinating account of how mammals survived the great extinction that destroyed the dinosaurs and evolved to their current position of dominance. A worthy sequel to [Steve Brusatte's] The Rise and Fall of Dinosaurs. -- Venki Ramakrishnan, 2009 Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry and Cambridge University biologistRiveting . . . A real page-turner that proves science fact is more amazing than science fiction. * The Sun *Nothing short of a thriller, revealing the luck, evolutionary twists and near-apocalyptical catastrophes that have led to the mammals of today, us included . . . Fascinating revelations come thick and fast * Guardian *Deeply researched and entertaining . . . Brusatte’s real achievement is to show us that, for all its sheer weight of numbers and impact, Homo sapiens is just ‘a single point, among millions of species over more than 200 million years. -- Mark Cocker, * The Spectator *Terrific . . . a saga on the grandest scale . . . beautifully told . . . Brusatte brings well-known extinct species, the sabre-toothed tigers and the woolly mammoths, thrillingly back to life * The Times, *Stands out for its brilliant balance of scientific detail and lively, efficient storytelling * New Scientist *Gorgeous book . . . fantastic writing, brilliant science. -- Alice Roberts, author of Ancestors

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Book SynopsisAn accessible and comprehensive guide to all things acoustic bat detection. This highly illustrated handbook provides an in-depth understanding of acoustic detection principles, study planning, data handling, properties of bat calls, manual identification of species, automatic species recognition, analysis of results, quality assurance and the background physics of sound. No other method of detecting bats is so popular and widespread in the context of environmental assessment and voluntary work as acoustic detection, and its increased use has driven the development of a large number of sophisticated devices and analytical methods. Acoustic detection has become a standard approach for establishing the presence of bats, carrying out species identification and monitoring levels of activity. The resolution, accuracy and scale with which these tasks can be done has risen dramatically with the availability of automated real-time recording. But anyone interested in acoustic recording will quickly recognise that there are still quite a few open questions about the limits and possibilities of acoustic detection. Clear definitions of how to handle the data are usually missing, for example, and there are no clearly described activity indices. In response to the lack of thorough information on the underlying science of acoustic detection, the authors present this handbook.Trade ReviewAcoustic detection has become a standard method for determining the presence of bats, and for species identification and monitoring. The resolution, accuracy and scale with which these surveys can be carried out has risen dramatically with the availability of automated real-time recording. Acoustic monitoring does have its limitations, however, and The Handbook of Acoustic Bat Detection addresses these by providing an in-depth understanding of the properties of bat calls, manual species identification, analysis of results and the background physics of sound. First published in German in 2018, this English translation includes new content that was not included in the original. * Conservation Land Management *This well-written and ably translated volume presents a thorough but accessible compendium on a timely subject. Runkel et al. give excellent coverage of highly technical systems applied to the biology of the animals. They explain methods with direct application to large-scale industrial developments, but never lose sight of the fundamental importance of the experienced observer who understands the animals and the environment. -- Winston C. Lancaster * The Quarterly Review of Biology *Table of Contents1 - Acoustic recording 2 - Examples of acoustic studies 3 - The planning of acoustic studies 4 - Manual and automatic acoustic recording 5 - Manual identification of species 6 - Automatic species recognition 7 - A comparison of identification methods 8 - The complexities of call analysis 9 - Criteria for detector systems 10 - Interpretation of the results 11 - Quality assurance of reports 12 - Nacelle monitoring – its benefits and its limitations 13 - Bat calls 14 - The physics of sound

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Book SynopsisBeavers are widely recognised as a keystone species which play a pivotal role in riparian ecology. Their tree felling and dam building behaviours coupled with a suite of other activities create a wealth of living opportunities that are exploited by a range of other species. Numerous scientific studies demonstrate that beaver-generated living environments that are much richer in terms of both biodiversity and biomass than wetland environments from which they are absent. Emerging contemporary studies indicate clearly that the landscapes they create can afford sustainable, cost-effective remedies for water retention, flood alleviation, silt and chemical capture. Beaver activities, especially in highly modified environments, may be challenging to certain land use activities and landowners. Many trialled and tested methods to mitigate against these impacts, including a wide range of non-lethal management techniques, are regularly implemented across Europe and North America. Many of these techniques will be new to people, especially in areas where beavers are newly re-establishing. This handbook serves to discuss both the benefits and challenges in living with this species, and collates the wide range of techniques that can be implemented to mitigate any negative impacts. The authors of this handbook are all beaver experts and together they have a broad range of scientific knowledge and practical experience regarding the ecology, captive husbandry, veterinary science, pathology, reintroduction and management of beavers in both continental Europe and Britain.Trade ReviewThe authors of this handbook include many of the most significant names in beaver conservation in Europe, drawing on a wide range of experiences and perspectives, which gives this book great depth and insight.... For me, working on the River Otter Beaver Trial here in Devon, this book is already providing a quick reference guide which I’m finding easy to use and full of valuable information. It is well organised and referenced and will become vital for those managing land which beavers recolonise in the decades ahead. -- Mark Elliott * ECOS *... I recommend Eurasian Beaver Handbook for land managers, policy writers, and landowners interested in managing European landscapes that include, or may potentially include, beavers. ... Although this book focuses on the European beaver, practitioners in North America also could benefit from reading this book to compare management styles, tools, and techniques. -- Jimmy D. Taylor, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, National Wildlife Research Center * Journal of Wildlife Management *Table of Contents1. Introduction 2. The history of beavers in Britain 3. Beaver biology and ecology 4. Legislation 5. Effects of beavers 6. Managing beaver impacts 7. Survey and monitoring 8. Learning to live with beavers Appendices References Index

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Book SynopsisThe social calls of bats are an area about which relatively little is known, with more research still required to expand our understanding. However, these calls are increasingly recognised as a useful aid to identification: they appear to be species specific and are indicative of behaviour – as in territorial activity of males during the mating season. Because the gathering and interpretation of bat echolocation data are a matter of course during research, conservation and consultancy, it is a logical progression to build momentum behind the consideration of social calls in mainstream bat-related work. A better understanding of this subject could mean that non-intrusive survey methods are developed, ensuring that what is being observed is, as far as possible, purely natural behaviour. In turn this will contribute to better interpretation and more suitable mitigation, compensation and/or enhancement solutions. The book summarises what is understood so far about social calls of the bat species occurring in Britain and Ireland, and north-west Europe. This new edition has been updated and expanded throughout, now containing: foreword by the bat authority Michel Barataud, author of Acoustic Ecology of European Bats almost double the number of figures and tables as appeared in the first edition completely overhauled call library, all in full spectrum format, with new additional examples three entirely new chapters, covering bat-related acoustics, settings for social interaction, and survey guidelines The material will be useful to people carrying out bat studies, at whatever level and for whatever purpose, and will also encourage others to undertake further research. What's more, social calls are fascinating to listen to: they are, after all, produced with listeners in mind (other bats). In light of this, the book is accompanied by an extensive downloadable library of sound files which offer a unique gateway into the private life of bats. Trade ReviewThis much expanded 2nd edition provides a thorough overview of bat social calls and the current state of knowledge...I hope for continued expansions of this book in future, but in the meantime, there is plenty within this second edition to further illuminate some of the most fascinating yet often mysterious aspects of bat vocalisations. -- Philip Briggs, Bat Conservation TrustThe authors can be congratulated for their work and for opening up new insights and offering a better understanding of this complex area of research. -- Wiesław Bogdanowicz * Acta Chiropterologica *Table of ContentsForeword Preface Acknowledgements About the Authors Important Notices 1 An Overview of Bats in Britain and Ireland 2 Bat-related Acoustics: An Introduction 3 Settings for Social Interaction 4 Classification of Social Calls 5 Analysis of Social Calls 6 Considerations in Survey Design 7 Survey Guidelines (Bat Social Calls) 8 Species Groups Appendix Bibliography References Index

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Book SynopsisHorses were domesticated about 6000 years ago on the vast Eurasian steppe. Michel-Antoine Leblanc presents an encyclopedic synthesis of scientific knowledge about equine behavior and cognition, providing experts and enthusiasts alike with an up-to-date understanding of how horses perceive, think about, and adapt to their physical and social worlds.Trade ReviewThe Mind of the Horse provides an extensive review of all the physiological studies on horse perception. It is an essential reference work for researchers of horse behavior. -- Temple Grandin, editor of Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals

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Book SynopsisCynthia Moss has studied the elephants in Kenya's Amboseli National Park for over 27 years. Her research has revealed much of what we now know about these animals. Here she chronicles the lives of the members of the T families led by Matriarchs Teresia, Slit Ear, Torn Ear, Tania, and Tuskless.

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Book SynopsisA treasury of information and outstanding photographs brought together to reveal the fascinating life of the symbol of Arctic survival, the polar bear

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Book SynopsisThe most up-to-date and comprehensive photographic field guide to Madagascar''s mammals.The island of Madagascar is home to one of the most remarkable assemblages of mammals on earth, thanks to millions of years of isolation, and no other island or place on earth boasts such a combination of species richness and endemism. Field Guide to Mammals of Madagascar describes all native species found on the island, including bats, tenrecs, mice and lemurs, as well as a small number of introduced, non-native species. Detailed species accounts cover description and identification, habitat and distribution, behaviour and where to see; a detailed distribution map for each species is also included. Supporting chapters cover the island''s regions and habitats, threats to mammals, conservation and important mammal watching sites. The book is fully illustrated throughout with exceptional, high-quality photography, including species rarely photographed previousl

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Book SynopsisThe fascinating lives and puzzling demise of some of the largest animals on earth.Trade Review"Ross McPhee's End of the Megafauna is a marvellous survey of what we know about the magnificent creatures who shared our world just 12,000 years ago, and he is brilliantly served by the superb illustrations of Australian artist Peter Schouten. There are also excellent maps and diagrams, helping you remember the difference between your Pleistocene and Holocene. The book is also a compelling, sometimes demanding and scientifically rigorous detective story." -- The Sunday Times"Palaeomammalogist Ross MacPhee examines the theories, such as human over-hunting, climate change, emergent infections and food-web disruption; articulates the ongoing debate around them and what that might tell us about today’s biodiversity crisis; and takes a look at de-extinction. Packed with evocative artwork by Peter Schouten." -- Nature"In End of the Megafauna, palaeontologist Ross MacPhee explores the current hypotheses, weighing up the evidence with academic rigour and delivering it with pop-science clarity." -- BBC Wildlife"Delving far deeper into the subject matter than anything you would have likely experienced before, this is a fascinating examination of a long-forgotten past and proof that giant life didn't end with the dinosaurs. A great gift for those who like their history with bite." -- How It Works"... highly readable book..." -- The British Association of Nature Conservationists Magazine

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Book SynopsisCats are the world's most popular domestic pet, as well as being wild animals. This comprehensive book on feline behaviour explores both the familiar domesticated animal and wild relatives such as the leopard, tiger and lynx to examine the Felidae family as a whole, allowing for fascinating comparisons between wild and domestic species and explanations of behaviour in pet cats with evolutionary origins. Fraser's work helps increase readers' understanding of cat behaviour - why they behave as they do, for what purpose and why. The focus is on identifying normal behaviour from the cat's perspective, with a welfare theme running throughout; as exhibitions of normal behaviour provide evidence of good welfare, and abnormal behaviour can be an indicator of poor welfare. Providing a veterinary perspective - by including coverage of feline physiology, life stages and reproduction - as well as an ethological one, this is an important read for veterinarians, shelter workers, animal behaviourists and students of veterinary medicine and animal welfare, while also being of interest to pet owners.Table of Contents1: Introduction 2: Well-being and Its Roots 3: Feline Neuroethology 4: Play and the Steps Through Life 5: Basic Activities 6: Association and Reproduction 7: Giant Wild Cats 8: Principal Species of Wild Cats 9: Minor Wild Cat Species 10: Common and Comparative Feline Features 11: Abnormal Behaviour and Training 12: Health Monitoring 13: Points of Welfare 14: Review of Well-being

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Book SynopsisThe Age of Mammals, the Cenozoic Era, has never had its Jurassic Park, but it was an amazing time in earth's history, populated by a wonderful assortment of bizarre animals. This book presents their story, which is part of a larger story of a world emerging from the greenhouse conditions of the Mesozoic.Trade ReviewRecommended. General readers; interested upper—level undergraduates through faculty/researchers. * Choice *. . . Prothero's new book has the advantage of something for everyone. . . . A specialist can read it for a fine overview of many aspects of life throughout the age of mammals; a general reader will get the same overview, plus an introduction to a great many new topics to research further. This is about the most readable volume imaginable . . . * Reports of the National Center for Science Education *Table of ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgments1. Introduction2. The End of the Dinosaurs?3. Brave New World: The Paleocene4. Dawn of the Recent: The Eocene5. The Icehouse Cometh: The Oligocene6. The Savanna Story: The Miocene7. The World in Transition: The Pliocene8. Ice Time: The Pleistocene9. Our Interglacial: The HoloceneBibliographyIndex

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Book SynopsisA glorious wedding of science and art that celebrates the remarkable diversity of the life of the not-so-distant past.Trade ReviewThis book provides a unique review of the many unusual and nearly worldwide occurrences of sabertooths and their relatives over more than 50 million years. Though geared to the general public, it is also useful for professional paleontologists. . . . In sum, a useful survey of the literature and introduction to the overall biology of these dynamic animals. * Choice *Mauricio Antón is well known in the paleontological community for his amazing artwork, and his new book Sabertooth certainly doesn't disappoint. . . . This book not only features awe-inspiring paleoart, it is also a scholarly review of the primary literature that can be used as a professional reference. However, this should not dissuade the amateur paleontologist from reading this book, because Antón does a great job of explaining difficult concepts and making this material accessible to a broad audience.Table of ContentsPreface1. What is a Sabertooth?2. The Ecology of Sabertooths3. A "Who's Who" of Sabertooths4. Sabertooths as Living Predators5. ExtinctionsSuggested ReadingIndex

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Book SynopsisIn a remote valley near the BC-Alaska border lives a remarkable group of grizzly bears who have never learned to fear humans. When logging threatened this valley, people from all over the world joined a battle to save the bears. In 1994, their efforts paid off with the establishment of the Khutzymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, one of the world''s most important protected wildlife areas. Dan Wakeman, a core member of the Save the Khutzymateen campaign, was one of only two guides licensed to take visitors into the heart of this ecological reserve. Photographer Wendy Shymanski, who worked with Dan for many years, amassed a folio of exquisite colour photographs of the bears in this special part of the world. In Fortress of the Grizzlies, these avid naturalists share what they have learned and seen during years of respectful interaction with this community of grizzlies.

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Book SynopsisThis guide provides descriptions of when the bat species resident in Britain and Ireland use natural and human-made rock habitats, how they use them, and the environments each species occupies therein. For the first time it brings together findings from historical scientific investigations, useful photographic accounts and open-access biological records, along with a rich seam of new data – all in a practical and user-friendly structure. The book encompasses: ~ Descriptions of the features that a climber, caver or professional ecologist might encounter on and in rock habitats where bats roost. ~ Recording criteria for both the physical and environmental attributes of different features and situations. ~ Identification of suitability thresholds against which the recorded information can be compared to assess the likelihood that a specific feature might be exploited by a particular bat species. ~ Suggestions for how to avoid mistakes and difficulties when performing a survey. The intention is that using this book will help generate standardised biological records which can feed into the fully accessible online database at www.batrockhabitatkey.co.uk. These data will be analysed to search for patterns that can increase the confidence in the suitability thresholds and help build roost features that deliver the environment each species really needs. As well as offering many new insights, this book allows the reader to participate in cutting-edge research.Trade ReviewAn invaluable aid to ecologists, conservationists, bat biologists, and citizen scientists seeking to increase our overall understanding of the roosting habits of various bat species. -- Danny A. Brass * The Underground Movement, The National Speleological Society *Cavers with the slightest interest in bats are likely to be fascinated by some of the detail revealed in Bat Roosts in Rock. -- Descent magazine...an invaluable tool for studying different rock roost features. Not being a bat biology book, it offers a new and refreshing view of the way conservationists study bat roosts, and it will surely ignite new curiosity in both junior and senior bat researchers. -- Journal of Bat Research and Conservation

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Book SynopsisWhat makes a mammal a mammal? The answer is more complicated than you think!I, Mammal is a history of mammals and their ancestors and of how science came to grasp mammalian evolution. After a misdirected football left new father Liam Drew clutching a uniquely mammalian part of his anatomy, he decided to find out more. Considering himself as a mammal first and a human second, Liam delves into ancient biological history to understand what it means to be mammalian.In his humorous and engaging style, Liam explores the different characteristics that distinguish mammals from other types of animals. He charts the evolution of milk, warm blood and burgeoning brains, and examines the emergence of sophisticated teeth, exquisite ears, and elaborate reproductive biology, plus a host of other mammalian innovations. Entwined are tales of zoological peculiarities and reflections on how being a mammal has shaped the author''s life. In celebrating our mammalian-Trade ReviewA splendid evolutionary study ... Drew is a wry guide to wonders such as the evolution of the scrotum and the epic journey of marsupial newborns. -- NatureAn excellent combination of scientific principle and comedic wit that will appeal to biology fans and non-scientists alike. An excellent read. * How It Works *A witty romp through evolution ... I, Mammal is just the sort of book that can spark a love of nature and an appreciation for the ever-changing, eternally correcting march of science. * Science *Quotable, heartfelt and frequently fun. * The Biologist *Drew's immersion makes one proud to be a mammal. * Booklist *Drew vividly conveys the excitement of scientific discovery [and] combines detailed technical information with interesting natural-history tidbits. There's much to be savoured by scientists and nonscientists alike. * Publishers Weekly *From ice-sliding bison and tail-biting platypuses to cats and bats, hedgehogs and hooded seals, I, Mammal will change the way you think about hairy, milk-making, warm-blooded animals (yourself included). This carnival of mammals is science writing at its most funny, companionable and smart. -- Helen Scales, marine biologist, broadcaster and author of Spirals in TimeNot only fun and instructive but also wonderfully written, I, Mammal takes us on an erudite journey through mammalian evolution. Liam Drew effortlessly weaves science together with all manner of often very funny anecdotes. Reading it will be a pleasure for scientists and non-specialists alike. -- René Hen, Professor of Neuroscience and Psychiatry, Columbia UniversityTable of ContentsIntroduction: My Family and Other Mammals Chapter 1 : The Descent of Man(’s Gonads) Chapter 2 : Life on the Edge of Mammaldom Chapter 3 : Y, I’m Male Chapter 4 : The Mammalian Birds and Bees Chapter 5 : The Next Generation Chapter 6 : Afterbirth Before Birth Chapter 7 : The Milky Way Chapter 8 : Kids, Behave! Chapter 9 : Bones, Teeth, Genes and Trees Chapter 10 : It’s Getting Hot in Here, Put Your Coat On Chapter 11 : Scents and Sensibility Chapter 12 : A Multilayered Brain Teaser Chapter 13 : This Mammalian Life Afterword: Mammals Selected Reading Acknowledgement Index

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Book SynopsisBears have fascinated people since ancient times. The relationship between bears and humans dates back thousands of years, during which time we have also competed with bears for shelter and food. In modern times, bears have come under pressure through encroachment on their habitats, climate change, and illegal trade in their body parts, including the Asian bear bile market. The IUCN lists six bears as vulnerable or endangered, and even the least concern species, such as the brown bear, are at risk of extirpation in certain countries. The poaching and international trade of these most threatened populations are prohibited, but still ongoing. Covering all bears species worldwide, this beautifully illustrated volume brings together the contributions of 200 international bear experts on the ecology, conservation status, and management of the Ursidae family. It reveals the fascinating long history of interactions between humans and bears and the threats affecting these charismatic species.Trade Review'The quality of the information and the general conciseness of the text make this long overdue book a thoroughly enjoyable read … Bears of the World fills a much needed niche in providing an expert overview of accurate, relevant, up‐to‐date, and highly readable information. As the only complete reference work on this subject, its value is immense for professionals in the field of bear ecology and management, and for interested naturalists and conservationists.' Jean‐Pierre d'Huart, The Journal of Wildlife Management'This is a professional job throughout, including excellent photos, maps, and other illustrations … Highly recommended.' D. A. Lovejoy, CHOICETable of ContentsPart I. Systematic, Ecology and Behaviour: 1. Systematic, evolution and genetic of bears; 2. Mating strategies; 3. Interspecific interactions between brown bears, ungulates and other large carnivores; 4. Adaptations and Competitive Interactions of Tropical Asian Bear Species Define Their Biogeography: Past, Present, and Future; 5. Remarkable adaptations of the American black bear help explain why it is the most common bear: a long-term study from the centre of its range; Part II. Species Accounts: 6. Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca); 7. Andean Bear (Tremarctos ornatus); 8. Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus); 9. Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus); 10. Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus); 11. American Black Bear (Ursus americanus); 12. Brown Bear (Ursus arctos; Eurasia); 13. Brown Bear (Ursus arctos; North America); 14. Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus); Part III. Human – Bear Coexistence: 15. Human–Bear Conflicts at the Beginning of the Twenty-First Century: Patterns, Determinants, and Mitigation Measures; 16. Principles of Human–Bear Conflict Management in Challenging Environments; 17. Patterns of bear attacks on humans, factors triggering risky scenarios and how to reduce them; 18. Effects of human disturbance on brown bear behavior; 19. Bears in human-dominated landscapes: The case studies of the Cantabrian, Apennine and Pindos Mountains; Part IV. Conservation and Management: 20. Conservation and management of bears; 21. How is climate change affecting polar bears and giant pandas?; 22. Managing for inter-population connectivity of the world's bear species; 23. Ex-situ conservation of bears: Roles, status and management; 24. The Challenge of Brown Bear Management in Hokkaido, Japan; 25. Potential ecological corridors for remnant Asiatic black bear populations and its subpopulations linked to management units in Japan; 26. Captive bears in Asia: Implications for animal welfare and conservation; 27. Human Dimensions of Asiatic Black Bear Conflicts and Management in Japan; 28. Ecological and social dimensions of sloth bear conservation in Sri Lanka.

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Book SynopsisInterested in the origins of the species? Consider the Platypus uses pets such as dogs and cats as well as animal outliers like the axolotl and naked mole rat to wittily tackle mind-bending concepts about how evolution, biology, and genetics work.

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Book SynopsisA lone wild wolf lives on a small group of uninhabited islands in British Columbias Salish Sea, surrounded by freighter, oil tanker and other boat traffic and in close proximity to a large urban area. His name is Takaya, which is the Coast Salish First Nations peoples word for wolf. Cheryl Alexander studied and documented this unique wolf for years, unravelling the many mysteries surrounding his life. Her documentation of Takayas journey, his life on the islands and the development of their deep connection is presented alongside a stunning collection of her photography. Through journal entries, interviews, and photographs, Takaya: Lone Wolf tells a story that is certain to inspire, enlighten, and touch the heart. It is the story of a wild animal, alone yet at peace.

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Book SynopsisHero or villain? Few animals divide opinion like the Red Fox. This most successful of the world''s wild canids has lived alongside people from time immemorial. Celebrated by some for its resourcefulness and lush pelt, reviled by others for plundering chicken runs and overturning bins, it has worked its way deep into Western. Behind the folklore and tabloid headlines, however, lies a remarkable natural history success story. In Spotlight: Foxes Mike Unwin explores how the Red Fox''s versatility has allowed it to thrive across the northern hemisphere, from desert and mountain to farmland and urban jungle. This informative book covers all aspects of the Red Fox biology and lifestyle, including hunting and caching food, defending a territory, raising a litter and communication strategies. Finally, it examines the complex, often troubled relationship that the Fox has enjoyed and both endured with humankind, and suggests what the future might hold. The Spotlight series Table of ContentsMeet the Red Fox Ancestors and Relatives Grabbing a Bite Passing It On Getting Along Dangers and Disease City Slickers Foxes and People Watching Foxes Glossary Further Reading and Resources Image Credits Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisA lavish volume in celebration of the astonishing fossils uncovered in Abu Dhabi’s deserts, a region once lush, green, and teeming with now-extinct animals This lavish volume celebrates the astonishing wealth of fossils uncovered in recent decades in Abu Dhabi’s desert. These prehistoric findings, around seven million years in age, record a period when the region was lush, green, and teeming with diverse mammals, all now extinct. With more than one hundred full-color photographs, including reconstructions of extinct animals, this book is both a visual delight and a unique glimpse into Arabia’s ancient past. All text in the book is presented in both English and Arabic.Distributed for the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History

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Book SynopsisAn introduction to the biology, behaviour and classification of bats.

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Book SynopsisFully updated and with completely reworked text and images, this is the Fourth Edition of the acclaimed The Mammals of Australia. Strahan''s Mammals of Australia is the best book available on the subject, being the most definitive, comprehensive and up-to-date. It provides a written account of every species of native mammal known to have existed in Australia since European settlement, with 403 species covered in total. It is beautifully illustrated with more than 1,500 colour photographs, while each species account includes a detailed description of the animal and its behaviour. Species covered range from marsupials, monotremes and rodents through to bats, seals and whales.The new edition sees the addition of 14 newly described species and includes all the latest taxonomic treatments and many changes to names (common and scientific) and other features that have been accepted in the 14 years that have passed since the publication of the Third Edit

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Book SynopsisAn essential guide to assist those surveying for water voles, whether as a professional ecological consultant, a researcher or simply an interested amateur. This book provides detailed descriptions of all the habitats used by water voles, including ideal habitats as well as less typical places, with annotated photos to help the surveyor home in on just the right areas to look. It also contains a comprehensive photographic reference guide to assist in the correct identification of water vole field signs, and explains how to distinguish them from those of similar species. Tips on where and how to search for field signs are also provided, along with guidance on how best to record survey data.Trade ReviewThe book is very much my type of book and it will make a great reference addition to my office bookshelf. All too often in my opinion, photographs get a back seat in ecology related literature... nothing beats a book that the field based individual such as me can relate to. -- Simon Booth, photographer and professional ecologistTable of ContentsAcknowledgements 1. Introduction A bit of background Personal experience Legal protection in the UK Competence 2. Habitat Where do you find water voles? What does ‘ideal’ habitat for water voles look like? Habitat requirements Dry areas for burrows or above-ground nests Herbaceous vegetation as food and cover Water How to assess likely value of habitat Water voles in terrestrial habitat 3. What does a water vole look like? 4. Looking for field signs Different field signs When to search Where to search How to search Other factors to consider Health, safety and biosecurity 5. Droppings and latrines Characteristics of water vole droppings Latrines How many droppings constitute a latrine? What can latrines tell us? Terrestrial, or fossorial, water voles Rat droppings Field vole and bank vole droppings DNA analysis 6. Feeding remains 7. Burrows Characteristics of ‘active’ water vole burrows Burrows of similar species Detailed examination of burrows 8. Nests 9. Other field signs Footprints Runs through the vegetation 10. Other species Droppings Footprints 11. Recording the information What information needs to be recorded? How to record the information What happens next? Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisAn exploration of the mysterious Scottish Wildcat--Britain''s rarest mammal, and one of the most endangered carnivores in the world.These cats are fierce and very wild--completely untameable. Just like domestic cats prowling in the garden, wildcats hunt for a wide range of prey, from mice and voles to grouse, rabbits and red squirrels. Their kittens are born in March, and quickly begin to learn key hunting skills. Wildcats have endured centuries of habitat loss; they have been hunted for fur and been killed as vermin, and are threatened by inbreeding with domestic moggies, along with other issues such as disease and vehicle collisions.In this book, Marianne Taylor--author of the award-winning Way of the Hare-- seeks out the beautiful and enigmatic Scottish Wildcat in a rich narrative interwoven with what we know about the cat''s biology and history in Britain. The Highland Tiger is a great read for anyone with an interest in BritaiTrade ReviewThere is some intriguing material about the folklore around the Scottish wildcat... The material on the difference between cats and dogs [...] is fascinating. -- Stuart Kelly * Scotland on Sunday *In part, Taylor's book charts a journey across Scotland tracking "the Highland tiger" and in part it's a reflection on the wildcat's cultural significance and what needs to be done to save it. -- Patrick Galbraith * The Times *Table of ContentsPrologue - gatita fiera 1. A Cat in Context - evolution, relationship 2. Wild Tales - myth and legend Trip 1: Speyside, 2013 3. Born to Kill - biology of cats and wildcats Trip 2: Ardnamurchan, 2013 4. Life Unseen - how wildcats live Trip 3: Speyside, 2014 5. A Bloody History - humans and wildcats in conflict Trip 4: Speyside and Beyond, 2015 6. Of Cats Tame and Wild - wildcats and domestic cats Trip 5: Ardanmurchan, 2016 7. Salvage Operation - conservation efforts to date Trip 6: Speyside, 2018 8. An Uncertain Future - population, projects Acknowledgements Further Information Index

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Book SynopsisOtters by Nicola Chester is an accessible and lively account of an intriguing and much-loved animal that, surprisingly, is still endangered and rarely seen despite a recent resurgence that has seen it expand from the remote countryside into our cities.Nicola's charming, informed text brings this elusive and exciting mammal into sharper focus revealing what an otter is, and how they live, feed, play and breed. Nicola reflects on how otters exist in our imaginations culturally and how that has changed over the years. She also examines the many challenges otters have faced, exposing what brought them to the brink of extinction, and explores the challenges we face in trying to find and watch otters in the wild.Each Spotlight title is carefully designed to introduce readers to the lives and behaviour of our favourite birds and mammals.Trade ReviewA slim, stylish volume. * Scotland Outdoors *Table of Contents1) Meet the Otter 2) A Riverine Life 3) Family Play 4) Tarka 5) Mij and Mouse 6) Threats 7) Conservation 8) Spotting an Otter 9) Salty dogs 10) An Ottery Glossary Index

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Book SynopsisA definitive account of the bright-eyed assassins of the British countryside.Stoats, weasels, martens and polecats belong to the mustelid family, along with badgers and otters, and feral American mink, which are a recent addition to the UK countryside, following escapes and releases from fur farms.This new volume in the New Naturalist Library focuses on the four small mustelids', all highly specialised predators, ubiquitous assassins to be marvelled at. There is a family likeness, the rather pointed snout, powerful jaws and sharp fangs and the long sinuous slender body with short legs. These small mustelids are also possessed of dense fur, which once led to their being hunted nearly to extinction. Some can kill prey larger than themselves, in some cases much larger, and they are uniquely adapted to hunt their rodent prey. They also have extraordinary lives some in total seclusion, some in large, related groups now brought into the light by one of the UK's leading small mustelid experts.Dr Jenny MacPherson, who managed the Pine Marten Recovery Project for England and Wales, introduces readers to Britain's small mustelid species in delightfully rich text, covering the animals' physiology, daily lives and distribution, as well as their significance in UK history and folklore. And she shares her experiences from the forefront of the work to conserve these amazing animals.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"In this exquisite, data-rich volume, the lack of evolu\tionary context is the outstanding omission. The summaries of osteological-soft tissue correlates make this book a prime source of information for paleocetologists." --Ameghiniana "...an excellent guide to dolphin anatomy, with a foray into general physiology and function…an outstanding resource for anyone interested in cetacean biology."--Journal of the American Veterinary Medical AssociationTable of Contents1. Natural history and relationships of dolphins: short history of dolphin anatomical research 2. General appearance and hydrodynamics (including skin anatomy) 3. Locomotion (including osteology and myology) 4. Diving (breathing, respiration and circulatory system) 5. Head and senses (including nervous system, and communication mechanisms) 6. Inner body control 7. Feeding and digestive system 8. Genital systems, reproduction and development 9. Urinary system and water balance 10. Neurobiology and evolution of dolphins

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Book SynopsisTable of Contents1. Methods2. Histology3. Preparation of Images and Drawings4. Coronal, Sagittal, Horizontal Planes5. Nomenclature and Abbreviations6. The Basis of Delineation of Structures7. Index of Structures8. Index of Abbreviations9. Figures

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Book SynopsisThis unique synthesis uses examples from a diverse and expanding carnivoran literature, drawing from all carnivoran families and spanning the world's oceans and continents, to produce a clearly written and richly illustrated book that reviews our current state of knowledge of carnivoran ecology.Table of Contents1: Introduction 2: Functional morphology 3: Evolution and historical biogeography 4: Physiological ecology 5: Sensory biology and neuroanatomy 6: Community ecology 7: Interactions with non-prey animals 8: Interactions with prey 9: Cascades 10: Population ecology 11: How carnivorans affect humans 12: How humans affect carnivorans Appendix I List of extant carnivoran species Appendix II List of non-carnivoran species mentioned

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Book SynopsisThis comprehensive introduction to the biology of bats offers a summary of the large body of information about bats that the scientific community has amassed over the years. Gerhard Neuweiler, a leading, internationally recognized expert in the field, assesses the most current information available about physiological systems, ecology, and phylogeny of bats, as well as the biology of mammals in general. The book also features a thorough discussion of echolocation, a topic currently under intense scrutiny. The broad physiological perspective will allow the book to accompany regionally specific studies of bats. With examples taken from European and neotropical species, as well as North American species, this useful volume documents what is currently known about this highly successful and fascinating order of mammals.Trade Review"First published in German, this fine translation makes a wealth of information more readily available to biologists. Reviews functional anatomy, circulatory and respiratory systems, diet and digestion, aerodynamics, central nervous system, echolocation, vision, olfaction, reproduction and development, ecology, phylogeny, systematics, and more. Unusually comprehensive in its presentation of information. Suggested references listed at the end of each chapter. Well-suited as a textbook." -- Northeastern Naturalist, 2000 "First published in German, this fine translation makes a wealth of information more readily available to biologists. Reviews functional anatomy, circulatory and respiratory systems, diet and digestion, aerodynamics, central nervous system, echolocation, vision, olfaction, reproduction and development, ecology, phylogeny, systematics, and more. Unusually comprehensive in its presentation of information. Suggested references listed at the end of each chapter. Well-suited as a textbook." -- Northeastern Naturalist, 2000Table of Contents1. Functional anatomy and locomotion ; 2. The circulatory and respiratory systems ; 3. Heat and water balance ; 4. Diet, digestion, and energy balance ; 5. Central nervous system ; 6. Echolocation ; 7. Vision, olfaction, and taste ; 8. Reproduction and development ; 9. Ecology ; 10. Phylogeny and systematics

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Book SynopsisThe Living Elephants is the authoritative resource for information on both Asian and African elephants. From the ancient origins of the proboscideans to the present-day crisis of the living elephants, this volume synthesizes the behavior, ecology and conservation of elephants, while covering also the history of human interactions with elephants, all within the theoretical framework of evolutionary biology. The book begins with a survey of the 60-million year evolutionary history of the proboscideans emphasizing the role of climate and vegetation change in giving rise to a bewildering array of species, but also discussing the possible role of humans in the late Pleistocene extinction of mastodonts and mammoths. The latest information on the molecular genetics of African and Asian elephants and its taxonomic implications are then presented. The rise of the elephant culture in Asia, and its early demise in Africa are traced along with an original interpretation of this unique animal-human relationship. The book then moves on to the social life of elephants as it relates to reproductive strategies of males and females, development of behavior in young, communication, ranging patterns, and societal organization. The foraging strategies of elephants, their impact on the vegetation and landscape are then discussed. The dynamics of elephant populations in relation to hunting for ivory and their population viability are described with the aid of mathematical models. A detailed account of elephant-human interactions includes a treatment of crop depredation by elephants in relation to their natural ecology, manslaughter by elephants, habitat manipulation by humans, and a history of the ivory trade and poaching in the two continents. The ecological information is brought together in the final chapter to formulate a set of pragmatic recommendations for the long-term conservation of elephants. The broadest treatment of the subject yet undertaken, by one of the leading workers in the field, Raman Sukumar, the book promises to bring the understanding of elephants to a new level. It should be of interest not only to biologists but also a broader audience including field ecologists, wildlife administrators, historians, conservationists and all those interested in elephants and their future.Trade Review'It is almost 25 years since he started his work with elephants, but his enthusiasm for pachyderms has obviously not dimmed. When he talks about elephants, he captivates everyone with his excitement: facts, figures and elephant anecdotes fly out of his mouth with no discernible pauses for breath.' * The Guardian *Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Preface 1: Moeritheres, Mastodonts, and Mammoths: Elephant Evolution in Action 2: Elephants, Gods, and People: The Interrelationship of Culture and Ecology 3: Bulls, Musth and Cows: The Elephantine Mating Game 4: Mothers, Children and Aunts: The Social Life of Elephant Families 5: Bamboos, Bark and Bananas: The Diet of a Megaherbivore 6: Forests, Fires and Grasslands: The Impact of Elephants On Their Habitats 7: Birth, Death and Chance: The Dynamics of Elephant Populations 8: Coconuts, Corn and Carvings: The Conflict Between Elephants and People 9: Science, Politics and Pragmatism: Conserving the Elephant Populations Appendix I: Status and Distribution of Elephants Appendix II: Statural Growth in Elephants Notes References

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Book SynopsisThe Vestibular System is an integrative look at the vestibular system and the neurobiology of balance.Trade ReviewCompelling and timely, this book offers a comprehensive and authoritative survey of current vestibular science... an outstanding reference that will likely find its way into the offices of basic scientists and clinicians alike... The authors have done a wonderful job of consolidating a broad body of current knowledge into a readable book. I highly recommend this to anyone seeking to refine their knowledge of the vestibular system. * Doody's Notes, June 2013 *Table of ContentsI. Introduction ; Chapter 1- The Vestibular System in Everyday Life ; 1.1 Overview of the vestibular system ; 1.2 Visual acuity and the vestibulo-ocular reflex ; 1.3 Air-righting reflex in the cat ; 1.4 Post-rotational reactions ; 1.5 Positional alcohol nystagmus (PAN) ; 1.6 Motion sickness ; 1.7 Vection illusions ; 1.8 The subjective visual vertical ; 1.9 Adaptive plasticity ; 1.10 Path finding and spatial orientation ; 1.11 Postural control ; 1.12 Summary ; 1.13 Selected readings ; II. Peripheral Vestibular System ; Chapter 2 - Structure of the Vestibular Labyrinth ; 2.1 Gross and microscopic anatomy ; 2.2 Fine structure of the sensory regions ; Hair cells ; Supporting cells ; Transitional regions ; 2.3 Regional variations in cellular architecture and afferent innervation ; Cristae ampullares ; Utricular macula ; Saccular macula ; 2.4 Efferent innervation ; 2.5 Summary ; 2.6 Selected readings ; Chapter 3- Hair Cell Transduction ; 3.1 Mechanoelectric transduction ; 3.2 Basolateral currents ; 3.3 Neurotransmitter release and presynaptic calcium ; channels ; Calcium channels ; Neurotransmitter release. ; 3.4 Postsynaptic mechanisms ; 3.5 Synaptic transmission involving type I hair cells ; 3.6 Spike encoding ; 3.7 Efferent neurotransmission ; 3.8 Summary ; 3.9 Selected readings ; Chapter 4- Physiology of the Vestibular Organs ; 4.1 General features of the vestibular organs ; Vestibular organs are inertial sensors ; Resting discharge ; Discharge regularity ; Information transmission ; 4.2 Semicircular canals ; Directional properties ; Macromechanics and the torsion-pendulum model ; Interspecies variations and canal dimensions ; Afferent response dynamics ; Variations in gain and phase ; Afferent morphology and physiology ; Dynamic range of afferent discharge ; 4.3 Otolith organs ; Directional properties ; Macromechanics and the otoconial membrane ; Afferent response dynamics ; Dynamic range of afferent discharge ; Variations in gain and phase ; Afferent morphology and physiology ; 4.4 Summary ; 4.5 Selected readings ; Chapter 5- The Efferent Vestibular System ; 5.1 Comparative anatomy of central efferent pathways ; 5.2 Responses of afferents to electrical stimulation of ; EVS ; Mammals. ; Non-mammals ; 5.3 Responses of efferents to natural stimulation ; 5.4 Efferent-mediated responses of afferents ; 5.5 Possible functions of efferents in mammals ; 5.6 Summary ; III. Central Vestibular System ; Chapter 6 - Neuroanatomy of Central Vestibular Pathways ; 6.1 Introduction ; 6.2 The vestibular nuclei: subdivisions and anatomical ; organization ; Medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) ; Lateral vestibular nucleus (LVN) ; Superior vestibular nucleus (SVN) ; Descending vestibular nucleus (DVN) ; y group ; Interstitial nucleus of the vestibular nerve (INT8) ; Associated cell groups (z, x, f, l,m) ; Projection and intrinsic neurons ; Connections with the ipsilateral vestibular nerve ; Commissural pathways ; 6.3 Vestibulo-ocular and optokinetic systems ; Semicircular canal projections to oculomotor neurons ; Otolith projections to oculomotor neurons ; Nucleus prepositus hypoglossi (NPH) ; Interstitial nucleus of Cajal (INC) ; Reticular formation ; Optokinetic pathways ; 6.4 Vestibulospinal systems ; Medial vestibulospinal tract (MVST) ; Lateral vestibulospinal tract (LVST) ; Vestibulo-ocular cervical pathways (VOC) ; Other vestibulospinal tracts ; Spinal projections to the vestibular nuclei ; 6.5 Vestibulocerebellar relations ; Basic circuitry ; Vestibular projections to the cerebellum ; Prepositus nucleus ; Projections from the deep cerebellar nuclei to the ; vestibular nuclei ; Projections from the cerebellar cortex to the vestibular ; nuclei ; Cerebellar cortical modules ; Lateral reticular nucleus ; Vestibulo-paramedian tract projections ; 6.6 Vestibulo-autonomic connections ; 6.7 Vestibular connections with the neocortex ; 6.8 Pathways involving the hippocampal formation ; 6.9 Summary ; 6.10 Selected readings ; 6.11 List of abbreviations ; Chapter 7 -Synaptic Mechanisms in the Vestibular Nuclei ; 7.1 Historical perspective ; 7.2 Basic circuitry of the vestibular nuclei ; Ipsilateral vestibular nerve inputs ; Commissural connections ; 7.3 Neurotransmitters in the vestibular nuclei ; Transmission between the vestibular nerve and secondary ; neurons ; Transmission within the vestibular nucleus ; Output pathways of the vestibular nuclei ; 7.4 Properties of individual neurons ; Resting discharge ; 7.5 Central projections of regular and irregular afferents ; Electrophysiological studies ; Functional ablation of irregular afferents ; 7.6 Convergence from separate vestibular organs ; Convergence from separate vestibular organs ; Canal-canal convergence ; Otolith-otolith convergence ; Spatio-temporal convergence ; Canal-otolith convergence ; Convergence from somatosensory receptors ; 7.7 Summary ; 7.8 Selected readings ; IV. Vestibulo-ocular and Vestibulopinal Mechanisms ; Chapter 8 - An Oculomotor Tutorial ; 8.1 Overview and classification of eye movement types ; 8.2 Ocular structure and functional implications ; The extraocular eye muscles. ; Mechanics of the oculomotor plant ; Oculomotor motoneuron discharge. ; Plant mechanics and premotor control. ; 8.3 Gaze Redirection ; Saccades ; Smooth pursuit ; Vergence ; 8.4 Gaze Stabilization ; Vestibulo-ocular reflexes. ; Optokinetic system. ; 8. 5 Interactions between eye and head movements ; 8.6 Summary ; 8.7 Selected readings ; Chapter 9 -Vestibulo-ocular Reflexes ; 9.1. Semicircular-canal related angular VOR (AVOR) ; General properties of the canal-related AVOR. ; AVOR during high frequency rotations. ; AVOR at low frequencies - velocity storage. ; AVOR-visual interactions: the optokinetic system. ; AVOR in three-dimensions. ; 9.2. Otolith-ocular reflexes ; Tilt VOR. ; Otolith influences on the AVOR during off-vertical axis ; rotations (OVAR). ; Otolith influences on the AVOR during canal/otolith ; conflict. ; Translational VOR (TVOR). ; Optic flow during translation. ; Visual mechanisms for short latency visual compensation ; during translation. ; Distinguishing tilts from translations. ; Differences between the AVOR and the TVOR. ; Functional differences: Foveal rather than full-field image ; stabilization. ; Dependence on viewing distance and eye position. ; Response latency and neural pathways. ; Comparative adaptation ; 9.3 Summary ; 9.4 Selected readings ; Chapter 10-The Vestibulospinal System and Postural Control ; 10.1. Reflexes versus multisensory strategies ; 10.2 Multisensory strategies ; 10.3. Vestibular reflexes: general considerations ; 10.4 Vestibulocollic reflexes ; The angular VCR. ; The linear VCR evoked by translation and tilts. ; The cervicocollic reflex ; 10.5. Control systems analysis of the head-neck plant. ; Head plant. ; Vestibulocollic reflex. ; The cervicocollic reflex ; Reflex interactions. ; Use of control systems models ; 10.6. Vestibulospinal and neck reflexes acting on the ; limbs ; Spatial and temporal properties of the reflexes. ; Afferent origin of the reflexes ; Neural substrate of the reflexes. ; Vestibulospinal actions on hindlimb motoneurons. ; Vestibulospinal actions on forelimb motoneurons. ; Tonic neck reflexes. ; 10.7 Summary ; 10.8 Selected readings ; V. Signal Processing in Alert Animals ; Chapter 11- Signal Processing in Vestibular Nuclei of Alert ; Animals During Natural Behaviors ; 11.1 Introduction ; 11.2 Classes of neurons in head-restrained, alert monkeys ; Position-vestibular-pause (PVP) neurons. ; Vestibular-only (VO) and vestibular-pause cells. ; Eye-head (EH) neurons. ; Burst-tonic (BT) neurons. ; 11.3 Dynamics of neuronal responses ; Frequency response during sinusoidal rotations ; Response linearity ; Velocity storage ; 11.4 Response to linear translations in alert ; head-restrained monkeys ; Distinguishing translational from tilt. ; 11.5 Interactions with the oculomotor pathways that control ; pursuit eye movements ; 11.6 Integration of inputs from vestibular and optokinetic ; pathways ; VN modulation during the OKR ; Optokinetic pathways to the VN. ; 11.7 Integration of vestibular and proprioceptive inputs ; 11.8 Differential processing of active versus passive head ; movements ; Neuronal responses during active versus passive head ; movement. ; Mechanisms for the differential processing of ; actively-generated versus passive head movement. ; 11.9 Vestibular processing depends on current gaze ; strategy. ; Vestibular processing during voluntary gaze shifts. ; Vestibular processing during visual tracking; VOR ; cancellation and eye-head pursuit. ; Vestibular processing during near versus far viewing. ; 11.10 Summary ; 11.11 Selected readings ; Chapter 12 - The Cerebellum and the Vestibular System ; 12. 1 Overview of signal processing in the cerebellum ; The basic cerebellar circuit ; Vestibular inputs are specific to localized regions of the ; cerebellum ; 12.2 Nodulus and Ventral Uvula ; Mossy fiber inputs. ; Climbing fiber inputs. ; Efferent connections. ; Neuronal responses ; Lesions and function. ; 12.3 Flocculus and ventral paraflocculus ; Mossy fiber inputs. ; Climbing fiber inputs ; Efferent projections of the flocculus. ; Differences between the flocculus and ventral ; paraflocculus ; Neuronal responses. ; Complex spikes: ; Simple spikes. ; Changes in neuronal responses following VOR learning ; Lesions and function ; Lesions studies emphasize the role of the flocculus in VOR ; Adaptation and motor learning ; 12.4 The Vermis of the Anterior and Posterior Lobes ; 12.5 The Deep Cerebellar Nuclei ; Fastigial Nucleus. ; Rostral fastigial nucleus ; Caudal fastigial nucleus ; The interposed nuclei. ; Dentate nuclei. ; 12.6 Summary ; 12.7 Selected Readings ; VI..Functional Considerations ; Chapter 13 - Learning and Compensation in the Vestibular ; System ; 13.1 Motor learning in the vestibulo-ocular reflex ; The adaptive capabilities of the VOR. ; Signal flow in the VOR network. ; Rules for the VOR and motor learning. ; Possible sites of motor learning: cerebellum versus brain ; stem ; Evidence for sites of learning and memory. ; Possible cellular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity ; Cerebellar mechanisms ; Brain stem mechanisms ; Consolidation of VOR motor memory ; Generalization: can learning be applied to new situations? ; 13.2. Compensation for vestibular damage ; Uninilateral labyrinthectomy ; Activity in the vestibular nuclei following ; labyrinthectomy ; Cellular mechanisms of compensation in the vestibular ; nuclei ; The role of the cerebellum in compensation ; 13.3 Summary ; 13.4 Selected readings ; Chapter 14-Cortical Representations of Vestibular ; Information ; 14.1. Introduction ; 14.2. Historical Perspective ; 14.3. Multiple representations of vestibular signals in the ; cerebral cortex. ; Visuomotor areas in frontal cortex. ; Extrastriate visual cortex (MSTd). ; Ventral intraparietal (VIP) area ; Parieto-insular vestibular cortex (PIVC), area 2v and area ; 3a ; 14.4. Ascending vestibular pathways through the thalamus ; 14.5 Descending cortical information affecting vestibular ; responsiveness in the vestibular nuclei ; 14.6. Vestibular influences in the head direction circuit of ; the limbic system ; 14.7 Summary ; 14.8 Selected readings ; Chapter 15-Reference Frames Used in the Coding Vestibular ; Information ; 15.1. Definitions of coordinate systems and reference ; frames ; 15.2. Head- versus body-centered reference frames: ; Vestibular/neck proprioceptive interactions ; 15.3. Head- versus eye-centered reference frames for ; self-motion perception: vestibular/visual interactions in ; extrastriate visual cortex ; 15.4. Head- versus world-centered reference frames: ; Canal/otolith convergence for inertial motion detection ; 15.5 Computational solution for the two ambiguities of peripheral ; vestibular sensors ; The rotation problem: allocentric coding of angular velocity ; The linear acceleration problem: evidence for segregation of ; tilt and translation ; Tilt-translation exceptions ; VII. Clinical Disorders ; Chapter 16- Clinical Manifestations of Vestibular ; Dysfunction ; 16.1 Prevalence and impact of vestibular disorders ; 16.2 Diagnosis of vestibular disorders ; 16.3 Planes of individual canals and direction of eye ; movements ; Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo ; Positional alcohol nystagmus ; Superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome ; 16.4 Recovery of the horizontal VOR after unilateral ; labyrinthectomy ; 16.5 Multisensory control of posture ; 16.6 Disorders of otolith function ; 16.7 Clinical tests of vestibular function ; Caloric test ; Rotational chair tests ; Quantitative evaluation of the VOR evoked by rapid head ; movements ; Vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) ; 16.7 Future directions ; Hair-cell regeneration ; Vestibular prosthesis ; 16.8 Summary ; 16.9 Selected readings

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Book SynopsisField naturalists have observed the activities of weasels for centuries. Their descriptions were often accurate but sometimes misinterpreted the animals'' behaviors and underlying explanations for those behaviors. Organized natural history became one of the roots of the science of ecology in the 1920s and by the 1960s scientists had begun to study the biology of weasels with all the critical, objective advantages of modern theory and equipment. Until the first edition of this book appeared in 1989 no one had attempted to explain these results to non-specialist naturalists. Now thoroughly revised, this book will continue to be the main one-stop reference for professionals. But both kinds of knowledge are brought together here-- observations for the traditional naturalist and rigorous measurements and interpretations for modern scientists, integrated into a single, readable account. This new edition provides a comprehensive summary of the extensive advances over the last 15 years in ouTrade Review...provides a wide range of information on evolution, ecology, morphology, behaviour and physiology on weasels and stoats...It includes many different recent studies, from Europe (mainly Britain), New Zealand and North America. This is one of the major books on mustelids. It is also nicely illustrated. * Ge'raldine Veron Mammalia *The emphasis of this new edition has moved from a British to a N. American flavour with much to say about the booming populations of mustelids in New Zealand; still an excellent natural history book for the British ecologist. British Ecological Society 2008This is some of the best current natural history writing. * Highland News *Table of Contents1. Weaselly distinguished, stoatally different ; 2. Hair trigger mouse traps with teeth ; 3. Molt and winter whitening ; 4. Body size ; 5. Food ; 6. Hunting behavior ; 7. The impact of predation by weasels on populations of natural prey ; 8. Adjustable living spaces ; 9. Reproduction ; 10. Populations: density and breeding success ; 11. Populations: survival and mortality ; 12. Human attitudes to weasels in their native environments ; 13. Stoats as introduced pests in New Zealand ; 14. Puzzles: sexual dimorphism, delayed implantation and co-existence among weasel species ; Conclusion

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Book SynopsisThis is the only field guide to provide comprehensive coverage of the mammals of Central America and southeast Mexico. The fully revised second edition includes 21 new species, as well as updated illustrations and distribution maps. Each species account provides measurements, descriptions, and comparisons with similar species, and is accompanied by a range map showing where the species can be found in the region.The 49 full-color animal plates contain similar species portrayed to scale on the same plate, with tracks and feet shown on the facing-page. 4 new full-color maps provide visual views of parks and protected areas, biomes, elevations and habitat loss, as well as a political map of the region. The book also features a detailed introduction with sections on how and where to find mammals and a listing of the most endangered species in the region.Trade Review"This book is the very best news for anyone who is going to Central America and southeast Mexico to view or work with mammals. As a field biologist I cannot imagine a more important part of my field equipment than a really good field guide. Well, Fiona Reid's book is not just a `really good' field guid, it's excellent. . . .Invaluable. . . .I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the mammals of Central America. The coverage is simply outstanding!" --Bat Research News "This field guide is a major contribution to Central American mammalogy, field biology, and conservation as well as an essential field reference for that part of the world...Highly recommended."--Donald S. Heintzelman, Wildlife Activist "The book is generously illustrated with 48 full-colour plates and numerous line drawings. The colour plates illustrate about 85% of the 349 species in the region. All large mammals are illustrated in colour, and different forms are included when a species varies with sex, age or geographic location. Particularly impressive are the portrayals of small mammals such as bats, rodents, and marsupials, most of which were painted directly from life by the author. Designed for use both by amateur naturalists and professional biologists, this guide provides accounts for all mammals native to the land and surrounding waters of Central America and Southeast Mexico (east of the Isthmus of Tehuantapec)."--Ethology Ecology & Evolution "This book is an outstanding addition to the field guide genre for several reasons. First and foremost is that the author is an artist/naturalist who has personally captured and drawn or painted many of the small mammals described and illustrated in this book. Many of Reid's color plates sparkle with life because of her personal familiarity with dozens of species of bats and rodents. The illustrations are so realistic that one almost expects to see the ears of bats twitch and the vibrissae of rodents to wiggle! This book is worth purchasing for the 48 color plates alone. Other outstanding aspects include excellent advice about how and where to find shy, mostly nocturnal tropical mammals . . and a 17-page bibliography that provides references to much of the literature on the ecology and behavior of neotropical mammals. . . . In summary, this book makes a fascinating and diverse fauna very accessible to both amateur and professional naturalists."--The Quarterly Review of Biology Recommended on Birdkeeper's Bookcase http://sites.google.com/site/birdbookersbookcase/ "This field guide has been revised to include 21 new species of mammals (9 of which are bats). 4 new color regional maps have been added. The 49 color plates were painted by Reid. Anyone with an interest in Neotropical mammals will want this book!"--The Birdbooker ReportTable of ContentsIntroduction ; How to Find Mammals ; Studying Mammals ; The Need for Further Research ? ; Where to Find Mammals ?? ; Conservation of Mammals in Central America ?? ; American Opossums (Order Didelphimorphia, Family Didelphidae)? ? ; Anteaters andSloths(Order Pilosa) ? ; Anteaters (Families Myrmecophagidae and Cyclopedidae)? ? ; Sloths (Families Megalonychidae and Bradypodidae)? ; Armadillos (Order Cingulata, Family Dasypodidae) ?? ; Shrews (Order Soricomorpha, Family Soricidae)? ; Bats (Order Chiroptera)? ? ; Sac-winged Bats (Family Emballonuridae)? ; Fishing or Bulldog Bats (Family Noctilionidae) ? ; Leaf-chinned Bats (Family Mormoopidae)? ; Leaf-nosed Bats (Family Phyllostomidae)? ; Funnel-eared Bats (Family Natalidae)? ; Thumbless Bats (Family Furipteridae)? ; Disk-winged Bats (Family Thyropteridae)? ; Plain-nosed Bats (Family Vespertilionidae)? ; Free-tailed Bats (Family Molossidae)? ? ; Monkeys (Order Primates)? ? ; Tamarins, Capuchins and Squirrel Monkeys (Family Cebidae) ? ; Night Monkeys (Family Aotidae) ; Spider and Howler Monkeys (Family Atelidae) ?? ; Rodents (Order Rodentia)? ? ; Squirrels (Family Sciuridae)? ; Pocket Gophers (Family Geomyidae)? ? ; Kangaroo Rats and Pocket Mice (Family Heteromyidae)? ? ; Rats and Mice (Family Cricetidae) ?? ; New World Porcupines (Family Erethizontidae)? ; Capybaras (Family Caviidae)? ? ; Agoutis and Acouchis (Family Dasyproctidae) ? ; Pacas (Family Cuniculidae)? ? ; Spiny Rats and Tree Rats (Family Echimyidae)? ? ; Rabbits and Hares (Order Lagomorpha, Family Leporidae)? ? ; Carnivores (Order Carnivora)? ; Dogs and Foxes (Family Canidae)? ? ; Raccoons and Allies (Family Procyonidae) ; Weasels and Allies (Family Mustelidae) ?? ; Skunks (Family Mephitidae) ; Cats (Family Felidae) ; Manatees and Dugongs (Order Sirenia, Family Trichechidae) ?? ; Odd-Toed Ungulates (Order Perissodactyla) ? ; Tapirs (Family Tapiridae)? ? ; Even-Toed Ungulates (Order Artiodactyla)? ; Peccaries (Family Tayassuidae)? ; Deer (Family Cervidae)? ? ; Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises (Order Cetacea)? ; Ocean Dolphins (Family Delphinidae)? ? ; Sperm Whale (Family Physeteridae)? ; Pygmy and Dwarf Sperm Whales (Family Kogiidae) ; Beaked Whales (Family Ziphiidae) ; Rorqual Whales (Family Balaenopteridae)?

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