Description
Book Synopsis''Everyone who loves the sea and what''s in it should own this book.'' - Bill BrysonFrom the blue whale to the Indo-Pacific finless porpoise, this handbook is the most comprehensive, authoritative and up-to-date reference to each of the world's 90 species of cetaceans. With more than 1,000 meticulous and specially commissioned illustrations complete with flukes, blows and dive sequences it includes detailed annotations pointing out significant field marks, as well as extensive distribution and migration maps.Many of the world's most respected whale biologists have collaborated on the text, helping to provide the ultimate guide to the identification, distribution, behaviour, life history and conservation of every species and subspecies of whale, dolphin and porpoise. This is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in these truly spectacular animals.
Trade ReviewA dazzling and epic achievement. Everyone who loves the sea and what's in it should own this book. -- Bill Bryson
The essential guide to cetacean identification for many years to come. * Conservation Biology *
Table of ContentsHow to use this book The challenges of identification Introduction to the 14 cetacean families Information for working at sea Cetacean topography Barnacles to whale lice
Quick ID Guides Bow-riding dolphins and porpoises Identifying whales by their flukes Identifying whales by their blows North Atlantic Ocean South Atlantic Ocean North Pacific Ocean South Pacific Ocean Indian Ocean Southern Ocean Right and bowhead whales (family
Balaenidae) Pygmy right whale (family
Neobalaeidae) Grey whale (family
Eschrichtiidae) Rorquals (family
Balaenopteridae) Sperm whales (families
Physeteridae, Kogiidae) Narwhal and beluga (family
Monodontidae) Beaked whales (family
Ziphiidae) Blackfish (family
Dolphinidae) Shorter-beaked oceanic dolphins (family
Delphinidae) Longer-beaked oceanic dolphines (family
Delphinidae) River dolphins (families
Platanistidae, Iniidae, Pontoporiidae, Lipotidae) Porpoises (family
Phocoenidae) Caring for whales, dolphins and porpoises Glossary Species checklist Conversion units Sources and resources Artists' biographies Acknowledgements Image credits
