Description
Book SynopsisFrom a history of the trade in narwhal tusks to descriptions of narwhals' vocalizations as heard through hydrophones, this book reveals the beauty and thrill of the narwhal and its habitat, and the threat it faces from a rapidly changing world.
Trade Review"As one of the first general-interest books for adults dedicated to the narwhal, it's an important first start. Full of science, story, and some amazing images, Narwhals introduces us to the 'sea unicorn's' world."
-- Elizabeth Bradfield * Orion *
"Narwhals is reminiscent of many geographers’ first field experiences: journeys of discovery, both about the subject matter and about ourselves. . . . A lighter, more feel-good book about the joy, wonder, and Type II fun of a true research-based adventure."
-- Russell Fielding * AAG Review of Books *
"Anthropology, conservation, biology and local cultural and economic considerations blend effortlessly in this account. Ultimately the reader comes away with a profound awareness of the complications involved in maintaining in perpetuity a long lived species whose behavioral and ecological circumstances ironically leave it vulnerable to anthropogenic perturbations."
-- Science Book and Film Review * American Association for the Advancement of Science *
"His expertise shines in this pithy, entertaining book, which concludes with a sober assessment of the future for this species, one of only three truly Arctic cetaceans, in a warming world."
-- Kieran Mulvaney * BBC Wildlife *
"Part of the book's strength lies in how McLeish captures the vivid sensory world of the Arctic."
-- Doug Norris * IndependentRI *
"Todd McLeish goes deep into the narwhal— from its mythology to its biology."
-- Beth Daley * The Green Blog *
"McLeish provides a broad view of the narwhal's history and legend, remaining awestruck and deeply concerned for a species that remains a miraculous creation."
-- Colleen Mondor * Booklist *
"[The book] is a personal account of the latest scientific findings on narwhals and on ways the Arctic environment is changing. . . . [it] feels like a privilege to see one’s favorite study animal portrayed as it has been here in a well-written popular book for a broad audience."
-- M. P. Heide-Jørgensen * Quarterly Review of Biology *
"Based on interviews with researchers and his own research, McLeish weaves a compelling story about narwhals and the impact of the changing climate on their survival. . . . This book is a great read for general audiences and students as well as scientists interested in narwhals."
* Choice *
Table of ContentsPrologue
1. First Encounter
2. Whale Spotting
3. A Symphony of Moos
4. The Inside-Out Tooth
5. Mythology
6. Melting Ice
7. Greenland
8. Subsistence
9. Muktuk
10. To the East
11. Playing Catch
12. Gaining Ground
13. Looking Ahead
Acknowledgments
Bibliography
Index
