Book Description

Marine mammals comprise some of the most highly adapted mammals, many with unbelievable diving capabilities, high intelligence, and complex social behavior, and some with brains larger than that of humans. Many possess echolocating and communication skills that we are only beginning to understand. This book brings together for the first time in marine mammalogy, a group of 76 experts focused upon cell and molecular biology of aquatic mammals. Methods currently being used to explore marine mammal biology are discussed, such as genetic tracing of subpopulations of whales and seals by DNA fingerprinting, use of immune system molecular markers, cell culture and ELISA techniques, and electron microscopy. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very out of date
I was very excited when I saw this book, hoping that it would be a summary of what is known regarding molecular studies of marine mammals (something that would be great to have), but was EXTREMELY dissappointed once I started reading it.It is very, very out of date, despite being published in 2003.The chapters describe outdated results that were obtained using outdated techniques.The chapters will be old news to anyone in this field that even remotely keeps up with the scientific literature on these topics.The authors of the chapters don't seem to be the ones to blame, however, as I know of at least one that was written up over 5 years ago.Given how fast the field of molecular biology is changing, whatever caused the delay in publishing this book also caused it to be outdated as soon as it came out.The only reason I gave it one star was because some authors expanded a bit more on their studies and background then is appropriate in the scientific literature, and therefore there are some good reviews.However, this small plus does not come close to compensating for the cost of this book.

Assembles 76 authorities in marine mammalogy
Marine mammals share one common heritage - there ancestors were all once land dwelling animals who returned to the environs of the seas and oceans as some of the most highly adapted life forms existent today. The exhibit high intelligence (some having brains larger than that of homo sapiens); complex social behaviors; astonishing diving capabilities and abilities to withstand the extreme pressures of the deep sea; echolocating and communication skills; and more. In Molecular And Cell Biology Of Marine Animals, editor and marine mammal expert Carl J. Pfeiffer has assembled 76 authorities in marine mammalogy to focus upon the cell and molecular biology of aquatic mammals. The methodologies currently used to explore marine mammal biology are explained, including the genetic tracing of subpopulations of whales and seals by DNA fingerprinting, the use of immune system molecular markets, cell culture, ELISA techniques, and electron microscopy. Strongly recommended for academic and community library reference collections, Molecular And Cell Biology Of Marine Animals is an impressive body of accessible scholarship which is enhanced with numerous illustrations, photos, and graphs, as well as a "user friendly" index. ... Read more

Book Description

ALASKA BEAR TALES is a best-selling collection of edge-of-your-seat accounts of true-life encounters with bears in Alaska. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

An Eye Opening book about bears misbehavior.
The stories are true life and death events of people who have been mauled by both black and brown bears in the Alaskan wilderness. This book gave me a new respect for bear and their habitat. Anyone who likes the outdoors where bears are present should read this book. A note of caution. This stories contian the bloody details that are the result of bear attacks. You may have a few sleepless nights on your next camping.

a well thought and entertaingin book
I read this book and the sequal to it and found this and the other book to be a fairly accurate depiction af a bears traits and also it showed the bear as not a sensless savege killer but shed a little light on his behavior and his reactions to human interaction. Mr Kanut took the time to research his topic and in my mind this is a book that I can read over and over again. Also the fact that he pulled no punches in each of his stories no matter who was to blame for the encounter or the outcome of the encounter.

A good collection of bear stories but....
The "rapid fire" writing style renders this book difficult to read. The book is 300 pages long and it contains over 200 bear stories. Some are only a few words long and lack detail to such an extent that I wonder why they were included. Some are loaded with useful information. Others are simply pointless. Most were taken from a magazine verbatim.

Cynthia Dusel-Bacon's story alone was worth the price of the book. She wrote it herself after her terrible mauling and Larry Kaniut quoted it. Read her story and tell me you don't think black bears are dangerous and predatory.

I'd buy this book and keep it on my book shelf but I must tell you that I couldn't finish it because the last few chapters were simply too boring to be tolerable.

What an author and what a book
I will admit a little that am am a little partial to Larry Kaniut's books. I was lucky enough to have Mr. Kaniut as n English Teacher when I was in Junior High in Anchorage around 1980. During that time Mr. Kaniut would read to us the sotries that are contained in Alaska Bear Tales. As a struggling student he made me want to read and write.

I am lucky yo have a first edition copy of the book. In Alsak Bear Tales I knwo some of the people in the book so the stories are more real to me. Mr. Kanuit does a great job in pulling the reader into the story. His ability to get people to share the most horrific details of their encounters with bears keeps you wanting more.

Anyone looking to read real life drama this is the book to start with. You will not wan tto put the book down. Luckt for us Mr. Kaniut has written more then one book. Enjoy!

Deplorable collection of sensationalistic bear attack tales
Alaska Bear Tales doesn't let facts get in the way of a good story ... Read more

Amazon.com

When naturalist Kilham was asked to take in two orphaned black bear cubs, the conventional wisdom was that he would end up with 200-pound brutes too dependent to leave home. So Kilham decided to try his own unconventional method--he raised them in their natural habitat, surrounded by the wild bear-filled woods of New Hampshire. As their bear mother, he was given an unprecedented look into the lives of bears and what he observed turns bear stereotypes on their head. Black bears exhibit behaviors thought to be found only in humans and great apes, such as an intricate system of communication and cooperation, insight, planning, deception, and even ethics, like fair play, empathy, and altruism (qualities not found in apes). Kilham, who has now raised 26 cubs, is an intrepid bear mom, and a humble and delightful storyteller. This is an irresistible story of some of the most endearing rogues ever encountered. --Lesley Reed ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Meet the Bears
This book is basically a primary source about black bears, a subject that, as the author points out, has received spotty attention. "Among the Bears" partially remedies this neglect: it is rich in anecdote, modest yet persuasive in analyses.
This book has many small, satisfying pleasures to it, not the least of which is the idea of a large, stereotypically manly guy like Kilham being a mother to these bears. And he is an amazing mother, patient, wise and tireless. He always lends his bears an ear, literally (for suckling). Another is the reader learns along with Kilham, who continues to turn over the behaviors of his bears in his head, often coming to explanations only after thinking and experimenting. Finally, his physical encounters with bears are entertaining and, I think, instructive about how bears (and humans) become at ease with each other.
The book is very plain in language. As his story progressed, the content of the ideas was plenty engaging, and more than made up for any lack of style.
Telling the history of his interactions with bears, including an unusually large male interested in Squirty, one of the female bears he has raised, Killham ventures prescriptive advice about how to handle a bear encounter only at the end of the book. "Hold your ground, stay calm, maintain eye contact, and let the situation resolve itself. It will." (245)
Throughout the book, Kilham has relevant and undogmatic insights about hunting and hunters.
A small complaint: A bibliography, or more simply--in the character of this straightforward, unpretentious book--a short list of suggested readings would have been welcome. However, the basic but thorough index is excellent.

Among the Bears
This is a wonderful book! Kilham does for bears what Jane
Goodhall did for primates. He lives among them and and in
so doing gains valuable insights into their abilities and
behaviors. He discovers bears to be highly intelligent
individuals, but with strong social connections, communicating
over distance and time by scent, sound, body language, and
deliberate trail signs. If you have any interest at all in
bears or in social lives of animals, buy this book!

Excellent!
If you love animals, if you are interested in their behavior, or if you just enjoy a great read.......BUY THIS BOOK! Ben Kilham raised orphaned black bear cubs as a momma bear would. He successfully returned them to the wild and maintained a relationship with them, even after one had cubs of her own! This is no pet bear story, but a look at how one man changed the way we look at a species, while retaining a respect for their wild stature. Black bears are sensitive, intelligent and often altruistic, as Ben Kilham shows. He makes us realize that there are things to be learned about animals, especially black bears and their behavior, that cannot be taken lightly. We humans are not the only intelligent and emotional beings on this planet!

Getting out Among the Bears
As soon as I finished this book, I was sorry it ended so I had to get out and take a long hike myself. I found so much in the forest that has eluded me in the past. I went looking for footprints, marks on trees, acorns, beechnuts, etc. and especially 'scat'. Never knew what that was! This is not some tree hugger proselytizing on getting back to nature, simplifying, etc. This is a man writing about courage, humility, and living the life he preaches without whining and making it sound like the good thing it is. And he makes some amazing discoveries along the way and doesn't even pat himself on the back for all his work.

Beautiful, sensitive story
Ben Kilham's observations about bears are wonderfully told - funny, sensitive and insightful. Not a naturalist by trade - he's a gunsmith of all things! - he brings a fascinating perspective to the development of these animals. Highly recommended ... Read more

Book Description

A combination of illustrated field guide, fact book, and folklore collection, "Squirrels" is a new kind of wildlife book. This concise, illustrated handbook presents an accurate, informative portrait of squirrels in their natural habitat, along with an examination of their relationship to man.

Most Americans live in cities. The closest many get to wildlife is observing animals in parks and yards—the favorite habitat of the tree squirrel. Yet for all of the frequency with which they are observed, squirrels and their behavior are little understood. What do squirrels eat? How do they keep their food caches from spoiling? What is the most aggressive squirrel? Are there any squirrel-proof bird feeders? What role did squirrels play in ancient mythology?

From social interactions with early American cultures—both Native Americans and European settlers—to their role in local ecosystems, "Squirrels" provides animal lovers with the complete picture. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

squirrels are our friends
My husband just gave me this book after I talked about how much I enjoy watching squirrels in our neighborhood and that I wanted to learn more about them. I haven't read the entire book yet, but so far it is very interesting. Sometimes the everyday things in our world can be the most fascinating.

A good squirrely book
This book is useful as a reference work for the backyard wildlife enthusiast. I maintain a web site about squirrels, and I often refer to my copy to answer online questions from people around the world. My only criticism is that some of the artwork is not entirely realistic. Some of the drawings have the squirrels' heads shaped more like a seal than a rodent. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Wonderful illustrations
This book is full of wonderful illustrations, quick history and quick scientific overviews. It is LONG on liberal politics (the author is a left coast journalist).

I recommend this book to Democrats and independent liberals. Conservatives will find it intrusively annoying.

As for recommending it to giraffe fans, as I am, it's not worth the purchase, but then, there is precious little available in print for giraffe fans.

This book is a hoot!
As a Clinical Massage Therapist (for both humans and non), and the only captive/agressive (animal) TTouch practitioner in my state, I do a lot of volunteer work at my local Zoological park. I'm never quite sure what I'll be working on when I go out, so I like to pick up info on various animals when I can and just read ahead. When I placed my order, I was looking for a little more scientific data, but even without the clinical research I was most pleased with what showed up at my door!

Ms. Sherr's sincere passion for the creature is evident on every page, and the book itself is simply a pleasure to hold and read. It has a nicely designed slick cover and the binding is top-notch. This book will last for ages if taken care of, but as appealing as the images have been to my daugher, I have to keep a close eye on it.

There are interesting facts, and some fiction is dispelled. There's tons of history and beautiful pix on every page.

No, the book is not the end-all be-all of information, but it is well worth the price, and there are even a few used ones for sale above (though not mine. . . you can't have it. . . just back awaaaaay from the book.)

I highly recommend this book for anyone with a passing interest or even a non-veterinary passion for the animal!

Big Disappointment
I was looking for a scientific book about giraffes and at the time this was all I could find so I purchased it. The book contains wonderful pictures otherwise I would give it zero stars. The book has almost no scientific information and is filled with a lot of irrelevant and dull quotes about giraffes (made by historical figures) , along with other cutesy stuff. AND I still have not found a current scientific/field study type book about giraffes!! This book might be good to read to the kids.

"Tall Blondes" gives a rush to the giraffe lover.
The personality of the giraffe is seen throughout this book. I wish humans could learn from the giraffe's peace in his world, the eye contact, the sharing, the adaption to the world as it is. Lynn Sherr has had the best opportunity in the world. All I want to know is "Can I go to Nairobi and pet the giraffes too? Excellant Book. You will love it!

A marvelous work of art.
This book contains the most captivating journey through the history and lives of giraffes that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. As a giraffophile myself, I was amazed at the extent of new, fascinating information contained within each page. It has wonderful illustrations that complement and enhance the reading. "Tall Blondes" is a must-have for every giraffe lover; it's a graceful, distinctive work that is truly deserving of its unique subject matter. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Patterson is a GODSEND!
Gareth Patterson is a saint! He is doing what needs to be done concerning the lions. Humanity is a cancer and that cancer is destroying everything in it's path. Buy this book and jump on the band wagon to save the lions!

ALSO: One of the major problems we face is misinformation. One example is Jennifer Henderson's review of Gareth's book "Last of the Free." The book does not begin with Batian's murder, but end's with it. And in the book, Furaha nor any of her cubs get executed! What is wrong with people? I really wish people would read these books prior to writing reviews!

One last thing: If you buy these books and enjoy them, please do your part to help the Tuli Lion Trust.

Here is an idea. If you live in the Tuli area, become a vegetarian! It is the meat industry and cattle ranching that is the bane of lions today. If we can put the meat industry out of business we can save the lions... and some nice cows as well!

truly amazing tales
This story reveals the coruption and selfishness of the human race and highlight the work and lives of The Adamsons, truly amazing people that fought so selflessly for Lions and the African Wildlife ... Read more

Reviews (1)

a mammalogist bible
without doubt Wilson and Reeder's book is THE source of information for people looking for mammals in museums and old scientific publications. the superb listing of synonyms, the listings of the scientist describing the clades, and the brief biogeographic notes makes this book invaluable for people having any taxonomic question. The main attitude seems to be one of splitters, giving a lot of specific names to various populations others consider a single species, the biogeography can be a little more detailed, but there is no other source with that thoroughness and completeness in mammalian taxonomy.
I'm anxiously waiting a new edition ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (5)

Wild Animals I Have Known
This is a reprinting of a book of wonderful stories by Ernest Thompson Seton. But buyer beware. The publisher has excluded all 200 of the author's sketches and drawings that help the stories come alive for both younger and older readers. In addition, the design of the book is amateurish. Type is spread across the page, with extra spaces between paragraphs, nothing like the pleasing style of the original editions. This is a lifeless shadow of an American classic.

must read book to raise compassionate kids
I've read this book way back when I was a kid growing up in Russia. I cried while reading about the pidgeon's fate, was happy when the rabbit was released, filled with respect for Lobo the wolf... It was one of the books that I'll always remember as being one of the greatest collection of stories. The language is simple yet exquisite, and the story flows so smoothly, you can read past midnight and not notice.
Not only that, that book gave me a better understanding of animals - not as we humans tend to humanize animal emotions and actions, but as real animals think and feel. It definitely made me change my perspective on many subjects - my treatment of nature, of animals, even human relationships.
All that when I was in my early teens. All that without any grownup having to "have a talk" with me or me even noticing that I got a "better understanding" of things.

Now that my son is growing up here, I'm getting him his copy of the book, and I'm quite hopeful that it will bring him a lot of enjoyment as well as food for thought.

My review of "wild animals i have known
I read Wild animals i have known by Ernest Thompson.Its a 245 page book fild with short storys about animals.It as A little something for everyone. It has adventure, comody, sadness, and bunnys. Each story has its own characters both human and animal.My favorite story is one intitled Lobo.Its about a wolf traper and his toils with lobo the leader of the neiborhood wolf pack. Each story kept my attention throughout the whole book.I would recomend this book to everyone who likes to read about animals.

An astute observer spins engrossing tales of animals' lives
I first read this book as a very young reader, almost sixty years ago. Seton's ability to identify with the wildlife he studies,but with a minimum of anthropomorphism or sentimentality, and then write touching, exciting mini-dramas is enhanced by his role as an observer who does not inject himself as a foreign influence in their lives.

I'm buying copies of the hardcover edition for my grandchildren, for this book will be read more than once, and kept for a lifetime. Get it before it goes out of print again. Robert H. Tyrka, Sr. rtyrkasr@chesint.net

A must for aspiring naturalists.
Seton Thompson's stories of wild animals and their wonderful ways touch the hearts of young and old. There are no happy endings in this book, because the moral is that animals always die tragic deaths. But if you want to learn the laws of nature and better understand animals and their ways, these accounts of a hunter-trapper will reward you with hours of enchanted stort-telling. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Aztecs called them mitzli. The Apache called them yutin. Others call them cougars, Florida panthers, or puma. Call them what you will, North America's largest cats are celebrated in this beautiful book, simply entitled Mountain Lion. Rebecca L. Grambo has written a highly readable guide to these felines, with information on their habits, their habitats, and their interactions with humans. What make this book special, however, are the pages of stunning photographs. Nature photographer Daniel J. Cox spent more than 10 years observing mountain lions and snapped these remarkable images of the animals in their native habitats. The fact that most of the pictures are of "captive-bred mountain lions under controlled conditions" (sort of a feline fashion shoot?) doesn't detract from their beauty. Cox presents amazing photos of newborn cubs taking their first breaths and older cubs, fluffy and spotted, at play. Even more impressive are the gorgeous, clear shots of mature cats roaming their territory, hunting prey, and simply resting. Cox has certainly managed to capture what he calls the "elegant fluidity" of these magnificent animals. Any nature lover would be thrilled with this beautiful and informative book. --C.B. Delaney ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Pretty pictures, but ....
I spent two months last winter in a mountain cabin far up a back road in Washington's Methow Valley, just below the Canadian border and just east of the North Cascade National Park, where there are many cougars. One broke into my nearest neighbor's house and I found fresh tracks one morning beside the road into town. So with all the cougar excitement in the Valley, I decided to learn more about them by reading two recently published softcover books. Either book is a good place to start if you want to know more about the big cats that are becoming a more common part of life throughout the West.

Mountain Lion (Cox and Grambo) is a medium format photo essay of 99 spectacular color photographs of cougars running, jumping, caring for their young, attacking deer and so forth. These remarkable pictures, mostly taken in southwestern red rock country, give a real feel for how the animals move through their territory. After being stunned by the images, I was a little disappointed to read that they were taken "mainly with captive-bred mountain lions under controlled conditions". Well, the cougars LOOK wild and at least none of them are wearing sunglasses or have their kitty litter boxes visible. The brief text is a well-written essay about the cougar's natural history and human interaction, and there is a bibliography.

A book I preferred is Cougar! by Harold Danz. It is a comprehensive historical and natural history coverage of the cats by a retired National Park Service employee. Besides a description of cougar habits and hunting techniques with each of their prey species, interesting chapters describe the human-cougar relationship from Native Americans and Colonial times, through the bounty hunter years and on to the present.

There is a fascinating section in Cougar! that describes all documented cougar attacks, both fatal and non-fatal, in the U.S. and Canada from 1751 through mid-1998. Danz reports that the only fatal cougar attack in the United States between 1909 and 1974, was of a 13-year old boy traveling on snowshoes near Lake Chelan (not far from my winter retreat) in December 1924. When his body was found it was deduced that the young victim had cut off one of the cougar's front claws (!) while unsuccessfully defending himself with a pocketknife. Contemporary cougar fans may find poetic justice in descriptions of two recent non-fatal incidents where National Park campers were forced by cougars to spend the night up in a tree (!) until someone came to their assistance. There is also a description of historic and current cougar populations in each state (Washington, with 2,300, has one of the largest populations) and Canadian province, as well as the exhaustive bibliography you'd expect from a university press.

I really enjoyed Cougar!, and while the grainy black and white photos don't compare with those in Mountain Lion, it is the much more informative and interesting of the two books.

Beautiful & Informative
You can judge a book by it's cover. It's just as beautiful inside as it is outside. Very informative and a joy to read. If you love wildlife or any of the big cats, you'll definitely want to add this book to your collection!

A book you will be proud to own.
A wonderful book. A joy to read. Rebecca L. Grambo writes well with a sympathetic eye. She discusses these beauties and their plight for survival. The accompanying magestic photos by Daniel J. Cox perfectly match the content from the Author. Since the Nature of Mountain Lions are so shy, I appreciate the wonderful photographs of them in nature which would otherwise be very difficult to photograph. I recommend this book to any cat and animal lovers out there. I hope this book stirrs up the public's interest in saving the Mountian Lion from extinction.

Rating: "A" -- wonderful wildcat photography. Highly recomme
These are the best mountain lion photographs I've ever seen, and
one of the best wildlife-photography books I know of. The text is
competent and well-researched, but the real attraction is Cox's
wonderful photos. If you have any interest in wildcats, you need this
book. Or if you need a gift for a cat-lover ....

Cox photographed mainly captive-bred cats; this is evident only in
the extraordinary intimacy of the photos, such as one of the mother
cat giving birth, and many of appealing blue-eyed, spotted cubs at
play. I'd have liked to know how he took the one where the lion is
leaping straight into the camera. Or the one where it looks like he
was in the same sandstone cave with the lion, in Utah's magnificent
canyonlands. Or the cat in mid-leap over a chasm. Sadly, such details
are conspicuous by their absence; the text is resolutely generic.

But this is quibbling. The photos speak for themselves -- like the cat
who's treed a porcupine, and (next photo, please) gets a snootful of
quills. The publisher's puff copy calls this "the most extraordinary
photographic book on mountain lions ever published." I would
agree, and recommend it highly. ... Read more

Book Description

The most visually appealing guides to the natural world that one can buy.

Packed with superb full-color photography, detailed descriptions, and highlights of key facts, Mammals is the latest addition to the Smithsonian Handbook series. Including more than 500 profiles each with its own spread, there isn't a more reliable identification guide on the market. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Compelling, thought-provoking study of primate behavior
Frans de Waal is one of the best known primatologists in the United States, and GOOD NATURED shows why. This careful study of primate behavior, both non-human and human, explores the issue of morality and the complex emotions that give rise to it. De Waal's topics range from empathy to social rules to diplomacy as he describes specific examples across primate species.

The black and white pictures illustrate his points, but they are by no means the highlight of this book. De Waal's insights, which never read too much into specific behaviors, walk the fine line between objective scientific reporting and an acknowledgment of the kinship between all primates. Seeing primates through his expert eyes is an enlightening experience.

This is truly an extraordinary book. I recommend it to readers who have a keen interest in primatology, sociology, and/or the kinship between humans and other species.

Fascinating topic, but poorly written
I teach graduate level courses on violence and was hoping that this book would give me some much-need background on roots of altruism and violence among primates. I must say that I am used to reading Richard Dawkins and Steven Jay Gould.
Despite the fact that the topic is fascinating, I find that De Waal is generally a poor writer. The message is lost on run-on sentences and chapters that seem to go on for ever.
I liked the pictures, though.

perfect for comparative social psychology
i concur with the previous reviewer's thoughts about this wonderful book. as someone who studies human organisations, i believe that de waal's book (and probably to my forthcoming delight a lot more of ethological psychology) sparks some interesting ideas about how human social control and organisation work. particularly topical are the links to evolution and its role in how we and our fellow higher-order primates organise ourselves.

A thoughtful consideration of ethical origins
A colleague and I chose this book as our "science selection" for our freshman studies classes at a small private college in the midwest. It's been a great choice. De Waal's approach is careful and considered; he is able to talk about ethics among non-human primates without anthropomorphizing. Even better, unlike some of his predecessors in what he calls "classical sociobiology," De Waal does not leap primate species in a single bound. Rather, he considers such issues as altruism and hierarchy in the bonobo, chimp and monkey universes on their own terms. This book is post-sociobiology and post-ethology without succumbing to glib anti-science perspectives.

De Waal is a superb writer. His style has absolutely captivated two classrooms full of bright college freshmen. The subject matter is fascinating. This book is a marvelous mix of natural and social sciences.

I envy De Waal's Emory office with the window view of Yerkes Center chimp life. What an amazing way to live! ... Read more

Book Description

This handbook presents an up-to-date review of the ecology and behavior of ungulates inhabiting eastern Europe and northern and central Asia, a vast area covering one sixth of the Earth. It provides detailed descriptions of 26 ungulate species focusing on quantitative data and condensing presentations of the autecology of the species, in order to facilitate comparisons between species, including data from several areas. Each species description includes data on geographical range and variability of body measurements over its range; preferred biotopes and evaluations of limiting factors of the abiotic environment; descriptions of social and territorial behavior; feeding features including lists of used plants; parameters of breeding in different parts of the range; factors of mortality with information on predators, diseases and parasites; and dynamics of numbers and harvesting in all parts of the range. ... Read more

Book Description

Brilliant images, lively text, and accurate maps - your best guide to North
America's magnificent wild mammals

* Covers every species of mammal known to occur in North America and its
offshore waters, including naturalized exotics - 450 species in all

* More than 1,100 photographs selected and digitally edited for clarity

* Organized for quick and convenient use, with a pictorial table of contents, a one-page index, and color tabs for sections

* Full index that doubles as a life list

* Range maps on text pages show where each species is common or rare ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A wonderful field guide
A brief jargon filled synopis:

This is a very good field guide. The illustrations (actually manipulated photographs) are bright and sharp and field marks are easily distinguished.

The fact that the range maps are placed within the text (not a seperate section) makes it easy to eliminate species and arrive quickly at the mammal you are looking at.

The species accounts are informative without being wordy and the similar species are dealt with thoroughly.

The plethora of mice and shrew species are dealt with adequatley. The basic message (at least with shrews) is if you want to be sure of your identifaction, check the dental records!

I am very happy with this field guide. It is much, much better than the Peterson field guide series edition. The writing is intelligent and interesting. A great deal of natural history is included in the species accounts, so the book makes for good reading.

I am sure that mammalogists will find numerous quibbles with this book. But I am not a mammalogist. At heart I am a birder who enjoys looking at mammals when I run across them. This book is perfect for quickly identifying what chipmunk is yelling at you or for sorting out what member of the weasel family just ran over your foot.

If you are looking for a field guide to throw in your car along side all the other ones----this is yet. Enjoy. ... Read more

Book Description

In this, our Second Edition of Reproduction in Mammals, we are responding to numerous requests for a more up-to-date and rather more detailed treatment of the subject. The First Edition was accorded an excellent reception, but the first five books were written ten years ago and inevitably there have been advances on many fronts since then. As before, the manner of presentation is intended to make the subject matter interesting to read and readily comprehensible to undergraduates in the biological sciences, and yet with sufficient depth to provide a valued source of information to graduates engaged in both teaching and research. Our authors have been selected from among the best known in their respective fields. This volume discusses the manifold ways in which hormones control the reproductive processes in male and female mammals. The hypothalamus regulates both the anterior and posterior pituitary glands, whilst the pineal can exert a modulating influence on the hypothalamus. The pituitary gonadotrophins regulate the endocrine and gametogenic activities of the gonads, and there are important local feedback effects of hormones within the gonads themselves. Non-pregnant females display many different types of oestrous or menstrual cycles, and there are likewise great species differences in the endocrinology of pregnancy. But the hallmark of mammals is lactation, and this also exerts a major control on subsequent reproductive activity. ... Read more

Book Description

Mammoths, Sabertooths, and Hominids takes us on a journey through 65 million years, from the aftermath of the extinction of the dinosaurs to the glacial climax of the Pleistocene epoch; from the rain forests of the Paleocene and the Eocene, with their lemur-like primates, to the harsh landscape of the Pleistocene Steppes, home to the woolly mammoth. It is also a journey through space, following the migrations of mammal species that evolved on other continents and eventually met to compete or coexist in Cenozoic Europe. Finally, it is a journey through the complexity of mammalian evolution, a review of the changes and adaptations that have allowed mammals to flourish and become the dominant land vertebrates on Earth.With the benefit of recent advances in geological and geophysical techniques, Jordi Agustí and Mauricio Antón are able to trace the processes of mammalian evolution as never before; events that hitherto appeared synchronous or at least closely related can now be distinguished on a scale of hundreds or even dozens of thousands of years, revealing the dramatic importance of climactic changes both major and minor. Evolutionary developments are rendered in magnificent illustrations of the many extraordinary species that once inhabited Europe, detailing their osteology, functional anatomy, and inferred patterns of locomotion and behavior. Based on the latest research and field work, Mammoths, Sabertooths, and Hominids transforms our understanding of how mammals evolved and changed the face of the planet. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Must Have for those interested in Prehistoric mammals
This text is the best guide to Mammoths, Sabertooths and hominds. It provides in-depth information on any species that lived in Europe from the Eocene epoch to the Pleistocene. It also covers mammals from other contients that affected the Europeon fauna. For example, from Africa came the Gomphotheres, Dinotheres and Hominoid (and many more). I enjoyed the part of the book that covers the extinct Big Cats, especially Machairodus giganteus (My favourite of all). For those who want to buy this book should also try reading The Big Cats and their fossil relatives...another excellent book.

Best single guide on Cenozoic Mammals for general reader
This is a fantastic book. There is nothing else like it currently available. The best, most informative, guide to post-Cretaceous European mammals out there for the general reader. Beautiful pictures and detail-filled text will provide any lover of paleontology or indeed zoology with all the information they could possibly want. If you are student the book will also provide a valauble entree to 150 years of scholarship. Buy this while it is still available!

A core title for Paleontology Studies reading lists
Mammoths, Sabertooths, And Hominids: 65 Million Years Of Mammalian Evolution In Europe by Jordi Agusti (Director of the Institut de Paleontologia M. Crusafont, Sabadell, Barcelona, Spain) and Madrid based, scientific illustrator and artist Maurico Anton, is an astounding, informative, superbly presented tour through the 65 million years of mammalian evolution time-lined from the wake of the dinosaurs' extinction to the rise of modern Homo Sapiens. Mammoths, Sabertooths, And Hominids is an intimate, authoritative, scholarly study of the evolution of mammals, deftly illustrated in black and white with a color insert section that showcases breathtaking art of prehistoric wildlife, Mammoths, Sabertooths, And Hominids is a fascinating, enjoyable, accessible, and strongly recommended as a core title for Paleontology Studies reading lists and academic reference collections. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In 1963, an occupational therapist from Kentucky, in uncertain health and spirits, traveled to central Africa in the quixotic hope of seeing a mountain gorilla in its natural habitat. Dian Fossey had read everything she could about the reclusive and much-feared animal, and she returned from her trip convinced that most of the books were wrong.

During her seven-week stay in Africa, Fossey had a chance encounter with the famed primatologists Mary and Louis Leakey, who encouraged her to follow her dream of living among the mountain gorillas and learning their ways. In 1967 she did just that, setting up a camp on the slopes of the 14,000-foot Virunga Volcanoes of Rwanda and studying four gorilla families there. Although it took them some time to accept Fossey's presence among them, she was immediately impressed by their peaceful nature and by their generous, guileless behavior--so unlike the images found in popular culture.

But, Fossey discovered, despite their peaceable way of life, the gorillas had many enemies in the form of poachers who hunted them for their hands, skins, and heads--ghastly remains sold to the tourist market. Much of Fossey's thoughtful but often rightly angry memoir Gorillas in the Mist is a well-reasoned plea for the protection of the gorillas and the suppression of the poachers' black market. That argument found a wide audience when her book was published in 1983, but Fossey's work remains unfinished: she was murdered, probably by those very poachers, in 1985, and today there are fewer than 650 mountain gorillas in the wild. To read Gorillas in the Mist is a first step for anyone concerned with their preservation, and that of other wild species everywhere. --Gregory McNamee ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Gorillas
Gorillas in the Mist, Dian Fosseyís own account of her life with the gorillas, was first published in by Hodder Mifflin in 1983. During Fossey's time in Africa, Fossey had a chance to live her dream with the mountain gorillas and learn about their fascinating characteristics and lifestyles. Fossey through her emotion and story, shows the peaceful life of the humble Gorilla. She also expresses the evils of man kind toward other species with her description of the poachers who hunted the Gorillas. The novel is inspiring and up lifting. Fosseys one woman struggle inspires readers to get up and act on beliefs no matter what the situation. It was such a heart breaker to find the Dian Fossey was murdered. Not only does Fossey express her emotions but she uses great scientific and technical support throughout the book. I recommend the book to any reader, especially animal lovers

An engrossing true book about the gentle giants of Africa.
From the moment you open this captivating non-fiction book about the mountian gorillas of the Virunga Mountains, you crave to know more of these "gentle giants". Written by the first serious mountain gorilla observer, Dian Fossey, it is the first book to tell of these great apes and their very human-like characteristics and behaviors. It also tells all too well the gorillas' struggles for "freedom" and their troubles with poachers, zoos, and most of the outside world.

Though it would be easy for the author to stray away from the gorillas to her own personal life, Ms. Fossey stays completely focused on her selfless journey to explain to the world that these gorillas are not beasts but "gentle giants". She beautifully paints the picture of the gorillas' close-knit families and groups, and the hostility that can be felt in or between groups. Ms. Fossey also wonderfully incorporates her own experiences with the gorillas to bring a human touch to the book and to show that humans and gorillas can have relationships and can be "friends". This book is a must and I would definetly recommend it for all audiences.

Dian Fossey's life and personality
In reality, Ms. Fossey is regarded by many as a sociopath who did more to kill gorillas than to help them. She would kidnap tribesmen's children as a means of "revenge" against those who messed with her gorillas. In embarking upon such immature acts, she triggered more hostilities with locals than ever. She was not a well-trained scientist, and would touch gorillas in the wild when it is well known that one is not supposed to. Well intentioned though she was, there is a lot about her that goes unmentioned.

dian fossey's murder finally solved after 15 years
dian fossey's murderer was arrested in june 2001 and he as a government official called Protrais Zigiranyirazo allegedly involved in the poaching bussiness as well and sources say he did it because Dian new too much about his illigal activities and she was about to exposed him , he would have been disgraced. her murder was never a mystery because most people in rwanda knew he was the chief culprit just that he was never arrested because he was a senior politician. he hired a hitman to kill her but the hitman was later arrested by the police and found dead in his prison cell probably killed to silence him from exposing Protrais who had sent him. Potrais fled rwanda in 1993 and settled in belgium and was wanted by the international court in connection with his role in the 1994 genocide which occured in rwanda. it is from here that the present rwandan government started to investigate his background that they discovered his criminal shady past.he is due to stand trial this year 2003 and finally we may say justice has been done.i got to learn more about Dian Fossey and have become a personal admirer of her care after watching her movie and clearly i myself as an african admire her for her affection with natural conservation
of wild life and the need for man kind to respect its dignity in a time where the riches of this world have led us to be so ignorant about caring for nature.

Chronology askew,but leaves reader mystified
Dian Fossey,author of Gorillas in the Mist uses this book to talk about her experiences researching gorillas in the wild. Starting in the year 1963 and ending in the year 1983, Fossey gives us an intimate look into her life and interactions with the mountain gorillas.
The book begins by telling the story of her first experience in Africa. The reader walks away from the first chapter of the book keenly aware that this is not an average woman writing of her weekend stay with gorillas in a zoo. Here is a headstrong woman willing to go to any lengths to travel to Africa to see the majestic gorillas, a physically capable woman handling the challenging terrain of the mountains undeterred even after breaking her ankle along the treacherous path to see the gorillas.
After her first African encounter Fossey cannot wait to come back and research the gorillas for an extended period of time. She leaves the United States in 1966 and travels to the Congo to study. However,this turns into an abbreviated stay because of the wars going on in that country. She moves camp to Rwanda,where she establishes a permanent home at the Karisoke Research Centre. Her study of gorillas starts here, and she quickly finds that living in the Parc National des Volcans will be physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging for her.
I was certainly ready to start reading about experiences with gorillas by the time that Fossey had gotten settled. The research at this point moves very quickly. Groups of gorillas are numbered and individuals are named. At times it became difficult to keep up with all hte names and numbers given to the gorillas; Fossey, however, does a wonderful job of keeping the reader informed of which group and which individual she is talking about.
Involved in the book is information about Fossey's life with other researchers. I was eager to read about how she overcame the language barrier between herself and the Rwandese. It was also interesting to read about thier initial trials and errors with food and locals that were recruited to help track the gorillas.
This book informs about the poaching problemin Africa. She lets the reader know that she is doing everything she can to thwart the poachers efforts at capturing the gorillas; that without support this species will be literally hunted to death. Sometimes her behavior was rash. She wrote about how she retaliated against poachers and their families. In one instance she stole a herd from a local Rwandan until she obtained information about the poachers she was looking for. Some of her tactics in stopping poaching were less than diplomatic,to put it diplomatically, she could have handled many situations differently. Clearly, however her aggression toward poachers came out of her love for gorillas.
I enjoyed reading about the entire life cycle of an individual gorilla from birth until they were sexually mature. I felt more connected with the gorillas because of this and it made me want to turn the page to find out what would happen to my favorite gorillas next. It was also fascinating to read about gorilla interactions. In many wats they are similar to humans in that the infants need a significant amount of love and support and as they grow older they fall into the typical male and female roles. The males would try to imitate their fathers whom they would eventually succeed; and the females would become very interested in infants born into the group, often playing with and grooming the new additions.
After reading several pages I was hooked and found every detail fascinating. My only criticism is that sometimes the order of events is skewed. Fossey would tell an entire story about a gorilla, then go on to talk about a time before this story unfolded. It seemed sometimes that she was putting the proverbial "cart before the horse." This made the story line at times hard to follow. Despite this stylistic shortcoming Gorrilas in the Mist is a moving story about Dian Fossey and her life with the African mountain gorillas. She was passionate about her work and her passion vividly comes through in every page. ... Read more

Book Description

From one of the world’s best-known wildlife authors/photographers comes this authoritative, extensive guide to the world’s deer species.

This comprehensive new reference work provides a unique source of information about all 45 of the world’s deer species, covering everything from the ubiquitous North American whitetail to the hairy-fronted muntjac of east China. "The Encyclopedia of Deer" thoroughly covers each species’ physical characteristics, behavior, range, and population (many species are rare and/or endangered), and its relationship to humans in the areas in which it lives. The text is complemented by Rue’s amazing photographs, which capture deer in every season and activity.

Dr. Leonard Lee Rue III, the most published wildlife photographer in North America, has spent much of his life studying, photographing, and living with wildlife in its natural habitat. This lifelong dedication and knowledge is sure to make "The Encyclopedia of Deer" a valuable reference work for years to come. ... Read more

Book Description

The newest edition of "A Manual of Mammalogy" is a comprehensive guide to the study of mammals in both the laboratory and the field. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Great Cats is a beautifully illustrated travelogue ofone man's unusual adventure. In 1993,soldier-turned-award-winning-artistSimon Combes set out to observe and paint the nine great cats ofthe world in their natural habitats. Combes circled the globe toaccomplish this feat, braving blizzards and blowguns. He breaks hisaccount down into three three-cat sections: Cats of the Jungle(Thailand's Clouded Leopard, Venezuela's Jaguar, and India's BengalTiger), Cats of the Snow (Siberia's Siberian Tiger, Mongolia's SnowLeopard, North America's Cougar), and Cats of the Plains (Kenya'sCheetah and Tanzania's Leopard and Lion).

Combes's skillful sketches and photographic paintings are matchedonly by his fresh and engaging commentary. As a gifted artist, Combesis very perceptive, and he employs this talent both on and off thecanvas, making wry and sometimes hysterical observations of the humansubjects he encounters. The cats, however, are given only reverentscrutiny, and anyone who is drawn to the power and beauty of theseregal creatures will find Combes a kindred spirit and capable guide.One of the most thoughtful additions to the book is an information boxfor each cat, detailing its behavior, habitat, population status, andprincipal threats. Combes gravely notes that the most serious threat toeach of the cats is human encroachment on its dwindling habitat.--Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Cats
A must for anybody who loves great cats and art: a book full of stories and especially awesome photos, sketches and paintings of these wonderful creatures. The paintings are so incredibly realistic that at times one has to look closely to make sure it is not just a photo. A definite winner !

A super book an art by a talented artist Simon Combes
They say never judge a book by its cover,well friends you can in this case.A beautiful oil painting of a jaguar on its cover says it all, this is a must have book for any animal lovers specially wild cats, art students and even professional artists. Book is loaded incredible stories and killer artworks of Simon Combes.I enjoyed it every single page and I did not realize that I end up reading the entire book in one sitting.I was so captivated by the stories, and I enjoyed the art work of Simon Combes, well worth the money. ... Read more