by RonaldM.Nowak (Author), RandallR.Reeves (Foreword), Brent S . Stewart (Foreword), JohnHeyning (Foreword)
From the giant bottlenosed whale and the West Indian manatee to the crabeater seal and hourglass dolphin, from the pygmy sperm whale to the spotted-necked otter, marine mammals are among the most fascinating - and most watched - of the Earth's many animal species. Some, such as dolphins, are known for their intelligence, friendliness toward humans and sophisticated social behaviour. In addition, all these animals are sources of fascination for the special adaptations they have undergone for life in and around the water, for their unique methods of communication ( whale song ) and for the endangered status of many species. Ronald M. Nowak offers a comprehensive guide to this fascinating and varied order of mammals. The book includes scientific and common names, the number and distribution of species, measurements and physical traits, habitat, daily and seasonal activity, population dynamics, home range, social life, reproduction, longevity and status of threatened species. A foreword by John E. Heyning is written for the general reader, while a more detailed and substantive introduction by Randall R. Reeves and Brent S. Stewart discusses issues in greater depth for the specialist. Illustrated with more than 140 detailed black-and-white photographs, this book is aimed at marine mammal experts and enthusiasts alike.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 280
Edition: illustrated edition
Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press
Published: 28 May 2003
ISBN 10: 0801873436
ISBN 13: 9780801873430
Every mammalogist must have [these books], and those who profess a broad interest in the fauna of the world will want them. -- Natural History, reviewing a previous edition or volume
A mine of information, for the specialist as well as for the casually interested... If you want to find out about a mammal, then here is the place to look. -- New York Times, reviewing a previous edition or volume
Professional naturalists will find [these volumes] invaluable as a handy reference, and amateurs -- at least those citizens alive to their earthly environment -- should delight in finding so much fascinating information made so available and palatable. -- Audubon, reviewing a previous edition or volume
A comprehensive handbook of all living and recently extinct mammals in the orders Pinnipedia (seals, sea lions, walrus), Cetacea (whales, dolphins, porpoises), and Sirenia (dugong, sea cow, manatees), plus the polar bear and the two salt-water otters... There are numerous illustrations, mostly black-and-white photographs, and extensive citations to the primary literature. The treatment is scientifically rigorous. -- American Reference Books Annual