Everything we use started life in the earth, as a rock or a mineral vein, a layer of an ancient seabed, or the remains of a long-extinct volcano. Humanity's ability to fashion nature to its own ends is by no means a new phenomenon. Silica-rich rocks have been flint-knapped by Stone Age people, transformed into stained glass in medieval times, and made into silicon chips for computers in the Digital Age. Our trick of turning rocks rich in malachite and chalcopyrite into copper has taken us from Bronze Age Minoan vases to the wiring that powers modern-day machinery. Today, we mine, quarry, pump, cut, blast and crush the Earth's resources at an unprecedented rate. We shift many times more rock, soil and sediment each year than the world's rivers and glaciers, wind and rain combined. Plastics alone now weigh twice as much as all the marine and terrestrial animals around the globe. We have become a dominant, even dangerous, force on the planet. In EXTRACTION TO EXTINCTION, David Howe traces our environmental impact through time to unearth how our obsession with endlessly producing and throwing away more and more stuff has pushed the planet to its limit. And he considers the question: what does the future look like for our depleted world?

The first guide ever to document and explore the diverse parks and reserves of Africa’s ‘middle belt’, it covers Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi.

The region contains prized spots such as the world-famous landscapes of the Namib and Kalahari deserts, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls and Lake Malawi, and some of Africa’s best-known conservation areas, including Etosha, Chobe, Mana Pools, Hwange, Kafue and Nyika.

Written by two prominent conservationists, the book is organised by country, and includes:

• Detailed descriptions of the history, geology, climate, vegetation and wildlife of some 50 conservation areas
• Annotated park maps, indicating places of interest and best sites to view key species
• Text panels featuring each park’s highlights, facilities and activities, wildlife facts, and important alerts
• A concise photographic gallery of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and trees, for quick identification of commonly seen species

A must-have guide to the parks and reserves of a region renowned for spectacular landscapes, fauna and flora.

"A stunning collection of photographs by Alex Saberi, which illustrate the rich diversity of wildlife in Richmond Park throughout the seasons." - Discover Wildlife.com "Alex's ethereal, fairy-tale-like images are a real wonder. His grasp of light, location and atmosphere make these photographs ones that border on the unique." - Amateur Photographer Sir David Attenborough has described Richmond Park as "A very special place" - and with good reason. This vast oasis of green, just eight miles from the centre of London, is an ecological pearl in the midst of sprawling urbanisation. The park, most famous for its herd of 630 Fallow and Red Deer, is not only Europe's largest park, but is as big as the seven other royal parks combined. Since King Charles I enclosed the park in 1637, it has provided a haven of tranquillity and diversion for all its visitors. Today, some 77 million people pass through its gates each year. In this beautiful book, Alex Saberi captures Richmond Park's unique blend of rare and diverse wildlife, plant life and rolling landscapes. From a crow perching on a bench in the morning haze to a foolhardy Labrador, breaking impatiently away from its owner, the photographs capture its inherent beauty as well as those rare moments of wildlife action and majesty that only yield themselves to the most patient and knowledgeable of observers.

It's time to dust off your camera, pick up your binoculars and head back to the great outdoors as the much-loved Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards return once again with the best, as well as never-before-seen, photographs of wildlife; a waving polar bear; a squirrel photographer and even a pair of gracefully ice-skating penguins. This is a must-have book that is perfect for animal lovers and a wonderful celebration of natural habitats all over the world! The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards is one of the most popular celebrations of animal welfare and receives thousands of entries every year. It celebrates animals in their natural habitats being themselves. Backed by the global conservation charity Born Free Foundation, the awards applaud the tireless efforts made by some of the most talented wildlife photographers on the planet.

An authoritative illustrated guide to the mighty reptiles that dominated the seas of the Mesozoic for 185 million years New discoveries are revealing that many ancient oceangoing reptiles were energetic animals capable of inhabiting an array of watery habitats and climates, including polar winters. The Princeton Field Guide to Mesozoic Sea Reptiles provides the most up-to-date and comprehensive coverage of the great Mesozoic groups that commanded the seas for tens of millions of years. This incredible field guide covers 435 species and features stunning illustrations of swimming reptiles ranging in size from little lizards to others with great necks longer than their bodies. It discusses the history of sea reptiles through 185 million years of the Mesozoic, their anatomy, physiology, locomotion, reproduction and growth, and extinction, and even gives a taste of what it might be like to travel back to the Mesozoic. This one-of-a-kind guide also challenges the common image of these reptiles as giants of the prehistoric waters, showing how the largest weighed far less than today's biggest whales. Features detailed species accounts of 435 different kinds of sea reptiles, with the latest size and mass estimates Written and illustrated by the acclaimed researcher and artist who helped to redefine our understanding of dinosaur anatomy Describes placodonts, plesiosaurs, ichthyosaurs, mosasaurs, sea snakes, sea turtles, marine crocs, and more Covers everything from biology to the colorful history of sea reptile paleontology Includes dozens of original skeletal drawings and full-color life scenes

Containing 146 stunning color photos, "Animals of the Serengeti" is a remarkable look at the mammals and reptiles most likely to be encountered in the world-famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. With an eye-catching layout, accessible text, and easy-to-use format, this detailed photographic guide includes 89 species of mammal and reptile. Useful "Top Tips"--shared by local Tanzanian guides that work in the region--provide visitors with insights into behavioral habits and how to locate specific animals. Filled with vivid anecdotes, "Animals of the Serengeti" will enable any safari traveler to identify the area's wildlife with ease.Covers the 89 species likely to be encountered in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area Features male and female variationsAccessible text aimed at safari visitors of all levels

This is a charming series of essays on animal behavior, written in 1951 by the note British science writer Frank W. Lane, reveals obscure and fascinating oddities of animal behavior. The clear, logical explanation behind each bizarre happening grounds the observations in scientific research, and provides modern readers insight on mid-century scientific field methodology. Here are some of the cases featured in this fantastic compilation: Do bees tell time and tell each other of honey locations? Can game animals dodge bullets? Have fish an ear for music? Do birds hitch hike on each other s backs? These questions and thousands of others are answered with scientific proof. Natural history fans, history of science buffs, and explorers of nature will find hours of fascinating reading within. A true mine of conversational material and arbiter of game controversies "

From mice to manatees, identifying mammals can be simple, informative and fun. Award-winning author Stan Tekiela's famous field guide includes all 83 of Georgia's mammals, organized by family (from small to large). Each type of species gets a full-page photograph and three pages of information including size, habitat, range and more. Track patterns and other signs that an animal might leave behind aid in ensuring correct identification. Professional photos and Stan's naturalist notes help you to discover all of Georgia's diverse species.

This beautifully illustrated photographic field guide is the first to focus on the identification of the fascinating, diverse and unique wildlife of Madeira and the Canary Islands--featuring the birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and dragonflies that are most likely to be seen. Richly illustrated introductory sections cover the key wildlife sites to visit on each of the islands and provide an overview of the islands' geography, climate, habitat types and current conservation efforts. Stunning colour photographs highlight the key identification features of each species, and the accompanying text covers status, habitat preference, behaviour and, where appropriate, calls. The guide also features an up-to-date distribution map for each species. Complete with an attractive, user-friendly design, this is a must-have guide for all visitors to these magical islands. A beautifully designed and illustrated photographic field guide to the wildlife of Madeira and the Canary Islands Highlights the islands' unique native species and their conservation status Covers all birds, land and marine mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies and dragonflies that are likely to be seen Features richly illustrated introductory sections on key sites to visit on each of the islands, covering their geography, climate, habitats and conservation Includes distribution maps for all species, as well as information on occurrence, status, habitat preference, behaviour and calls

Have you ever asked yourself any of these questions? Am I creating my relationships from a place of love and compassion? Isn't it just part of our animal nature to react with fear and anger? How do I change my perspective to create the healthy, joyful relationships I so desire? The author found answers in what may seem an unlikely group of teachers: A rescue mutt and a feral feline live in the moment without self-judgment. A lioness who adopted an oryx, illustrates healthy parent-child relationships. A mouse and a frog in an Indian monsoon demonstrate how to do business in a global economy. A collection of stories about unique animal friendships and families. They illustrate how to move beyond supposed primal instincts of fear and mistrust and explore what happens when you substitute love and compassion. Reading these funny and heartwarming tales, you may come to experience a change in perspective that can bring about your own healthy, joyful, relationships.

Hoofed mammals are the most abundant large mammals in British Columbia. Nine wild native species live here: Elk, Moose, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer, Caribou, Bison, Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep and Thinhorn Sheep. One introduced species, European Fallow Deer, also lives in small populations on some coastal islands. David Shackleton provides a comprehensive examination of BC's hoofed mammals, discussing their evolution and general biology, including morphological and behavioural adaptations to their unique lifestyle. He also describes each species and subspecies in detail and discusses its social organization, habitat, diet, reproduction and life expectancy. Each species account has a distribution map and data on taxonomy, populations, conservation status and traditional Aboriginal use. Fine illustrations and two identification keys help readers recognize species by external features or dried skulls. This authoritative book brings together all the current knowledge on the hoofed mammals of BC. It will appeal to biologists, naturalists, hunters and ranchers as well as anyone interested in the natural history of our province.

This beautifully illustrated concise guide is packed with information on the wildlife that can be found in Britain and the near Continent, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects, molluscs, and crustaceans. It covers around 200 species, all of which are illustrated with superb full-colour artworks. A concise written account covering size, description, voice, habitat, distribution and habits appears on the same page as the illustration for each species. The easy-to-follow layouts and superb artworks aid quick and accurate identification, and make this book an invaluable reference outdoors as well as at home. To protect it against the elements, the book is wrapped in a durable plastic wallet. Also included is a fold-out insert illustrating differences between similar species, and assisting in quick identification. Renowned natural history artists Sandra Doyle, Stuart Carter, David Daly and Lyn Wells painted the illustrations.

Africa is home to an amazing array of animals, including the world's most diverse assortment of large mammals. These include the world's largest terrestrial mammal, the African elephant, which still roams great swathes of the continent alongside a host of hooved mammals such as hippopotamuses, giraffes, rhinoceroses, and zebras.

African Ark: Mammals, Landscape and the Ecology of a Continent tells the story of where these mammals have come from and how they have interacted to create the richly varied landscape that makes up Africa as we know it today. It also highlights small mammals, such as rodents and bats, which are often overlooked by both naturalists and zoologists in favour of their larger cousins.

African Ark explains the processes through which species and population groups are formed and how these fluctuate over time. It explores the impact of megafauna on the environment and the important roles they play in shaping the landscape. In this way, mammals such as elephants and rhinoceros support countless plant communities and the habitats of many smaller animals. The book brings in a human perspective as well as a conservation angle in its assessment of the interaction of African mammals with the people who live alongside them.

African Ark is at once scientifically rigorous - drawing on the contributions of numerous zoologists, ecologists and conservationists - and an engaging read for anyone dedicated to the understanding of Africa and its wildlife.

Alligators have intrigued Florida's explorers, tourists, photographers, and residents for more than 500 years and become symbols, mascots, pets, medicine, handbags, food, luggage, souvenirs, and attractions. The sport of Alligator hunting and wrestling are explored, along with popular Alligator Farms in Orlando, Palm Beach, St. Augustine, Tampa, and St. Petersburg. See for yourself why Alligators have remained popular draw among Florida's tourists, historians, and residents alike.Author Donald D. Spencer, a noted Florida historian, tells the Alligator's story through more than 270 vintage postcards, including the alligator's criminal record as he documents alligator attacks throughout the state's history. Featuring Alligator Border cards and, with approximate costs of all the postcards shown, postcard collectors worldwide will find this a valuable resource.

The biological functions of coloration in animals are sometimes surprising. Color can attract mates, intimidate enemies, and distract predators. But color patterns can also conceal animals from detection. Concealing coloration is unusual because it is an adaptation not only to the visual features of the environment but also to the perceptual and cognitive capabilities of other organisms. Judy Diamond and Alan Bond bring to light the many factors at work in the evolution of concealing coloration. Animals that resemble twigs, tree bark, stones, and seaweed may appear to be perfect imitations, but no concealment strategy is without flaws. Amid the clutter of the natural world, predators search for minute, telltale clues that will reveal the identity of their prey. Predators have remarkable abilities to learn to discriminate the fake from the real. But prey have their own range of defensive tactics, evolving multiple appearances or the ability to change color at will. Drawing on modern experimental evidence of the functional significance of animal color strategies, Diamond and Bond offer striking illustrations of how the evolution of features in one organism can be driven by the psychology of others. Concealing Coloration in Animals takes readers on a scientific adventure that explores creatures inside mats of floating seaweed, mice and lizards on desert rocks and sand, and rare parrots in the rainforest of New Zealand. Color photographs extensively document the mind-boggling array of deceptive strategies animals use to blend in, mislead, or vanish from view.

East Africa comprises a varied range of habitats, which provide living space for more than 360 diverse species of mammal. These range in size from the elephant to the tiniest bats, shrews and mice.

This compact guide covers all of the common and some of the less common mammal species of the region. For each species it offers: key identification features; behaviour, diet, breeding biology, occurrence and size; clear, full-colour photographs; track illustrations; silhouettes to indicate size relative to human figure; and, distribution map. There is a section on droppings/dung of many of the animals that concludes the book.

Compact and easy-to-use, this is the ideal companion both for regulars and visitors to the region.

Przewalski's Horses in Eurasia draws on more than two years of ethnographic research to examine the reintroduction of Prezewalski's horses-a highly endangered breed that is a genetically distinct and distant relative of today's domesticated horses-into their native habitats across Eurasia. Zukosky explores how pluralism in species reintroduction provides insights into the experiences, relationships, and knowledge required for future international collaborations to better capture the complexity of both nature and society in scientific practice. The book includes philosophical discussions of pluralism in narrative, ethnographic studies of biologists' observations of changing horse behavior from European captive conditions to release in the wild in Asia, and ethnographic accounts of local non-scientists' sentiments about the benefits and disadvantages of reintroduction in central Mongolia. Recommended for scholars of anthropology and biology.

A new collection of vibrant essays to inform, stimulate and inspire every nature lover. Times of darkness offer opportunities to reflect. In Mistletoe Winter, Roy Dennis offers his reflections on the natural world from the past year - from the welcome signs of change to the ongoing problems we are posing for nature, and what humankind can and must do about them. As in his companion volume, Cottongrass Summer, Roy Dennis balances his alarm at the crisis confronting the natural world with his own sense of optimism that new generations can make crucial changes for the future. One of our most prominent advocates for our planet and its species, he writes with insight and originality. This volume will provide inspiration and ideas for everyone who cares about our planet and its species.

Sasol First Field Guide to Wildlife of Southern Africa provides fascinating insight into the richly diverse wild life of the region - the more commonly seen spiders, scorpions, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. With the help of full-colour photographs and distribution maps, and easy-to-read text, the young adult and budding naturalist will be able to identify the more common animal species found in southern Africa, discover where they live, and learn about their unique feeding and breeding habits.

Durrell has an uncanny knack of discovering human as well as animal eccentricities' Sunday Telegraph Ten-year-old Gerald doesn't know why his older brothers and sisters complain so much. With snakes in the bath and scorpions on the lunch table, the family home on the Greek island of Corfu is a bit like a zoo so they should feel right at home... Gerald joyfully pursues his interest in natural history in the midst of an unconventional and chaotic family life - all brilliantly retold in this very funny book.

There are reptiles everywhere! Some of them live in jungles, some of them in the savannah, and some may be in your back garden! Put on your sturdy footwear and get ready to track down some reptiles! Follow geckos through the Madagascan jungle, take a stroll to the beach to watch baby turtles hatch, and be ready to nip up a tree if a Komodo dragon catches your eye. This illustrated introduction to everyone's favourite cold-blooded creatures is full of fascinating facts and vibrant illustrations. Learn more about reptilian anatomy, natural habitats, conservation efforts, migration patterns, survival strategies and extinct species. The colourful world of reptiles is packed with bitesize facts, vibrant illustrations weird-and-wonderful surprises! There are Reptiles Everywhere is the third in a series of sumptuously illustrated non-fiction books from best-selling illustrator Britta Teckentrup.

From two of the world’s leading authorities on dogs, an imaginative journey into a future of dogs without people What would happen to dogs if humans simply disappeared? Would dogs be able to survive on their own without us? A Dog’s World imagines a posthuman future for dogs, revealing how dogs would survive—and possibly even thrive—and explaining how this new and revolutionary perspective can guide how we interact with dogs now. Drawing on biology, ecology, and the latest findings on the lives and behavior of dogs and their wild relatives, Jessica Pierce and Marc Bekoff—two of today’s most innovative thinkers about dogs—explore who dogs might become without direct human intervention into breeding, arranged playdates at the dog park, regular feedings, and veterinary care. Pierce and Bekoff show how dogs are quick learners who are highly adaptable and opportunistic, and they offer compelling evidence that dogs already do survive on their own—and could do so in a world without us. Challenging the notion that dogs would be helpless without their human counterparts, A Dog’s World enables us to understand these independent and remarkably intelligent animals on their own terms.