Originally published in 1882, Snakes: Curiosities & Wonders of Serpent Life, by naturalist and artist Catherine Hopley, is a fascinating examination of the snake, from anatomy and biology, to common myths, to individual species and habits, and even speculation on "the great sea serpents." In the late 19th century, snakes were considered mysterious, evil creatures, stained from the sin in the Garden of Eden. Hopley's careful study shed new light on creatures long-thought to be vicious and deadly. In a new introduction, cryptozoologist Loren Coleman comments, "The mystery of snakes and the passion many of us experience among the serpents may seem commonplace enough today, but when this masterpiece appeared over a hundred years ago, in 1882, it was a remarkable event. The result was an interesting and scientifically insightful book on the curiosities of serpent life. It mixed Hopley's keen sense for observations and facts with her wonderful illustrations." This new edition, a replica of the original 1882 edition and complete with original illustrations, is part of Cosimo Classic's Loren Coleman Presents series. LOREN COLEMAN is the author of numerous books on cryptozoology, including Bigfoot : The True Story of Apes in America and Mothman and Other Curious Encounters. CATHERINE COOPER HOPLEY was an artist, author, and naturalist from the late 19th century. She has written such titles as British Reptiles and Batrachians (1888), Life in the South from the Commencement of the War (1863), Stonewall Jackson (1863), and Rambles and Adventures in the Wilds of the West(1872). She wrote several natural history books and became known for her realistic watercolor paintings, and her 1856 painting of the old stone church in the Cleveland Public Square is in the Western Reserve Historical Society in Cleveland, Ohio. LOREN COLEMAN is one of the world's lead crypozoologist. In 1960 he started his fieldwork and after years pursuing cryptozoological mysteries he began writing. He is the author of numerous books of cryptozoology, including Bigfoot : The True Story of Apes in America and Mothman and Other Curious Encounters.

Kruger Self-Drive, Routes, Roads and Ratings is not only the first comprehensive guide to all roads in Kruger National Park, but also suggests routes to drive from every camp.

The book rates every single road in Kruger according to the probability of predator and antelope sightings, scenic beauty and birding opportunities. The road descriptions feature a write-up of the vegetation, game viewing opportunities and history where applicable, as well as images taken on that specific road. The final section features the most common mammals, reptiles, birds and trees found in the Park. In addition, the book boasts detailed maps featuring the roads and routes of the Kruger National Park.

The revised and updated second edition features brand new maps, all new photographs and updated text.

For more than twenty-five years, FalconGuides have set the standard for outdoor recreation guidebooks. Written by top outdoors experts and enthusiasts, each guide invites you to experience the endless adventure and rugged beauty of the great outdoors.

Named the Birdiest City in the United States since 2003, Corpus Christi has one of the richest collections of birdlife in the United States - with more than 510 species concentrated in this southeastern part of Texas, from the vagrant Cape May Warbler to the common Red-Winged Blackbird.

Birding Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend guides you to seventy-eight of the best birding locations between Tivoli and Rivera. Here you can see a huge assortment of shorebirds and nesting waterbirds, wintering species, tropical surprises from the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and migrating birds from the Eastern, Mississippi, and Central Flyways. Organized by region, this comprehensive guide includes everything you need for a successful birding trip.

Inside you'll find:

Accurate bird-finding information for the entire region

Descriptions of each site, with information about key species

Where and when to go, how to get there, and what you'll see

Seasonal distributions of 358 bird specialties

- 20 questions and answers about turtles that will convince you that they are terrific! You'll know the difference between a turtle and a tortoise, and you'll know why they have shells.- You'll know what sea turtles drink and how very far they travel. And you'll understand why you shouldn't turn on lights at the beach at night.- You will meet baby turtles and some very, very old ones. And you'll go explore a pond.

Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned wildlife watcher, this book will help you to broaden your enjoyment of your hobby and explore wildlife in a range of different habitats and environments. You'll learn a host of techniques including observing without disturbing, different ways of recording what you see, including note-taking, sketching and photography, filming and sound recording, as well as how to organise and report what you've seen. Finally, there's plenty of information on how you can give something back to the natural environment through safeguarding your local area's wildlife and involvement with conservation.

First published in 1981, Dynamics of Large Mammal Populations was written by experts from four continents and six countries. It is a collection of papers on the population dynamics of large mammals and was the first synthesis of work in the field. The book helped provide identity and coherence to an emerging field. It has become a much-sought-after book. The theoretical and empirical studies presented demonstrate the ways in which numbers of animals in large mammal populations change over time in response to a variety of factors. The studies cover a wide variety of species - including both terrestrial and marine mammals - and compare the population dynamics of various groups such as herbivores, carnivores, ungulates, cetaceans and pinnipeds. Included are species involved in controversial population management problems. Also covered are advances in managing the populations of large mammals, and advances in the theoretical basis of large mammal population dynamics. Numerous examples detail the interaction of mammals with their ecosystems. Population biologists, wildlife biologists and managers, government researchers, environmentalists and marine mammal scientists can use the information made available here as a basis for comparative research and practical applications. "The book contains an excellent mix of theoretical chapters, general overviews, and studies of specific animal speces, ranging from seals and whales to lions and elephants, taking deer, wolves, and grizzly bears along the way... But to the specialist it will be indispensable, forming as it does the only authoritative volume that deals with the population dynamics of this important group of animals." ORYX Fauna & Flora Preservation Society, July, 1983. "One immediately realizes, by skimming the citations of the different chapters, that the researchers, working on such animals as whales, bears, seals, lions, and elephants had not been talking to one another, and that this book represents something of a first in this regard." Mathematical Biosciences, 1983. "The book will be of particular interest and value to wildlife biologists faced with problems of managing wildlife resources and to people who use the resources." The Quarterly Review of Biology, 1982. "This is an excellent book. One doesn't have to be a population biologist to understand the material. Best of all, the authors are refreshingly frank about areas of ignorance in population biology and the failure of even the best simulaion models to fit the real world... To sum up, there is food for thought in this volume for every zoologist with an interest in population biology and especially for those who study large mammals." BioScience 1982. "In bringing a wealth of research effort to a wider readership, this book cannot fail to stimulate" Biometrics, 1982.

Our world is built on an invisible one we are barely beginning to understand. In The Hidden Half of Nature, geologist David R. Montgomery and biologist Anne Bikle argue that Earth's smallest creatures-microbes-could fundamentally change how we grow food, what we eat and how we practise medicine. The Hidden Half of Nature shares Montgomery and Bikle's efforts to turn a barren patch of ground into a flourishing garden, and Bikle's struggle with cancer. Taking readers deep into the science and history of agriculture and immunology, they show that microbes can provide powerful solutions to the problems plaguing modern agriculture as well as our own bodies. A spellbinding story, The Hidden Half of Nature reveals how we can restore fertility to the land and defeat chronic diseases.

Learn to identify animals, plants, and fungi wherever you go with this step-by-step guide for spotting and recording key traits and characteristics.

If you've ever consulted a field guide to identify a new bird at your feeder, you know the process isn't as easy as it sounds. In fact, it seems like you have to know a lot about that mystery bird to even figure out where to start.

The Everyday Naturalist fills in the gaps by explaining what traits to pay attention to when encountering a new species; how and when to use field guides, apps, and other resources; what to do if you get stuck; and more. Rather than focusing on one region or continent, these skills and tools are designed to help you classify nature anywhere you are—whether on familiar territory, traveling, or in a new home.

In chapters about animals, plants, fungi, and organisms like lichens and slime molds, naturalist and guide Rebecca Lexa goes into detail about what sets each of these kingdoms apart from each other—from color, shape, and texture to sexual characteristics, behavior, and habitat—and includes more than forty full-color photos and drawings to illustrate key points. She also provides detailed case studies to demonstrate how to use all of these traits to identify specimens across multiple kingdoms.

This easy-to-follow guide empowers you to learn more about the species around you, then use what you know to preserve the world you love. And at a time when biodiversity is imperiled worldwide, nature needs more advocates than ever.

"...a captivating book covering a wide spectrum of animal behaviour and species... this is a book to make you re-think the role of the female." -BBC Wildlife In the lion world, only the females hunt - because they do it best! The boss of a hyena pack? An alpha female. Even the lowest-ranking female of the pack is superior to her male counterparts. As for praying mantises? They keep interaction with men to the essentials, eating them right after mating for added nutrition. The first photo book to focus exclusively on the female of the species, Fearless Females is a fascinating account of "feminine" strength throughout the animal kingdom. With some 150 photographs, accompanied by remarkable facts and extraordinary stories, the book reveals the fierce, formidable, and fascinating antics of she lions, elephants, and many other creatures. A refreshing reappraisal of "feminine" behaviour and a long overdue emancipation of nature and wildlife photography. Text in English and German.

From bestselling author Jane Davenport comes the ultimate inspiration for mixed-media artists! Make more time for creativity! In the follow-up to her popular 'Whimsical Girls', internationally known artist Jane Davenport once again offers her signature fanciful female figures, now accompanied by a menagerie of animal friends: cuddly koalas, noble lions, exotic birds and more. Inspirational prompts and Jane's stunning illustrations accompany the journal pages, which are printed on a variety of fine-art papers, including colouring paper, marker paper and watercolour paper, all perforated for easy display. Colourful collage papers and bonus stickers with even more original art and quotations round out this gorgeous package.

Myth and media typically cast animals we consider predators or carnivores as unthinking killers-dangerous, unpredictable, and devoid of emotion. But is this portrait valid? By exploring their inner lives, this pioneering book refutes the many misperceptions that hide the true nature of these animals. We discover that great white sharks express tender maternal feelings, rattlesnakes make friends, orcas abide by an ancient moral code, and much more. Using the combined lenses of natural history, neuroscience, and psychology, G. A. Bradshaw describes how predators share the rainbow of emotions that humans experience, including psychological trauma. Renowned for leading research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in elephants and other species, Bradshaw decries the irrational thinking behind wildlife policies that equate killing carnivores with "conservation." In its place, she proposes a new, ethical approach to coexistence with the planet's fiercest animals.

The Mountain West equation was one of the most successful in the history of the Australian Shepherd breed. The combination of Jay Sisler, Fletcher Wood, and other dogs of that general type created the highest levels of intelligence, working ability, protectiveness, and versatility.
With the help of others personally familiar with these dogs, the author presents humorous, inspiring, and heart-felt stories shared by the owners of these foundation bloodlines.
Documents about the background and lineage, registration papers, genealogy flow charts, and information establishing type and character of this special group of dogs within the Aussie breed is also included.
This comprehensive collection is a must for all herding enthusiasts Printed in full color, this hardcover bound 676 page book includes over 1500 photographs, diagrams, and charts, many never before published. The images present a photographic story of how the dogs from the past have influenced the breed as we know it today.
""It has been my desire to preserve for history the tales of these outstanding individuals and their well earned place in the founding of this breed. I am thankful to all those who contributed and allowed me access to their memories."" -Kris Toft

Animals have existed on Earth for many hundreds of millions of years. In that time they have evolved into a great variety of forms, exploiting nearly every habitat the planet has to offer. In the dark depths of the oceans, in the seemingly inhospitable Polar Regions, in the driest deserts, even within the bodies of other animals, there are animal species that have developed unique and extraordinary means of surviving and thriving. Extraordinary Animals is an exploration of those members of the animal kingdom who possess strange and bizarre adaptations that allow them to survive in the most extreme environments, or whose complex lives can only be said to be bewildering. From the tar-baby termite to the blue whale, from the harpy eagle to the naked mole rat, these species reflect the exceptionally broad spectrum of life, showing just how diverse the animal kingdom is. Extraordinary Animals: An Encyclopedia of Curious and Unusual Animals has been thoroughly researched for scientific accuracy, but is accessibly written in everyday language. Some of the animals covered are: The Spoon Worm: A species of worm in which the female can grow up to 2 meters long, while the male is only a couple of millimeters long and lives most of its life within the female. Water bears: A small invertebrate that can dry out completely, with little sign of life, and in this state can survive drought, radiation, intense pressure, and the conditions within a vacuum. When water returns, they resume their normal shape and continue with their normal life. Sand Tiger Shark: Female sand tiger sharks have two wombs, and at the start of pregnancy both of these wombs contain several developing young. But in each womb, onedeveloping shark cannibalizes its brothers and sisters until it is the sole occupant of the womb. Each entry includes a description of the animal, an explanation of its odd behavior, other interesting scientific and trivial facts, and black and white illustrations. In addition, a fun and interactive "Go Look" section encourages readers to go look for the animals in the outside world.