Daniel Patterson and Eric Russell present a groundbreaking case for considering John James Audubon's and John Bachman's quadruped essays as worthy of literary analysis and redefine the role of Bachman, the perpetually overlooked coauthor of the essays. After completing The Birds of America (1826-38), Audubon began developing his work on the mammals. The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America volumes show an antebellum view of nature as fundamentally dynamic and simultaneously grotesque and awe-inspiring. The quadruped essays are rich with good stories about these mammals and the humans who observe, pursue, and admire them. For help with the science and the essays, Audubon enlisted the Reverend John Bachman of Charleston, South Carolina. While he has been acknowledged as coauthor of the essays, Bachman has received little attention as an American nature writer. While almost all works that describe the history of American nature writing include Audubon, Bachman shows up only in a subordinate clause or two. Tenacious of Life strives to restore Bachman's status as an important American nature writer. Patterson and Russell analyze the coauthorial dance between the voices of Audubon, an experienced naturalist telling adventurous hunting stories tinged often by sentiment, romanticism, and bombast, and of Bachman, the courteous gentleman naturalist, scientific detective, moralist, sometimes cruel experimenter, and humorist. Drawing on all the primary and secondary evidence, Patterson and Russell tell the story of the coauthors' fascinating, conflicted relationship. This collection offers windows onto the early United States and much forgotten lore, often in the form of travel writing, natural history, and unique anecdotes, all told in the compelling voices of Antebellum America's two leading naturalists.

The New York Times bestseller. A delightfully quirky compendium of the Animal Kingdom's more unfortunate truths, with over 150 hand-drawn illustrations to make you laugh and cry. Have you ever wondered how expensive a jar of honey would be if a minimum wage for bees applied, or whether a dog cares what's on television when they sit next to you? Once you enter Brooke Barker's world, you'll never see animals in the same way again. This melancholy menagerie pairs the sweet and sad facts of animal life with their hilarious thoughts and reactions. Sneakily informative, and beautifully illustrated, Sad Animal Facts by Brooke Barker is the perfect book for animal lovers (and haters) everywhere.

In countless fascinating ways, our relationship with animals is an essential part of the human experience. Now, one of the world's leading champions of animal welfare offers a dramatic examination of our age-old bond to all creatures. Wayne Pacelle explores the many ways animals contribute to our happiness and well-being, and he reveals scientists' newfound understanding of their remarkable emotional and cognitive capacities. Pacelle also takes on animal cruelty in its many varieties, as well as stubborn opponents of animal protection--from multinational agribusiness corporations to the National Rifle Association and even our own government. An instant classic, The Bond reminds us that animals are at the center of our lives, not just a backdrop, and how we treat them is one of the great themes of the human story.

The introductory sections of this volume present the basic rationale and principles involved in the development of the classification system for ecological diversity. The text describes the relevance of diversity classification to identification, inventory, habitat, and site-species relationships. Explanations of the classification and information systems and their application to inventory, analysis, and characterization of diversity form the core of the book. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.

RSPB Spotlight: Snakes is packed with eye-catching, informative colour photos, and features succinct, detailed text written by a knowledgeable naturalist. Snakes are superbly secretive reptiles, celebrated by many for their highly tuned senses and their complex and mysterious seasonal behaviours. Though some people may be fearful of them, these important reptiles play a crucial role in many habitats. And an encounter with any one of our native snake species is an experience worth cherishing. In Spotlight Snakes, Jules Howard takes readers on a journey through the ecology and lifestyle of Britain's three native snake species: the Barred Grass Snake, the Smooth Snake and our only venomous snake species, the Adder. As well as uncovering their unique hunting styles and courtship rituals, he delves into the myths and legends at the heart of humankind's widespread and sometimes troublesome fascination with these animals. He also charts the conservation challenges our native snakes face in the modern age and explores the solutions conservationists are employing to help these extraordinary predators remain a vital part of British ecosystems for generations to come. The Spotlight series introduces readers to the lives and behaviour of our favourite animals with eye-catching colour photographs and informative expert text.

Mahatma Gandhi said, "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Since civil societies are ruled by law, they can be evaluated, both figuratively and literally, by how animals are treated in the criminal justice system. This book depicts animals' roles within society and the laws that govern how humans treat them. Carmen M. Cusack focuses on current issues in human-animal relationships and how these are affected by the criminal justice system. Her analysis, while objective, is rooted in first-hand activist, professional, legal, and criminal justice experience. She presents a comprehensive overview of the place of animals and the law, including pets in prison, K-9 units, constitutional rights, animal sacrifice, wild animals, entertainment, domestic violence, rehabilitation, history, and religion. She includes information about law, behavioural and social science, systemic responses and procedure, anecdotal evidence, current events, and theoretical considerations. Animals and Criminal Justice is a useful handbook and a thorough textbook, as well as a practical guide to animals' relationships with the criminal justice system. Professionals, including police, child protective services, judges, animal control officers, and corrections staff, as well as scholars in the fields of criminal justice and criminology will find this book invaluable.

Frogs are amazingly diverse--ranging from the massive goliath frog, which weighs several pounds, to the recently discovered gold frog, which measures a mere three-eighths of an inch when fully grown--and have inhabited the earth for more than 200 million years. Today, however, these amphibians face more challenges than any other vertebrate group. In this fun and informative book, herpetologists Mike Dorcas and Whit Gibbons answer common and not-so-common questions people may have about these fascinating animals.

Dorcas and Gibbons discuss how frogs evolved, which species currently exist in the world, and why some have recently gone extinct. They reveal what frogs eat and what eats them, their role in cultures across the globe, why many populations are declining and what we can do to reverse this dangerous trend, why there are deformed frogs, and much more. They answer expected questions such as "What is the difference between a frog and a toad?" and "Why do some people lick toads?" and unexpected ones such as "Why do some frogs lay their eggs in the leaves of trees?" and "Do frogs feel pain?"

The authors' easy-to-understand yet thorough explanations provide insight into the amazing biology of this amphibian group. In addressing conservation questions, Dorcas and Gibbons highlight the frightening implications of the current worldwide amphibian crisis, which many scientists predict will bring extinction rates experienced by frog species to levels not seen in any vertebrate animal group in millions of years.

Packed with facts and featuring two color galleries and 70 black-and-white photographs, "Frogs: The Animal Answer Guide" is sure to address the questions on the minds of curious naturalists.

The second coloring book from celebrated tattoo artist Chris Garver--star of Miami Ink. Come along on a coloring safari! Featuring a wide array of animals and environments, Animal Odyssey offers the same graceful imagery and distinctive elements that have made Chris Garver a breakout star. Garver's fans will love filling in his new collection of illustrations, which beautifully blend the familiar and fantastic.

Ein Taschenfurer fur Saugetiere im Sudlichen Afrika is a guide to over a 100 mammal species – from big cats to mice and bats. The German translation is based on the English and Afrikaans editions which have also been completely updated, with 16 new pages of mammals added. Each entry contains a detailed description with: Clear, full-colour colour photographs; information on identification, subspecies, mass, shoulder height, vocalisation, age, habitat, habits, food, breeding, and male and female differences; details of other species with which the mammal could be confused, and their differences; an illustration of typical tracks and their size; a Southern Africa distribution map; listed where appropriate are the most recent standards set for trophy hunters by Safari Club International and Rowland Ward. Additionally, the pocket guide has: a vegetation map and habitat keys for essential, summarised information at a glance on distribution and preferred habitats; a photographic section on dung; an illustrated section on spoor and tracking.

A beautiful, lyrical exploration of the places where nature is flourishing in our absence "[Flyn] captures the dread, sadness, and wonder of beholding the results of humanity's destructive impulse, and she arrives at a new appreciation of life, 'all the stranger and more valuable for its resilence.'" --The New Yorker Some of the only truly feral cattle in the world wander a long-abandoned island off the northernmost tip of Scotland. A variety of wildlife not seen in many lifetimes has rebounded on the irradiated grounds of Chernobyl. A lush forest supports thousands of species that are extinct or endangered everywhere else on earth in the Korean peninsula's narrow DMZ. Cal Flyn, an investigative journalist, exceptional nature writer, and promising new literary voice visits the eeriest and most desolate places on Earth that due to war, disaster, disease, or economic decay, have been abandoned by humans. What she finds every time is an "island" of teeming new life: nature has rushed in to fill the void faster and more thoroughly than even the most hopeful projections of scientists. Islands of Abandonment is a tour through these new ecosystems, in all their glory, as sites of unexpected environmental significance, where the natural world has reasserted its wild power and promise. And while it doesn't let us off the hook for addressing environmental degradation and climate change, it is a case that hope is far from lost, and it is ultimately a story of redemption: the most polluted spots on Earth can be rehabilitated through ecological processes and, in fact, they already are.

The water vole is one of Britain's most endangered mammals. A native of the British Isles, and popularised in modern culture as 'Ratty' in Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows, the water vole is a cherished resident of our rivers, canals, streams and ponds. But this once ever-present mammal, like so many others, is now in danger - during the 1990s Britain's water vole population declined by over 80 per cent, and it is now fully protected by law in England and Wales. In The Water Vole, Christine Gregory, author of Brown Hares in the Derbyshire Dales and A River in Time, tells the story of the water vole, past, present and future, principally through its history in the waterways of Derbyshire. Having spent several years studying Derbyshire's water vole population and habitats, and capturing their behaviour intimately through her photography, Christine has developed a relationship with many of the custodians of the county's waterways, who are vital to the survival of the water vole. Decades of painstaking research into the decline of the water vole and the visionary work of conservationists give much cause for hope. Respecting our countryside and wild places and rebuilding the health of our rivers is key: we all have a role to play in the water vole's future.

The grey wolf is one of the world's most polarizing and charismatic species. Respected, adored, or held in awe by many as an icon of wilderness, wolves have also sparked fear and hatred when they have come into conflict with human presence. Not surprisingly, they are one of the most intensively studied mammalian species in the wild.The World of Wolves offers a fresh and provocative look at current trends in wolf and wildlife management. Representative case studies, from geographically and culturally diverse areas of the world, highlight the existing interconnections between wolves, their prey, their habitat, their ecosystems and people, and the role of science in policy formation and wolf management. In addition, the studies involve many issues (for example, population genetics and livestock husbandry practices) that are entry points into larger aspects of ecology and evolution. This book will appeal to conservationists, scientists, wildlife managers, and anyone seeking a better understanding of wolves and their co-existence with us.

A heartfelt narrative on the many ways animals touch our lives From wild Asian elephants to chimpanzees in a research laboratory to "lowly" field mice, this beautifully written narrative tells the stories of all kinds of animals and the many profound ways they have touched the life of longtime veterinarian James Mahoney. From Elephants to Mice is a collection of stories about the animals Dr. Mahoney has treated throughout his career as a veterinarian and observed throughout his life as an animal lover. He thoughtfully explores such issues as whether animals experience the same types of emotions as humans do, whether it is right to use animals in medical research, and whether animals might have a sense of humor. * Each stand-alone story introduces a unique character or cast of characters who are sure to touch the heart * The book is not just a sentimental memoir, but raises thought-provoking ideas and profound ethical issues relating to the interactions between animals and people* Stories show animals in many relatable situations, such as struggling to maintain their dignity, expressing love for one another, and striving to remain free against the odds Whether you're a dedicated animal activist or just a compassionate animal lover, From Elephants to Mice will leave you affected. This revolutionary book gives voice to the animals who touch our hearts and souls.

Wolves hold an almost mythical status in the cultural history of Europe and North America. For hundreds of years, they have been the subject of fairy tales and other lore, embodying mystery, cunning, and sometimes threat. People are drawn to their beauty, intrigued by their behaviours. Yet for those who live in close proximity to wolves, coexistence is fraught with many serious issues. Wolf management is an excellent model of human-nature interaction and the challenges that come along with it. A New Era for Wolves and People analyzes the crucial relationship between human ethics, attitudes, and policy and the management of wolf populations in Europe and North America. The contributors to this volume assert that these human dimensions affect wolf survival just as much, if not more, than the physical environment. Contributors include recognized scientists and other wolf experts who introduce new and sometimes controversial findings. A New Era for Wolves and People includes colour photographs by David C. Olson and drawings by wildlife artist Susan Shimeld. With Contributions By: Ed Bangs Alistair J. Bath Marc Bekoff Dean E. Beyer, Jr Paolo Biucci Juan Carlos Blanco Luigi Boitani Yolanda Cortes John Erb Camilla H. Fox James H. Hammill Mike Jimenez Randle L. Jurewicz Curt Mack Steve Nadeau Brian Roell Carolyn Sime Suzanne A. Stone Denise Taylor Timothy R. Van Deelen David A. Weitz Jane E. Wiedenhoeft Adrian P Wydeven

Co-published by The Vermont Fish & Widlife Department, The Nature Conservancy, and Vermont Land Trust--a revised and updated 2nd edition This book is a must-have for anyone wanting to understand Vermont's forests, wetlands, mountaintops, and shores. Richly illustrated with beautiful line drawings and stunning color photographs, this accessible field guide will delight outdoor explorers and armchair naturalists alike. The book starts with an introduction to the natural community concept and the factors influencing our natural systems, from wind and water to soil and rocks. Then, the book offers a lucid and enjoyable journey into Vermont's geologic past, with stories of colliding continents, sea floor sediments, and mysterious whale bones. This follows with a journey through all of Vermont's nine distinct biophysical regions, from the cold and wild Northeastern Highlands to the warm and dry Taconic Mountains. The bulk of the book describes Vermont's natural communities-its northern hardwood forests, dry oak woodlands, alpine tundra, cedar swamps, bogs, and marshes-in comprehensive detail. Ecological settings, including geology, soils, climate, and natural disturbance processes, are described for each community, along with complete lists of characteristic plants and animals, as well as places to visit. Wetland, Woodland, Wildland is the definitive guide to Vermont's natural communities, and is packed with information unavailable elsewhere. It offers practical information for naturalists, teachers, students, landowners, land managers, foresters, conservation planners, and all those with a love of nature who want to learn more about their surroundings. The first edition of this book, published in 2000, has become a mainstay for naturalists and students throughout Vermont and surrounding states and provinces. This second edition is completely updated to incorporate new research and a growing knowledge about natural communities, as well as a deeper understanding of climate change and its implications for conservation into the future. This newly updated book will be a prized addition to your natural history library, but it won't remain on the shelf. You will want to take it with you every time you explore the outdoors. Each paragraph will bring new insights and will deepen your understanding and appreciation of wild nature around you. You will surely want to share this book with friends.

A beautiful, illustrated book full of ideas to get you back in touch with nature. Spending time in nature is scientifically proven to be good for us - the benefits are endless and it has the power to make us feel better both physically and emotionally. Organised by season, The Wild Handbook provides a thoughtful collection of activities to get you back in touch with nature and improve your physical and mental wellbeing. It's an antidote to the stresses of modern life - activities include stargazing, wild swimming, various seasonal crafts, forest bathing, foraging and filling your home with natural materials and air purifying plants. Whether you live in the middle of a city or out in the countryside, you'll find practical ideas to suit your lifestyle. Illustrated with atmospheric colour artwork, this beautiful gift book makes a wonderful present for the nature-seeker in all of us.

In this book, we document and evaluate the recovery of gray wolves (Canis lupus) in the Great Lakes region of the United States. The Great Lakes region is unique in that it was the only portion of the lower 48 states where wolves were never c- pletely extirpated. This region also contains the area where many of the first m- ern concepts of wolf conservation and research where developed. Early proponents of wolf conservation such as Aldo Leopold, Sigurd Olson, and Durward Allen lived and worked in the region. The longest ongoing research on wolf-prey relations (see Vucetich and Peterson, Chap. 3) and the first use of radio telemetry for studying wolves (see Mech, Chap. 2) occurred in the Great Lakes region. The Great Lakes region is the first place in the United States where "Endangered" wolf populations recovered. All three states (Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan) developed ecologically and socially sound wolf conservation plans, and the federal government delisted the population of wolves in these states from the United States list of endangered and threatened species on March 12, 2007 (see Refsnider, Chap. 21). Wolf management reverted to the individual states at that time. Although this delisting has since been challenged, we believe that biological recovery of wolves has occurred and anticipate the delisting will be restored. This will be the first case of wolf conservation reverting from the federal government to the state conser- tion agencies in the United States.

Call it a daily meditation on the world around us for nature-lovers and nature newbies alike, An Irish Nature Year gleefully explores the small mysteries of the seasons as they unfold - Who's cutting perfect circles in your roses? Which birds wear feathery trousers? And what, exactly, is an amethyst deceiver? An Irish Nature Year is an illustrated day book filled with plants, animals, birds and creepy-crawlies from all over the island of Ireland. With one short entry for every day of the year, nature columnist Jane Powers serves up 5 minutes' worth of wonderment to enjoy on your coffee break, on your commute, or to relax with at bedtime. From 'weeds' in the pavement cracks and surprising inhabitants of vacant lots, to unusual finds along our shoreline and hedgerows, you'll find more of the natural world to admire right under your nose, and relish the little things that mark the passing of the seasons across the ever-changing Irish landscape.

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.

"Required reading for anyone invested in our shared future with these powerful and complex creatures." -John Vaillant, author of The Tiger and The Golden Spruce Growing up on a northern trap line, Harold Johnson was taught to keep his distance from wolves. For decades, wolves did the same for humans. But now this seems to be changing. In 2005, twenty-two-year-old Kenton Carnegie was killed in a wolf attack near his work camp. Part story, part forensic analysis, Cry Wolf examines this and other attacks, showing how we fail to take this apex predator seriously at our own peril. "A crucial and timely examination of our shifting relationship to the land in general and the Canis lupus in particular." -Eden Robinson, author of Son of a Trickster "Insightful . . . . Johnson eloquently argues that Traditional Ecological Knowledge and the wisdom of Indigenous people can help us better understand the true nature of predators such as wolves." -Cristina Eisenberg, PhD, author of The Wolf's Tooth and The Carnivore Way