The population of the Persian leopard (Panthera pardus saxicolor) has drastically declined; this Asian leopard subspecies has disappeared from some parts of its former range. Containing large areas of potential habitats with leopard presence across almost all of its provinces, Iran is known to be the last stronghold for the Persian leopard in the region. This book comprehensively covers research, management and conservation practices of the Persian leopard, including: * The first phase of the Persian Leopard National Action Plan in Iran together with an innovative leopard insurance program and a contingent valuation practice with respect to the wildlife trafficking law enforcement in Iran * Research on a hypothesis about the risk of a major fragmentation and splitting the leopard distribution range in Iran into a northern and a southern parts * An innovative and empirically fitted species- and region-specific approach for assessing the cumulative effect of land use and land cover changes on the leopard persistence * Distribution modeling of leopard potential habitats on a regional basis, accompanied by ground validation techniques * An evaluation to three threshold rules to define the habitat suitability indices * Persian leopard habitats and relative corridors in the trans-boundary areas of the East Azarbaijan province of the northwest of Iran in the Caucasus Ecoregion. The innovative research and conservation approaches presented in this book will be of great interest to those studying the leopard and other large carnivore species. The innovative models presented in this book about cumulative effect of the land use and land cover changes will be beneficial to land use managers, planners and decision makers in selecting wildlife friendly solutions for development programs. The strategic and action planning model as well as the leopard compensation program as an insurance scheme are developed specifically for the local condition and leopard status in Iran.

This new volume provides up-to-date information that emphasizes the relationships and concepts by which cell and tissue structures of fish are inextricably linked with their function. The book also describes the most recent development in the sciences of fish histology. Covers the normal histology of six fish species, the book provides detailed information on the histology of all organs of teleosts and includes 130 original photomicrographs, tables, updated terminology, and expanded information, with over 100 in color. This new volume, Fish Histology: From Cells to Organs, provides up-to-date information that emphasizes the relationships and concepts by which cell and tissue structures of fish are inextricably linked with their function. The book also describes the most recent development in the sciences of fish histology. Histology is the discipline of biology that involves the microscopic examination of tissue sections in order to study their structure and correlate it with function. Histology can detect signs of disease not easily recognized on gross examination and can therefore be of interest in fish health supervision. With fish constituting nearly 60% of all vertebrate species and of major worldwide economic importance as a food source, the information presented here will be valuable. The volume begins with concise introduction into the histological techniques for fish sampling, followed by an accurate up-to-date description of fish tissues. A chapter is devoted to each organ and organ systems in fish body as well. In addition, the book includes particular diagrams to illustrate the structure of organs and to enhance the usefulness of the text. This volume is designed for use by veterinary medical scientists, researchers, biologists, ichthyologists, fish farmers, veterinarians working in fisheries and, of course, by comparative histologists who want to learn more about the fish world. As a further aid to learning and identification, numerous photomicrographs and electron micrographs accompany the text, with particular emphasis on diagrams and tables to summarize morphologic and functional features of cells, tissues, and organs.

Famous for their size and elegance in flight, albatrosses are familiar to anyone who has travelled through the southern oceans, and are a flagship family of conservation concern. However, albatrosses are just one of several groups of 'pelagic' birds - those that visit land only to breed, and spend the rest of their lives far from the coast, soaring from ocean to ocean in a never-ending search for food. Mysterious and graceful, these birds can present a formidable identification challenge to even the most experienced birder. This book provides the answer - the first comprehensive guide to pelagic birds, the albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters, storm-petrels and diving petrels. A total of 46 spectacular colour plates highlight key ID criteria of the birds in flight, with close-ups of diagnostic regions of the plumage. The plates are accompanied by accurate distribution maps, while the sparkling text brings the world of these amazing birds to life. Several extremely rare species, such as Beck's Petrel, are illustrated for the first time, while the New Zealand Storm-petrel, rediscovered as recently as 2004, is also included. Sea-watchers all around the world will find this superb field guide indispensable.

Methods to Describe Fish Stocks; R. Guyomard. Spatial Organization of Pacific Salmon; B.E. Riddell. Status of Biodiversity of Taxa and Nontaxa of Salmonid Fishes; R.J. Behnte. Requirements for Genetic Data on Adaptations to Environment and Habitats of Salmonids; C.D. Levingo. Impacts of Fishing on Genetic Structure of Salmonid Populations; J.E. Thorpe. Genetic Change in Hatchery Populations; G.A.E. Gall. Potential Impacts of Transgenic and Genetically Manipulated Fish on Natural Populations; E. Hallerman, A. Kapuscinski. The Reproductive Containment of Genetically Altered Salmonids; E.M. Donalson, et al. Germplasm Repositories for Plants; R.L. Clark. Advances in Cryopreservation of Embryos and Prospects for Application to the Conservation of Salmonid Fishes; W.F. Rall. Genetic Resource Banks and Reproductive Technology for Wildlife Conservation; D.E. Wildt, et al. Cryopreservation of Fish Spermatozoa; B. Harvey. 14 additional articles. Index.

Sasol First Field Guide to Birds of Prey of Southern Africa provides fascinating insight into the birdlife of the region. With the help of full-colour photo graphs and distribution maps, and easy-to-read text, the young adult and budding naturalist will be able to identify the more common birds of prey in southern Africa, discover where they live, and learn about their unique feeding and nesting habits.

This photographic field guide to southern African birds comprises the biggest and most comprehensive collection of photographs of the region's birds in one volume.

It describes and illustrates all 958 bird species found in southern Africa, and an additional 17 species recorded from the Southern Ocean and associated islands, and Antarctica. Over 2 500 images show age and sex plumage variations, perched and in-flight birds, and colour morphs where relevant. authors.

Colour-coded distribution maps give resident and migratory status, and bird density. Annual seasonality bars show at a glance when species are present and when they breed. A-Z directory provides quick guide to locating groups. Group introductions provide additional clues to identification.

This comprehensive guide follows traditional species sequence. It brings a new dimension to bird identification in southern Africa and will prove indispensable in the field.

Ook in Afrikaans beskikbaar as Volledige Fotografiese Gids: Voëls Van Suider-Afrika.

Following the success of earlier ‘Quick Guide’ books, this slim little volume tackles one of the few groups of mammals that can fly. Divided into large fruit bats and smaller insecteating bats, this ultimate quick identification guide covers Africa’s 12 bat families. An informative introduction touches on evolution, flight, echolocation and reproduction, demystifying an animal that is all too often misunderstood. The text describes the facial characteristics and wing shapes common to each family and points out features that can help to distinguish between them. But it is the photographs and annotated line drawings that are most useful for identification. They include bats in flight and roosting sites, and close-ups of facial structures and wings that highlight key diagnostic attributes. An added extra is a photographic section showing the skulls of a variety bats.

This is a valuable guide for anyone with an interest in wildlife and its less common members.

Rats have long been recognized as a valuable biomedical research model, notably in the investigation of aging, toxicology, addiction, and common human diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. In many instances, individuals conducting such research studies are charged with important responsibilities, including animal facility management, animal husbandry, veterinary care, regulatory compliance, and various experimental methodologies. With the advent of genetic manipulations and biomedical research technological advances such as bioimaging, the versatility and usefulness of the rat as an animal model has soared. The Laboratory Rat, Second Edition captures the multiple advances in this important animal model's husbandry, veterinary care, and experimental methodology. This edition features augmented, expanded, and novel information on biology, anesthesia, analgesia, and experimental techniques benefiting personnel working with rats-from the animal care staff to the researcher and everyone in between. The book is also extremely useful to institutional animal care and use program supporters and elements, including animal care and use committees, institutional officials, occupational health and safety professionals, veterinary technicians, and veterinarians.

This book represents the state-of-the-art of Antarctic fish research, as a result of multidisciplinary approaches and multinational collaborative efforts. Of particular interest is, therefore, the interaction between traditional taxonomists, evolutionary biologists, physiologists and molecular scientists. Several chapters present, for the first time, a comparative analysis between the Antarctic and Arctic ichthyofauna. The difference in the two polar environments entail important implications in the mechanisms of adaptation in fish.

Animal welfare is attracting increasing interest worldwide, especially in developed countries where the knowledge and resources are available to (at least potentially) provide better management systems for farm animals, as well as companion, zoo and laboratory animals. The key requirements for adequate food, water, a suitable environment, appropriate companionship and good health are important for animals kept for all of these purposes. There has been increased attention given to farm animal welfare in many co- tries in recent years. This derives largely from the fact that the relentless pursuit of nancial reward and ef ciency, to satisfy market demands, has led to the devel- ment of intensive animal production systems that challenge the conscience of many consumers in those countries. In developing countries, human survival is still a daily uncertainty, so that p- vision for animal welfare has to be balanced against human needs. Animal welfare is usually a priority only if it supports the output of the animal, be it food, work, clothing, sport or companionship. In principle the welfare needs of both humans and animals can be provided for, in both developing and developed countries, if resources are properly husbanded. In reality, however, the inequitable division of the world's riches creates physical and psychological poverty for humans and a- mals alike in many parts of the world.

Laboratory animals, including ferrets, play an important role in biomedical research and advances. The humane care and management of these animals remains an ongoing concern. Published in color to provide greater clarity to the techniques and concepts discussed, The Laboratory Ferret presents basic information and common procedures in detail to provide a quick reference for investigators, technicians, and caretakers in the laboratory setting. The book presents a greater understanding of the use of the ferret in research, such as in studies on influenza. It is a valuable, handy reference for experienced individuals and for those without extensive training in working with ferrets.

'This long-awaited update to the acclaimed first edition is the definitive guide to a complex and intriguing family. The species accounts and taxonomic treatments have been fully revised in line with recent studies, and the all-new plates and photos complete this remarkable work. Highly recommended.' - Dominic Mitchell Beautiful, colourful, often fearless hunters of large insects and small vertebrates, shrikes are among the most admired of all avian groups. The group is widespread (particularly in the Old World) with a large number of species, though many populations have plummeted in recent years, especially in Europe. This is a second edition of Norbert Lefranc's Shrikes, fully updated from its 1997 predecessor. The introductory texts have been significantly expanded and six new sections have been added in the species accounts: vagrancy, foraging behaviour, breeding success, population trends, conservation and taxonomic notes. Special attention has been given to the latest developments in shrike systematics, not forgotten by the DNA revolution. The species accounts give information about the past and current distribution, along with threats and conservation status. Detailed and fully revised maps accompany the authoritative text, along with hundreds of high-quality photos showcasing racial and ageing differences as well as interesting aspects of shrike behaviour. An exceptional new series of plates by Tim Worfolk have been created, with more individual plumages shown than in the previous edition. This beautiful book represents the definitive account of shrikes and their relationships, appearance, conservation and lifestyle; it will be treasured by birdwatchers and professional ornithologists alike.

This is the 3rd of 12 volumes in a series of handbooks on the world of birds. It provides coverage of birds, from New World vultures to guineafowl. The introductory chapter deals with such diverse aspects as evolutionary history, anatomy, physiology, migration and systematics. Each chapter covers a different family, headed by a summary box. Photographs illustrate more unusual features, such as courtship behaviour, thermoregulation or feeding techniques. Each chapter is subdivided into sections: systematics; morphological aspects; habitat; general habits; voice; food and feeding; breeding; movements; relationship with man; status and conservation; and general bibliography. The species account lists names in French, German and Spanish, in addition to scientific and English names. Each species has its own distribution map indicating resident, breeding and non-breeding ranges; its official status, according to BirdLife International; and the threats facing each species.

The habitats of Great Britain, Europe and Africa boast some of the most interesting and adaptable members of the avian world. This accessible and fully illustrated guide presents some of the rare and familiar species of these lands. From the grace of a mute swan to the striking casque of an African crowned hornbill, each has the power to enthrall. An expert, accessible introductionexplains how birds evolved, their different habitats and habits and gives practical tips on fieldcraft. A directory of over 560 species features intricate artworks, and details everything from variable plumage to bill shapes, distribution, size, food, eggs and nests.

The definitive photographic guide to the amazing avifauna of Borneo. The world's third largest island, divided between three countries - Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei - Borneo is home to some of the oldest rainforests in the world, estimated to be 140 millions years old, and an avifauna of around 600 recorded bird species. It is a haven for birdwatchers and a frontrunning biodiversity hotspot. A range of habitats contributes to a diverse and exciting birdlife, which features colourful forest dwellers, mighty canopy dwelling hornbills, soaring raptors, as well as a host of charismatic endemics species and subspecies confined to this unique and special island. This guide is the perfect companion for any wildlife-savvy visitor to the island. It includes superb photography of more than 300 commonly encountered species, including all endemics and many subspecies. Concise text, covering key information on identification, habitat and distribution, and the best birdwatching sites, accompanies the photos to guide identification.

Sharks in Mexico: Research and Conservation, Volume 85 in the Advances in Marine Biology series, provides in-depth and up-to-date reviews on all aspects of marine biology that will appeal to postgraduates and researchers in marine biology, fisheries science, ecology, zoology and biological oceanography.

The Peregrine, the fastest bird in the world, has made a remarkable recovery over the past 30 years. As the species re-establishes itself around the world it is becoming a familiar sight in towns and cities. This beautifully illustrated book is the first in-depth focus on the lives of Peregrines in towns and cities. In words and stunning photographs, Ed Drewitt reveals the latest information on Peregrine behavior including how they are adapting to, and taking advantage of, the urban environment. The book is also a how-to-guide, with information on finding peregrines, studying their diet, ringing individuals for research, putting up nest boxes and enabling people to learn more about them through public viewing points or web cameras. Ed also discusses what makes a Peregrine urban, their contemporary relationship with people, and helps dispel some myths and reveal some truths about this agile predator.

How to Raise a Puppy moves away from the traditional approach to raising puppies, focused on obedience and control, and instead takes an holistic, dog-centred approach. Drawing on research into how dogs naturally rear their young, and how dogs have evolved to behave and spend their time, it supports a new way of sharing our lives with our dogs. It also offers advice on dealing with some of the common challenges people experience with puppies, and tips for managing adolescence. A much-needed resource for dog trainers, veterinarians and behaviourists to recommend to clients, this conveys a powerful message to help overcome all too common issues so many people have with their puppies. Packed with practical advice, it offers an overdue "puppy perspective", with respect for a dog as a sentient being at its core.

More than 600 lush, stunning photos grace this comprehensive handbook to the birdlife of the Mid-Atlantic region. A Great Blue Heron wades in the shallows of the Potomac River, scanning for unsuspecting prey. Sunlight turns the water translucent as a small school of fish rises to the water's surface. The heron strikes and moments later is swallowing its quarry-predation in action! This handsome Great Blue Heron is but one of the more than 400 bird species found in Delaware, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. It shares the mid-Atlantic with kingfishers, eagles, mergansers, wood warblers, and many more. Exploring backyard birds, birds of prey, and birds of the open ocean, Smithsonian ornithologist Bruce Beehler and premier nature photographer Middleton Evans have crafted a comprehensive volume unparalleled in its beauty and captivating storytelling. Birds of Maryland, Delaware, and the District of Columbia invites readers to experience the birds' lives as they live them: where they nest, how they forage, their various behaviors, and the natural environments they need to survive. Beehler offers practical advice on bird-watching, including how to find, attract, and even garden for birds, as well as the best places to see them in season. He also discusses the best birding apps, websites, and gear; provides advice on planning a birding field trip; and recommends ornithological institutions that will help you cultivate a lifelong birding hobby. Finally, Beehler challenges the reader to think about conservation efforts to preserve local bird populations. With striking color photographs of more than 400 species, this book is a bonanza for nature lovers. A wealth of images immerse the reader in the world of these wonderful creatures. Marvel at the majesty of Ospreys, navigate the ocean with storm-petrels, and nest with Mourning Doves, all while learning about the richness of the birds' lives, the complexities of their habits, and how we can help keep their populations vibrant and aloft for generations to come.

The emphasis in this volume is on the structure and functional design of the integument. The book starts with a brief introduction to some basic principles of physics (mechanics) including Newton's Three Laws of Motion. These principles are subsequently used to interpret the problems animals encounter in motion. It is in only the last 40 or so years that we have begun to understand how important a role the integument plays in the locomotion of many marine vertebrates. This involves the crossed-fiber architecture, which was first discovered in a classic study on nemertean worms. As a design principle we see that the crossed-fiber architecture is ubiquitous in nature. Research on some of the most dynamic marine vertebrates of the oceans - tuna, dolphins and sharks, and the extinct Jurassic ichthyosaurs - shows precisely how the crossed-fiber architecture contributes to high-speed swimming and (in lamnid sharks) may even aid in energy conservation. However, this design principle is not restricted to animals in the marine biota but is also found as far afield as the dinosaurs and, most recently, has been revealed as a major part of the microstructure of the most complex derivative of the integument, the feather. We see that a variety of phylogenetically diverse vertebrates take to the air by using skin flaps to glide from tree to tree or to the ground, and present detailed descriptions of innovations developed in pursuit of improved gliding capabilities in both extinct and modern day gliders. But the vertebrate integument had even greater things in store, namely true or flapping flight. Pterosaurs were the first vertebrates to use the integument as a membrane in true flapping flight and these interesting extinct animals are discussed on the basis of past and cutting-edge research , most intriguingly with respect to the structure of the flight membrane. Bats, the only mammals that fly, also employ integumental flight membranes. Classic research on bat flight is reviewed and supplemented with the latest research, which shows the complexities of the wing beat cycle to be significantly different from that of birds, as revealed by particle image velocimetry. The book's largest chapter is devoted to birds, given that they make up nearly half of the over 22,000 species of tetrapods. The flight apparatus of birds is unique in nature and is described in great detail, with innovative research highlighting the complexity of the flight structures, bird flight patterns, and behavior in a variety of species. This is complimented by new research on the brains of birds, which shows that they are more complex than previously thought. The feather made bird flight possible, and was itself made possible by -keratin, contributing to what may be a unique biomechanical microstructure in nature, a topic discussed in some depth. A highly polarized subject concerns the origin of birds and of the feather. Alleged fossilized protofeathers (primal simple feathers) are considered on the basis of histological and taphonomic investigative studies in Chapter 6. Finally, in Chapter 7 we discuss the controversies associated with this field of research. Professor Theagarten Lingham-Soliar works at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth and is an Honorary Professor of Life Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

This is the second monograph by the author on biological materials of marine origin. The initial book is dedicated to the biological materials of marine invertebrates. This work is a source of modern knowledge on biomineralization, biomimetics and materials science with respect to marine vertebrates. For the first time in scientific literature the author gives the most coherent analysis of the nature, origin and evolution of biocomposites and biopolymers isolated from and observed in the broad variety of marine vertebrate organisms (fish, reptilian, birds and mammals) and within their unique hierarchically organized structural formations. There is a wealth of new and newly synthesized information, including dozens of previously unpublished images of unique marine creatures including extinct, extant and living taxa and their biocomposite-based structures from nano- to micro - and macroscale. This monograph reviews the most relevant advances in the marine biological materials research field, pointing out several approaches being introduced and explored by distinct modern laboratories.

Theoretical Models of O2 Transport: Local Plasma Convection Can Be Important for Oxygen Release in Tissue Capillaries; C. Bos, et al. Abstracts. Methods and Instrumentation: Phosphorescence Quenching, Magnetic Resonance Techniques, Near Infrared Spectroscopy, Other Abstracts. Systemic Oxygen Transport: Is Red Cell Flow Heterogeneity a Critical Variable in the Regulation and Limitation of Oxygen Transport to Tissue? B.R. Duling Abstracts.Heart: Effects of Energy Demand in Ischemic and in Hypoxemic Isolated Rat Hearts; M. Samaja Abstracts. Lung: Respiratory Gas Exchange and Inert Gas Retention during Partial Liquid Ventilation; E.A. Mates Abstracts. Brain: Effect of Mild Hypothermia on Active and Basal Cerebral Oxygen Metabolism and Blood Flow; E.M. Nemoto, et al. Skeletal Muscle: Oxygen Supply to Exercising Muscle, Roles of Diffusion Limitation and Heterogeneity of Blood Flow; J. Piiper Abstracts. Kidney and Gut: Filtration, Reabsorption and Oxygen in the Kidney;R.C. Blantz Abstracts. Tumor: Abstracts. 110 additional articles. Index.

Histology is the discipline of biology that involves the microscopic examination of thin stained tissue sections in order to study their structure and correlate it with function. Histology can detect signs of disease not easily recognized on gross examination and can therefore be of interest in fish health supervision. The aim of this volume is to present a general reference guide providing an extensive set of histological images of fishes (about 40 species). This atlas is designed for use by students and researchers, biologists, ichthyologists, fish farmers, veterinarians working in fisheries and, of course, by comparative histologists who want to learn more about the fish world.

Blennies are diverse group of bony fishes found around the globe. Most blennies are small and somewhat difficult to identify, so until recently these fish did not occupy the interests of many ichthyologists and even fewer ecologists. With nearly 900 species, blennies are important members of most coastal marine communities. This book should stimulate interest in blennies among a wider array of students, and marine biologists in general.