Agile, sleek, and precise, sharks display many qualities we can admire and appreciate. These marvels of evolution have adapted to thrive in every major aquatic realm on the planet, from frigid Arctic waters through temperate but stormy seas and on into the tropics. However, few places on Earth are home to the amazing diversity of shark species that beautify the shallow waters of Florida and the Bahamas. In this first-ever book dedicated to the sharks of this region, biologist Jeffrey C. Carrier reveals the captivating lives of these large marine predators and describes how they have survived for over 400 million years. Guiding readers through basic biology, key attributes, and identification tips, the book explores what makes sharks such successful apex predators. Carrier explains fascinating phenomena, including the reason for the bizarre shape of the hammerhead, how a bull shark is able to swim hundreds of miles up freshwater rivers, what lies behind sharks' remarkable capability to learn and remember, and why many scientists believe that they are equipped with the most sophisticated sensory systems in the animal kingdom. With the stunning full-color underwater photography of Andy Murch, Jillian Morris, and Duncan Brake, Sharks of the Shallows brings boaters, fishers, divers, and shark lovers directly alongside these unfairly maligned creatures. And not a moment too soon! Sharks are experiencing stresses unlike any in their long history, and are struggling to survive in a changing ocean. They will continue to grace our coastlines only if we care enough to understand them.

Part I Introduction.- The Values and Challenges of Long-Term Field Studies.- Part II Madagascar.- Berenty Reserve, Madagascar: A Long Time in a Small Space.- Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve: Long-Term Research on Lemurs in Southwestern Madagascar.- Long-Term Lemur Research at Centre Valbio, Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar.- A 15-Year Perspective on the Social Organization and Life History of Sifaka in Kirindy Forest.- Part III America.- The Northern Muriqui ("Brachyteles hypoxanthus"): Lessons on Behavioral Plasticity and Population Dynamics from a Critically Endangered Species.- The Lomas Barbudal Monkey Project: Two Decades of Research on "Cebus capucinus.- "Tracking Neotropical Monkeys in Santa Rosa: Lessons from a Regenerating Costa Rican Dry Forest.- The Group Life Cycle and Demography of Brown Capuchin Monkeys ("Cebus" "apella"] "nigritus") in Iguazu National Park, Argentina.- Part IV Asia.- Social Organization and Male Residence Pattern in Phayre's Leaf Monkeys.- White-Handed Gibbons of Khao Yai: Social Flexibility, Complex Reproductive Strategies, and a Slow Life History.- V Africa.- The Amboseli Baboon Research Project: Forty Years of Continuity and Change.- The Thirty Year Blues: What We Know and Don t Know About Life History, Group Size, and Group Fission of Blue Monkeys in the Kakamega Forest, Kenya.- Long-Term Research on Chimpanzee Behavioral Ecology in Kibale National Park, Uganda.- Long-Term Field Studies of Chimpanzees at Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania.- Long-Term Studies of the Chimpanzees of Gombe National Park, Tanzania.- Long-Term Research on Grauer s Gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega National Park, DRC: Life History, Foraging Strategies, and Ecological Differentiation from Sympatric Chimpanzees.- Long-Term Studies on Wild Bonobos at Wamba, Luo Scientific Reserve, D.R. Congo: Towards the Understanding of Female Life History in a Male-Philopatric Species. VI Summary.- A Comparative Perspective on Long-term Field Studies."

The preeminent guide to the world's mammals is now enhanced with a dramatically expanded volume covering 19 orders, including such creatures as elephants, armadillos, and manatees. Since its first publication in 1964, Walker's Mammals of the World has become a favorite guide to the natural world for general readers and professionals alike. This new Walker's volume is a completely revised and updated compendium of information on five of the earliest clades to diverge from ancient mammal stock. Uniquely comprehensive in inimitable Walker's style, it incorporates a full account of every genus that has lived in the past 5,000 years. Every named species of each genus is listed in systematic order and accompanied by detailed descriptions of past and present range. This new edition includes * 500+ full-color images throughout * citations to more than 2,200 new references * extensive bioconservation data, with discussion of every species in an IUCN Red List threatened category This volume's thorough updates reflect 20 years of advances in our knowledge of taxonomy, ecology, behavior, life history, and conservation. Substantive changes to 100% of previously existing generic accounts, plus the addition of 17 entirely new generic accounts, double the information in the last edition on the 19 orders covered. The black-and-white illustrations of earlier editions have been replaced by over 500 superb new color images. Remaining true to Ernest P. Walker's vision, the text smoothly combines in-depth scholarship with a popular, readable style to preserve and enhance what the Washington Post called a "landmark of zoological literature."

This revised edition of Bats of Southern and Central Africa builds on the solid foundation of the first edition and supplements the original account of bat species then known to be found in Southern and Central Africa with an additional eight newly described species, bringing the total to 124. The chapters on evolution, biogeography, ecology and echolocation have been updated, citing dozens of recently published papers. The book covers the latest systematic and taxonomic studies, ensuring that the names and relationships of bats in this new edition reflect current scientific knowledge. The species accounts provide descriptions, measurements and diagnostic characters as well as detailed information about the distribution, habitat, roosting habits, foraging ecology and reproduction of each species. The updated species distribution maps are based on 6 100 recorded localities. A special feature of the 2010 publication was the mode of identification of families, genera and species by way of character matrices rather than the more generally used dichotomous keys. Since then these matrices have been tested in the field and, where necessary, slightly altered for this edition. New photographs fill in gaps and updated sonograms aid with bat identification in acoustic surveys. The bibliography, which now contains more than 700 entries, will be an invaluable aid to students and scientists wishing to consult original research.

Fishes in Lagoons and Estuaries in the Mediterranean 2 extensively covers the systematic, biological, ecological, behavioral and genetic aspects of the sedentary fishes that spend their entire lifecycle in the coastal fringes, sometimes referred to as "extreme environments". This second volume of a set of books on Mediterranean ichthyofauna presents in-depth scientific, historical and current knowledge at the family, genus and species levels. Designed to give rapid and comprehensive access to the body of knowledge on Mediterranean lagoonal and estuarine sedentary fishes (over 1200 scientific works are referenced), this volume is for anyone involved in the use, management or protection of natural environments and their populations, including ecobiologists, geographers, engineers, teachers, students and researchers.

Fish are a unique group which harbour some 30,000 species of helminths that do not occur in other vertebrates. This book deals specifically with parasitic worms of fish. It covers every aspect of their biology including identification, life-cycles, hostparasite relationships and ecology. It discusses approaches to studying parasitic worm infections, preference of species for particular host species, preference for dwelling in certain organs and tissues, biogeography, seasonality of infections and how parasites have evolved in parallel with their hosts. The book concludes with discussions of fish worms causing diseases in nature and in fish-farms. This section also addresses the value of parasitic worms in extending knowledge of the environments in which fish and their parasites dwell, from the use of worms as indicators of pollution or for determining the location, migrations, and feeding behavior of fish stocks. With the growth in fish farming such parasites have considerable economic as well as scientific significance.; This volume provides an account of these helminths and reviews how studies on fish worms have increased current knowledge of worm biology in general.; The bibliography contains over 3500 references and an appendix summarizes important information on biochemistry and physiology of fish worms.

Madagascar is home to one of the most remarkable assemblages of mammals on earth. Millions of years of isolation has resulted in the evolution of a suite of species that are exceptional for two major reasons. Firstly, every native non-volant species (approximately 210 species) is endemic. No other island or place on earth boasts such a combination of species richness and endemism. And secondly, these mammals have evolved an extraordinary diversity of body forms and lifestyles often displaying significant convergence with forms elsewhere but also at times evolving utterly unique features. Handbook of the Mammals of Madagascar describes all 217 native species, including bats, tenres, mice and lemurs, and a small number of introduced, non-native species. Species accounts are subdivided into sections covering description and identification, habitat and distribution (including distribution maps), behaviour and where to see. Over the past 15 years, major advances in research have been made into the island's mammal fauna and species accounts include all the latest information. Supporting chapters cover the island's regions and habitats, threats to mammals, conservation and important mammal watching sites. There is also a section covering the bizarre extinct mammal fauna. Throughout, the book is illustrated with exceptional, high-quality photography, often featuring species rarely photographed previously.

Practical and portable, this is the ultimate field guide to the world's cetaceans. This outstanding new field guide to whales, dolphins and porpoises is the most comprehensive, authoritative and up-to-date guide to these popular mammals. With more than 500 accurate illustrations - complete with detailed annotations pointing out the most significant field marks - Field Guide to Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises covers all 93 species and every subspecies in the world. Many of the world's most respected whale biologists have collaborated on the concise text, which is packed with helpful identification tips from cetacean expert, Mark Carwardine. Mark's informative text is accompanied by up-to-date distribution maps for each species. Beautifully designed, to ensure critical information is quickly accessible, this is an indispensable resource that every whale-watcher will want to carry out to sea.

Vertebrate Life distills the necessary information from vertebrate anatomy, physiology, ecology, and behavioral studies and then helps students see important connections across levels of biological scale. The result is students come to understand how organisms function effectively in their environments and how lineages of organisms change through evolutionary time. Processing complex detailed information about expansive phylogenies and diverse anatomies can be difficult for even the most motivated students, and Vertebrate Life addresses this challenge by combining appropriately-detailed, clearly-written text with outstanding phylogenies and figures, making it a thorough and engaging reference for students and instructors alike. The text's impressive illustration program helps students visualize complex concepts, allowing them to parse difficult anatomical information. The 11th edition will have an upgraded illustration program with several new and revised figures, including layered figures presented in the new enhanced eBook.

The polar bear, king of the Arctic, is one of the world's most recognizable animals. Images of the majestic beasts roaming across the ice cap, plunging into frigid waters, and playing with furry cubs have come to symbolize the beauty and grandeur of the Arctic. Andrew E. Derocher and Wayne Lynch have spent decades following the bears, and this book offers the most comprehensive and readable review of their biology, ecology, behavior, and conservation.

With gripping photographs by Lynch, a preeminent wildlife photographer, and the personal stories of Derocher, this book is as stunning to look at as it is fascinating to read. It weaves together their remarkable experiences with the latest research to tell the amazing story of these Arctic predators, tracing the animals back to their evolutionary roots and looking ahead to the future of polar bears on a warming planet Earth.

Through informative and engaging language, Derocher carefully explains the sea ice ecosystem that is essential to the survival of polar bears. He addresses the threat of global warming to the Arctic--home to polar bears for tens of thousands of years--and describes in impressive detail their feeding habits, distribution, den ecology, and reproduction. Lynch's vivid photographs capture all this and more as they chronicle the wide range of polar bear behavior, from family rituals to ferocious predatory practices.

Captivating, accurate, and inspiring, "Polar Bears" belongs in the hands of all who love the wild.

Wind farms are an essential component of global renewable energy policy and the action to limit the effects of climate change. There is, however, considerable concern over the impacts of wind farms on wildlife, leading to a wide range of research and monitoring studies, a growing body of literature and several international conferences on the topic. This unique multi-volume work provides a comprehensive overview of the interactions between wind farms and wildlife. Volume 3 documents the current knowledge of the potential effects upon wildlife during both construction and operation of offshore wind farms. An introductory chapter on the nature of wind farms and the legislation surrounding them is followed by a series of in-depth chapters documenting effects on physical processes, atmosphere and ocean dynamics, seabed communities, fish, marine mammals, migratory birds and bats and seabirds. A synopsis of the known and potential effects of wind farms upon wildlife concludes the volume. The authors have been carefully selected from across the globe from the large number of academics, consultants and practitioners now engaged in wind farm studies, for their influential contribution to the science. Edited by Martin Perrow and with contributions by 30 leading researchers including: Goeran Brostroem, Steven Degraer, Mike Elliot, Andrew Gill, Ommo Huppop, Georg Nehls and Nicolas Vanermen. The authors represent a wide range of organisations and institutions including the Universities of Gothenburg, Hamburg and Hull, Alfred Wegener Institute, Cefas (UK), Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences, Vattenfall and several leading consultancies. Each chapter includes informative figures, tables, colour photographs and detailed case studies, including some from invited authors to showcase exciting new research. Other volumes: Volume 1: Onshore: Potential Effects (978-1-78427-119-0) Volume 2: Onshore: Monitoring and Mitigation (978-1-78427-123-7) Volume 4: Offshore: Monitoring and Mitigation (978-1-78427-131-2)

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.

This compact, easy-to-use guide features more than 350 of the most conspicuous and commonly seen birds in Namibia.

Pocket Guide Birds of Namibia offers:

- Concise identification text

- Full-colour photographs of all species covered

- Up-to-date distribution maps

- An informative introduction featuring the ‘specials’ of the key birding destinations in Namibia.

An ideal introduction and travelling companion for birders in or visiting the region.

This book focuses on the use of molecular tools to study small populations of rare and endangered mammals, and presents case studies that apply an evolutionary framework to address innovative questions in the emerging field of mammalian conservation genomics using a highly diverse set of novel molecular tools. Novel and more precise molecular technologies now allow experts in the field of mammology to interpret data in a more contextual and empirical fashion and to better describe the evolutionary and ecological processes that are responsible for the patterns they observe. The book also demonstrates how recent advances in genetic/genomic technologies have been applied to assess the impact of environmental/anthropogenic changes on the health of small populations of mammals. It examines a range of issues in the field of mammalian conservation genomics, such as the role that the genetic diversity of the immune system plays in disease protection and local adaptation; the use of noninvasive techniques and genomic banks as a resource for monitoring and restoring populations; the structuring of population by physical barriers; and genetic diversity. Further, by integrating research from a variety of areas - including population genetics, molecular ecology, systematics, and evolutionary and conservation biology - it enables readers to gain a deeper understanding of the conservation biology of mammals that are at increasing risk of extinction at local, regional and global scales. As such, it offers a unique resource for a broad readership interested in the conservation biology of mammals and conservation management strategies to better preserve biodiversity.

This book brings together the latest information on tropical ungulates in different Latin American countries. These animals are not only important from the point of view of their role in different ecosystems, but also have cultural value for people. The book also discusses topics such as habitat transformation and hunting as these species are an important source of food in many places. Addressing ungulate natural communities in diverse ecosystems and countries, the book provides information on specific aspects of each of the most representative species, and highlights topics to help readers better understand these species and develop effective management and conservation strategies. The information presented also reveals the need for more knowledge and will hopefully provide the incentive for continued studies on this important group of animals. This publication serves as a reference for academic research on ungulate ecology, behavior and dynamics, as well as the basis for conservation strategies.

The ultimate guide to the birds of Bangladesh Despite being one of the most densely populated countries on Earth, Bangladesh boasts a diverse range of natural habitats, including forests, wetlands and grasslands, and supports a wide range of species including a number of sought after regional specialities. Birds of Bangladesh is the definitive field guide to the rich avifauna of this fascinating and beautiful country. - Covers all 705 species that occur in Bangladesh, including vagrants - 103 superb colour plates, with text on facing pages for quick and easy reference - Concise species accounts describe key identification features, voice, habitats, distribution and status

Fish Pathology is the definitive, classic and essential book on the subject, providing in-depth coverage across all major aspects of fish pathology. This new, fully updated and expanded fourth edition builds upon the success of the previous editions which have made Fish Pathology the best known and most respected book in the field, worldwide.Commencing with a chapter covering the aquatic environment, the book provides comprehensive details of the anatomy and physiology of teleosts, pathophysiology and sytematic physiology, immunology, neoplasia, virology, parasitology, bacteriology, mycology, nutritional pathology and other non-infectious diseases. A final chapter provides extremely useful details of the most widely-used and trusted laboratory methods in the area. Much new infomation is included in this new edition, including enhanced coverage of any diseases which have become commercially significant since publication of the previous edition Beautifully illustrated in full colour throughout with many exceptional photographs, Fish Pathology, Fourth Edition, is an essential purchase for fish pathologists, fish veterinarians, biologists, microbiologists and immunologists, including all those working in diagnostic services worldwide. Personnel working in fish farming and fisheries will also find much of great use and interest within the book's covers. All libraries in universities and research establishments where biological and veterinary sciences are studied and taught should have copies of this landmark publication on their shelves.

A major revision of the first comprehensive field guide to cover the birds of this exciting region, this book will enable birders to identify any species found in any of the countries covered. Birds of Western Africa (Helm, 2001) was the first single-volume guide to cover all the species of this region, which comprises 23 countries from Senegal and southern Mauritania east to Chad and the Central African Republic, and south to Congo. This updated edition uses all of the illustrations from Birds of Western Africa, along with a number of new paintings. The book also has updated colour distribution maps for each species placed on the text pages for the first time. On facing pages, concise, authoritative text aids identification to create a conveniently-sized, lightweight field reference covering all 1300 species found in the region. This handy guide will enable birders to identify any species found in any of the countries covered.

The contributors to this volume present research concerning the cognitive structures and development of nonhuman primates from a cognitive psychological perspective. The authors and researchers come to this project from the study of humans and apply their knowledge to research on nonhumans. For professional, researchers, and students in cognitive, developmental, and experimental psychology.

This book presents a critical and integrated review of lizards from Patagonia. It summarizes the region's geomorphological history and climatic aspects, which makes it possible to interpret, from an evolutionary perspective, the latest findings on the various natural history aspects of its lizard fauna. As such, the book will appeal to all researchers and professionals specialized in lizard ecology and evolution.

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.

Easy-to-use and compact, this is the perfect pocket ID guide to mammals of the region. It covers some 120 mammals, from the smallest (bats, sengis and shrews) to the largest (lion, rhinoceros and elephant), as well as marine species, such as seals, dolphins and whales. Clear, full-color photographs and distribution maps.

A must-have for tourists and nature-lovers alike.This authoritative guide offers concise information, clear images of each animal, distribution maps and illustrations of tracks and droppings. This colorfully illustrated guide offers concise information on key ID pointers, similar species, habitat, behavior, diet, reproduction, longevity, calls, occurrence and measurements. Clear images of each animal, distribution maps, silhouettes indicating size relative to humans and illustrations of tracks and droppings offerconcise yet detailed information enabling quick and easy mammal ID.