This special book-format issue of Birds New Zealands journal Notornis is devoted to the birds of the Auckland Islands Maukahuka/Motu Maha, the largest and biologically most diverse island group in the New Zealand subantarctic region. Its 19 chapters, written by leading ornithologists, cover a wide range of topics, including the history of ornithological discovery, biogeography, the impacts of introduced mammals and people, prehistoric bird communities based on bone assemblages, and population, ecological and genetic studies of several of the endemic or otherwise notable birds of the island group including Auckland Island snipe, white-headed petrel, and several albatross species.

This is the first book on ranaviruses. Ranaviruses are double-stranded DNA viruses that cause hemorrhagic disease in amphibians, reptiles, and fish. They have caused mass die-offs of ectothermic vertebrates in wild and captive populations around the globe. There is evidence that this pathogen is emerging and responsible for population declines in certain locations. Considering that amphibians and freshwater turtles are suitable hosts and the most imperiled vertebrate taxa in the world, ranaviruses can have significant impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem function. Additionally, many fish that are raised in aquaculture facilities and traded internationally are suitable hosts; thus, the potential economic impact of ranaviruses is significant. Ranaviruses also serve as a model for replication and gene function of large double-stranded DNA viruses. There is an urgent need to assemble the contemporary information on ranaviruses and provide guidance on how to assess their threats in populations. Through the Global Ranavirus Consortium, 24 experts from six countries were organize to write this volume, the first book on ranaviruses. The book begins with a discussion on the global extent of ranaviruses, case histories of infection and disease in ectothermic vertebrates, and current phylogeny. Basic principles of ranavirus ecology and evolution are covered next, with a focus on host-pathogen interactions and how the virus emerges in its environment. There are two chapters that will discuss the molecular biology of ranaviruses, host response to infection, and the genes responsible for immune system evasion. One chapter establishes standards for testing for infection and diagnosing ranaviral disease. The book ends by providing guidance on how to design ranavirus surveillance studies and analyze data to determine risk, and discussing the role of the Global Ranavirus Consortium in organizing research and outreach activities.

Elusive Birds of the Tropical Understory is an arresting visual trip to the unseen corners of the Neotropical forest understory. Edited by John P. Whitelaw, Jeffrey D. Brawn, Henry S. Pollock, and John W. Fitzpatrick, this book combines unique images of tropical birds with inspired essays by leaders in the world of modern ornithology. With one-of-a-kind photos of seldom-documented birds, the authors use photography as a conservation tool. Many of the birds are more often heard than seen-not much is known about some of them, and much of what we do know is found in historical natural history literature, not contemporary accounts. Due to dense vegetation, low light conditions, and the birds' furtive behavior and cryptic coloring, they are notoriously difficult to photograph. Yet, Elusive Birds of the Tropical Understory delves deep into the Panamanian forest understory to show why these birds should be included in discussion of the current conservation crisis. What these species lack in bright colors they make up for in distinctive behaviors, subtle plumage patterns, and ongoing mystery. Elusive Birds of the Tropical Understory invites and inspires naturalists of all ages to take a closer look at a fascinating assemblage of overlooked birds.

Ten years in the making, The Kentucky Breeding Bird Atlas presents the results of a seven-year survey of all birds that nest in the Bluegrass State, providing photographs of each species. This work summarizes the distribution and abundance of these bird species, and describes such recent phenomena as the invasions of the Blue Grosbeak and House Finch and the notable decline of other familiar species. Introductory material outlines the methodology used to complete the survey and summarizes its results. Of particular interest, this work helps to document the effect human alteration of the landscape has had on our bird populations. Some of the most common and widespread species in Kentucky today, for example, may have been among the most rare only two hundred years ago. Information for each species includes its current and historical status in the state, habitat preferences, specific details of the construction and placement of nests, and other pertinent aspects of nesting biology. Results of the survey are organized by physiographic region and degree of forestation. For rare or locally distributed species, more specific details concerning individual breeding records are given. Accompanying maps plot each species' distribution and abundance within the state. An additional section briefly summarizes the former status of twelve extinct or extirpated species. The Kentucky Breeding Bird Atlas is sponsored by the Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission and the Nongame Wildlife Program of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources in cooperation with the Kentucky Ornithological Society.

The scope of book has relevant and important informations on some of the popular tamed birds reared as pet in cages. Among these Parrots and Mayana are companion species capable of learning and limited conversation with members of the house. Bulbul, partridges and pigeon are used for sports. Owners of these birds expect guidance for care and management from the experts of poultry science because so far there appears to be no school on the management of such avian species. Incorporation of these avian species in the book is expected to enrich the knowledge of students and teachers of the Avian and Poultry Science. Note: T& F does not sell or distribute the Hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

This book provides the latest information on the significance of zebrafish as an ideal model for researching the biomedical field, with references. This book also focused on the evidence of zebrafish as a model in cardiovascular, neurologic, psychiatric and metabolic research. In addition, the book also includes the research carried out on zebrafish in hepatic, renal, ophthalmic, and ENT related areas. Contributed chapters come from the most prominent laboratories working in this field, which provides a unique perspective on zebrafish models from a wide spectrum of the research community. In addition, the book offers a detailed analysis of the most current research in the area for specific zebrafish models including specific research in the area of skin disorders, endocrine diseases, nutritional disorders, gastrointestinal, hematological disorders and cancer. The compilation of chapters in the volume culminates into a comprehensive and definitive text on zebrafish and its suitability for modeling various diseases, providing a critical resource on the potential attributes of the zebrafish as a pharmacological model. In terms of scope, this book is a useful tool for young researchers, professors and pharmaceutical scientists for understanding the significance of zebrafish as an emerging pharmacological model that can significantly aid in the process of drug discovery and development.

Key features: Presents a contemporary snapshot of the mechanisms underlying the evolution and adaptation of behavior Explores how genetics, epigenetics, development, and environment shape behavior Discusses a broad range of behavioral repertoires and responses, including those related to thermoregulatory, foraging, predatory, displaying, social and escape strategies. Examines physiological and sensory mechanisms Covers the effects of various aspects of global change on behavior, with chapters that focus on the impacts of climate change on hydroregulatory behavior and behavioral responses to the effects of habitat alteration resulting from human-mediated change and colonization by invasive species. Lizards serve as focal organisms for many of biological questions related to evolution, ecology, physiology, and morphology. They are studied at multiple spatial and temporal scales, from the individual to the community level. This book, authored by expert contributors from around the world, explores behaviors underlying the evolution and adaptation of these organisms. It covers conceptual, empirical, and methodological approaches to the understanding of the role that natural and sexual selection play in molding the behavioral traits of lizards. This thorough, illustrated reference should stimulate discussion of the conceptual and methodological approaches for studying the behavioral traits of these fascinating and highly diverse vertebrates.

Of all Africa's wildlife, none has captured the imagination more than those species that have come over the years to be known as the big five. Whether the biggest, the most beautiful, the fiercest or most formidable, these animals are the ones that have the power to remind us of our insignificance in the face of the true kings of the savannas. This is a truly magnificent record of Africa's Big Five.

In the compiling of this book, the vast literature dealing with the descriptive morphology, histology and cytology of teleost development has been combed and integrated. The book is divided into 21 chapters, starting with the egg and embryonic development up to hatching. This is followed by a description of ectodermal, mesodermal and entodermal derivatives and the development of various organs. The subject index, species index and the abundant illustrations add extra value to this long awaited book.

Developmental Biology of Teleost Fishes will be a valuable tool for scientists and students in the fields of biology, developmental biology, molecular biology and fish biology.

Islands are special because they promote unique forms of life, and large proportions of the species they hold are found nowhere else on Earth. The mammals of the South-west Pacific are no exception, with many distributed only across single islands or archipelagos. Mammals of the South-west Pacific details the natural history for more than 180 species of marsupials, bats and rodents from 24 Pacific nations and territories. Species profiles are accompanied by distribution maps, illustrations and photographs – many being the first images ever captured for the species. By combining available knowledge with unpublished data collected over years of field work, Mammals of the South-west Pacific forms a definitive guide to the mammals from this region.

Building on the success of its popular predecessor, the second edition of Ecotoxicology of Amphibians and Reptiles presents newly available findings on the species that are important environmental indicators. This new edition covers nearly twice as many topics as the first, including recent developments in the ecotoxicology of amphibians and reptiles, the current status of these animals, and intrinsic factors that affect their susceptibility to contaminants. The book also provides the latest information on specific groups of contaminants and their effects and body burdens in herpetafauna. After a review of how contaminants interact with other ecological factors, the text explores concerns for the future. New in the second edition: New research on the effects of pesticides, heavy metals, endocrine disrupting chemicals, and UVB Increased focus on the effects of contaminants rather than merely reporting residue information A synthesis of information on atrazine and its effects on gonads at low concentrations Coverage of the potentially alarming new cadre of chemicals that have recently or are about to come on the market for which there is very little or no information Important advances in surveying and monitoring One of the major factors behind the writing of the first edition was the worldwide phenomenon of declining amphibian populations. Although this decline has not abated, the breadth of research into its causes has expanded significantly. With chapter contributors carefully selected by the team of editors as leaders in their fields, this book provides an authoritative compendium of the most recent information on effects and residues coupled with a syntheses of what these numbers mean to science and policy.

This spectacular new field guide is the ultimate reference to the birds of Argentina and the islands of the South-west Atlantic, essential for researchers, birders and conservationists alike. Covers Argentina and all Fuegian and Hornean islands south to the Diego Ramírez Islands and east to the Falklands. More than 2,300 images of original artwork illustrate 1,075 species, including all residents, migrants and most vagrants. 199 stunning colour plates depict every species and many distinct plumages and subspecies, including 28 endemics and 17 near-endemics. Concise text on key identification features and accurate, up-to-date colour distribution maps opposite the plates for ease of reference.

The fifth edition of The Physiology of Fishes represents a compendium of knowledge across fish physiology, collecting up-to-date research into an easy-to-access single textbook. Written by the leaders in the field, it provides a comprehensive, accessible review of the core topics, integrating physiology with environmental science, ecology, evolution, and molecular cell biology. New chapters address Epigenetics, Biomechanics and Locomotion, and Behaviour and Learning. Each chapter contains an extensive bibliography, providing readers with the best sources from the primary literature. Almost three decades after the publication of the first edition, this book remains the only published single-volume work on fish physiology. The fifth edition provides an important reference for new students of fish biology, marine and freshwater biologists, ichthyologists, fisheries scientists, and comparative physiologists.

Lemurs: Ecology and Adaptation brings together information from recent research, and provides new insight into the study of lemur origins, and the ecology and adaptation of both extant and recently extinct lemurs. In addition, it addresses issues of primate behavioral ecology and how environment can play a major role in explaining species variation. Moreover, in a larger context, the information contained in this volume expands our knowledge of primate ecology and allows us further insight into mammalian adaptations to unusual and often harsh environmental conditions that arise from both natural and anthropogenic factors. The book is divided into two sections. The first section is a background to lemurs and their ecology and it includes chapters on origins of lemurs, history of ecological studies on lemurs in Madagascar, theories relating to the evolution of lemur traits, and ecology of the recently extinct (sub-fossil) lemurs. Section two is comprised of chapters focusing on the ecology and adaptations of many species of extant lemurs to the diverse habitats found on Madagascar, and in some cases, adaptations to extreme climatic variability and natural disasters.

The twelve papers consider: the origins of the study of mammalogy in North America; aspects of economic importance of mammals; ecology of mammals; anatomy and physiology of the anterior pituitary and endocrine hypothalamus and their interactions; evolution of mammalian behavior; evolution of mammals

This book is a result of the authors' more than 40 years of study on the behavior, populations, and heavy metals in the colonial waterbirds nesting in Barnegat Bay and the nearby estuaries and bays in the Northeastern United States. From Boston Harbor to the Chesapeake, based on longitudinal studies of colonial waterbirds, it provides a clear picture of the toxic trends and effects of heavy metals in the aquatic environment. The authors take a food web, ecosystem approach to contaminants, using population dynamics, habitat selection, and inputs to the bay to examine metal levels. They also look at the human dimension, discuss what metals in birds tell us about human exposure, and describe stakeholder involvement in these issues. The book covers numbers and dynamics, colony sites and locations, and prey contaminant levels, and compares them to other comparable coastal estuaries. It uses colonial waterbirds as the focal point for an ecosystem approach to metals that begins with prey fish and goes through invertebrates to humans. Additionally, it provides information based on long-term integrative studies the authors have done on metal levels and bird species and compares the findings with data from the Harbor Estuaries Program, other Northeast bays, the Great Lakes, and the Wadden Sea.

An enduring and popular resource, this handy publication lists all the birds to be seen in the region and provides a simple way of recording where and when you have spotted them.

Pocket-sized for ease of use, it offers:

• Cross-referencing to the new Sasol Birds of Southern Africa (fifth edition)
• Six columns for multiple recordings at six different localities
• Up-to-date names for all southern African birds
• Endemic and threat status for all birds

This revised, updated checklist will be sought after by the region’s twitchers at all levels.

Annual Fishes: Life History Strategy, Diversity, and Evolution is the first comprehensive reference on current knowledge of diverse species that exhibit unique survival strategies and provide important models for basic and applied research. This work fills a void, covering the life cycle, reproductive biology, evolutionary ecology, reproductive behavior, sexual selection, genetics, speciation, and integrative and conservation strategies of annual fishes Bringing together researchers in different areas of annual fishes to summarize previous work, overview the current research, and highlight promising areas of research, the book is organized into three sections focusing on: Diversity, life history, and reproductive biology Ecology and conservation Evolution The book provides a thorough understanding of the complexity of annual fishes and emphasizes their usefulness as a unique model organism for studies in vertebrate biology, particularly in areas such as speciation and senescence. It also notes the gaps in knowledge that challenge future research and encourages the continued expansion and development of research studies on annual fishes to address these gaps so that general vertebrate biology can be better understood. It serves as a valuable resource for scientists in a range of disciplines such as ichthyology, zoology, developmental and evolutionary biology, molecular biology and genetics, and ecology.

The ontogeny of each individual contributes to the physical, physiological, cognitive, neurobiological, and behavioral capacity to manage the complex social relationships and diverse foraging tasks that characterize the primate order. For these reasons Building Babies explores the dynamic multigenerational processes of primate development. The book is organized thematically along the developmental trajectory:conception, pregnancy, lactation, the mother-infant dyad, broader social relationships, and transitions to independence. In this volume, the authors showcase the myriad approaches to understanding primate developmental trajectories from both proximate and ultimate perspectives. These collected chapters provide insights from experimental manipulations in captive settings to long-term observations of wild-living populations and consider levels of analysis from molecule to organism to social group to taxon. Strepsirrhines, New World monkeys, Old World monkeys, apes, and humans are all well-represented. Contributions by anthropologists, microbiologists, psychologists, population geneticists, and other primate experts provide Building Babies a uniquely diverse voice. Building Babies features multi- and trans-disciplinary research approaches to primate developmental trajectories and is particularly useful for researchers and instructors in anthropology, animal behavior, psychology, and evolutionary biology. This book also serves as a supplement to upper-level undergraduate courses or graduate seminars on primate life history and development. In these contexts, the book provides exposure to a wide range of methodological and theoretical perspectives on developmental trajectories and models how researchers might productively integrate such approaches into their own work.

Urban Deer Havens consists of a thorough examination of selected cervid (deer) species that are known to inhabit urban communities in the United States. The deer species that are included in this presentation consisted of white-tailed (Odocoileus virginianus), Key deer (O. v. clavium), moose (Alces alces), elk (Cervus elaphus), mule (Odocoileus hemionus), and black-tailed deer (O. h. columbianus). This book is the first attempt to examine the similarities and differences in those factors that allow the selected cervids to exist and thrive in urban habitats. This information has never been collected, collated, reviewed, and published under one cover document. Yet, all five are known to inhabit urban communities within their geographic range. The lack of information concerning several important examples of urban cervids in conjunction with a proliferation of information on white-tailed deer only is an incomplete and biased presentation. This book is the first comprehensive source of information on urban deer management, which includes a broad assemblage of urban cervids. The overall objective of this book is to provide a more holistic examination of urban cervids. For example, it examines the similarities and differences of the environmental impacts, management strategies, and human dimensions considerations concerning urban cervids in general, and using specific examples. Urban Deer Havens features four chapters that include: Urban deer census techniques and population dynamics Comprehensive tables that review urban community deer management plans National and state-wide estimates the five selected cervids Laws and regulations concerning urban deer Lethal and nonlethal management options for managing deer Steps for managing urban deer populations Examples of urban deer management efforts

The evolution of segmentation is one of the central questions in evolutionary developmental biology. Indeed, it is one of the best case studies for the role of changes in development in the evolution of body plans. Segmented body plans are believed to have appeared several times in animal evolution, and to have contributed significantly to the evolutionary success of the taxa in which they are present. Because of the centrality of the subject, and the continuing interest in understanding segmentation, this book offers an often overlooked focus on the cellular aspects of the process of segmentation, providing an invaluable reference for students of evolutionary developmental biology at all levels. Key Features Explores the role that segmentation has played in the diversity of animals Documents the diverse cellular mechanisms by which segmentation develops Reviews the independent evolutionary origins of segmentation Provides insight into the general patterns of serial homology at the cellular level Related Titles Lynne Bianchi. Developmental Neurobiology (ISBN 978-0-8153-4482-7). Jonathan Bard. Principles of Evolution: Systems, Species, and the History of Life (ISBN 978-0-8153-4539-8). Gerhard Scholtz. Evolutionary Developmental Biology of Crustacea (ISBN 978-9-0580-9637-1). Dr. Ariel D. Chipman is Associate Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution & Behavior of the Silberman Institute of Life Sciences at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is the author or co-author of dozens of peer reviewed scientific journal articles. His research focuses upon the evolution of animal body plans with a focus on arthropod segmentation, integrating comparative embryology, the fossil record and genome evolution.

Die gedenkuitgawe van Newman se Voëls van Suider Afrika is 'n opdatering van 'n klassieke voelboek, asook 'n huldeblyk aan een van die streek se voelkenners, Kenneth Newman. Met die ondersteuning van Faansie Peacock ('n opkomende voelkenner) het Vanessa Newman (die outeur se dogter) die teks en illustrasies vir die nuwe uitgawe volledig hersien, opgedateer en uitgebrei.

Die titel bevat al die voels wat waargeneem is tussen Antarktika en die Zambesirivier, en sluit in voels van die Suidelike Oseaan, Suid-Afrika, Zimbabwe, Namibie, Botswana, Swaziland, Lesotho en Mosambiek. Die bekende, gebruikersvriendelike formaat van Newman se Voëls van Suider Afrika is behou, maar die boek spog met 'n moderne nuwe voorkoms. Kleurkodes is gebruik vir voelgroepe en kruisverwysings tussen die teks, en illustrasies is behou.

Die bekende groot, akkurate illustrasies van elke spesie wys die voel soos wat hy in die veld voorkom, en byskrifte tot die illustrasies lig nou hoofkenmerke uit.

'n Hersiende inleiding wys lesers stap-vir-stap hoe om die nuutste uitgawe van Newman se Voëls van Suider Afrika te gebruik.

Few of us know what goes on after dark, underneath the moon. Sally Coulthard shines a light on the barn owl, one of the most mesmerising and elusive icons of the countryside. 'Fascinating insights... An endearing book for lovers of the barn owl' Daily Mail 'Enjoyable and lyrical... enhanced by Vanessa Lubach's arresting lino prints' Country Life 'Packs in everything the amateur nature enthusiast would want to know' Yorkshire Life 'This is a gorgeous little book' Permaculture Magazine With its heart-shaped face and silent, graceful flight, the barn owl regularly tops the nation's list of favourite birds. But how much do we really know about this sublime tenant of the night? Here, bestselling author Sally Coulthard shines a light on the barn owl. Full of fascinating insights, conservation advice and the latest research, this affectionate and timely guide also tells the story of a barn owl's early life - from first pip of the shell to leaving the nest - a fascinating time in this captivating creature's journey.

Originally published in 1976, the object of this volume was to present a relatively up-to-date overview of what was known, what was suspected, and what remained to be discovered concerning the general question of the evolution of the vertebrate brain and behaviour, and to present a list of references for those who wanted to delve deeper into one or another aspect of the problem. Accordingly, it contains chapters by palaeontologists, sensory morphologists and physiologists, comparative neurologists and comparative psychologists. The chapters are arranged in a sequence loosely approximating the order in which the various animals, brain structures, or behaviour first appeared. Therefore, the chapters fall naturally into sections, each section directed to a group of vertebrates, beginning with those which have very remote common ancestry and progressing to those with more recent common ancestry with mankind.

This stunning edition of one of the most celebrated and highly valued natural history books of all time features impeccably reproduced images of Audubon's original watercolors, along with an introduction by world-renowned ornithologist David Allen Sibley. First published in installments between 1827 and 1838, John James Audubon's collection of life-sized watercolors of North American birds is the standard against which all wildlife illustration is measured. Fewer than 120 copies survive today, locked away in museums and private collections around the world. For this volume, the Natural History Museum in London disbound one of the two original editions it owns, and each of the 435 exquisite hand-colored prints of the original watercolours were photographed using the latest digital scanning technology. From an avocet grazing in a tidal pond to a zenaida dove perched on a flowering branch, each of Audubon's subjects is depicted with the grace and beauty of a living bird in its natural habitat. An avid outdoorsman and explorer, Audubon traveled from Florida to Labrador to Texas and the Dakotas to study and collect his specimens. Straddling the line between science and art, this book mesmerized 19th-century audiences around the world; today it stands as a reminder of the spectacular biodiversity of the North American continent, and of the pioneer spirit that Audubon himself revered.