Bats have long been the focus of fascination, and sometimes fear: they move faultlessly through the darkness and spend the day hanging upside down in gloomy caverns and cracks – most at home where humans are least comfortable. Bats also represent a hugely important, numerous and varied group, accounting for 20% of all mammal species worldwide. Covering their biodiversity, ecology and natural history, A Miscellany of Bats offers a hoard of insights into the lives of these creatures. For over a quarter of a century Brock Fenton and the late Jens Rydell collaborated on projects involving bats. Here they bring together a collection of stories and anecdotes about bat research, brought to life by stunning photographs of these animals in action. Key topics include flight and echolocation, diet and roosting habits, and the complex social lives of bats. Jens and Brock also address issues of conservation and the interactions between bats and people, ranging from matters of disease to bats’ role as symbols, and our fixation with vampire bats. They explore how echolocation and flight shape batkind, from their appearance to where they go and why. Overall, this book is an entertaining and personal vision of bats’ central place in the universe. More than 150 species are covered.

This book offers an accessible and up-to-date reference on primate zoonoses. Recent years have witnessed a rise in human diseases zoonotically transferred from animals, with wild primates implicated in the spread of numerous newly emerging infections. The authors go beyond simply providing an inventory of diseases, helping readers to understand how and why they are transmitted. Important consideration is given to the contemporary cultural and ecological factors involved.

One of the world's leading experts on horse evolution traces the origins, evolution, and diversification of the equines.

Long domesticated, related to rhinoceroses, and descended from a creature the size of a hare, horses are a fascinating study in evolution. Jens Franzen's account explores the early evolution and eventual diversification of horse anatomy to explain how and why these once widespread and varied mammals became the common horses, zebras, and asses we know today. Beginning with their evolutionary rise roughly 55 million years ago, Franzen traces a history etched in fossils. He explains how improving body construction and energy balance allowed some horses to enter and thrive in new environments while others failed and became extinct. In presenting this story, Franzen hews closely to the Frankfurt theory of evolution and explains how it applies to the wide variations in the evolution of horse species.

Accessibly written and featuring full-color photographs and illustrations throughout, "The Rise of Horses" is the complete chronicle of the evolution of the equids.

An introduction to France for anyone visiting with birds in mind, from casual birdwatchers checking a bird that flies over the terrace during a family holiday to addict birders who would sell their souls for a dream species or a record-breaking checklist. Some may have just a few spare hours to get their binoculars out between business meetings or museum visits, others will be out in the field for two weeks or more, from sunrise to sunset. The authors wrote this book for all bird lovers, birdwatchers and birders, whatever the duration of their stay, the number of kilometres they are prepared to travel and how they enjoy birds. With over 400 regularly occurring species, of which 357 normally breed or winter, France has one of the most diverse avifaunas of the whole of Europe, spanning an incredible range from colourful Mediterranean flagship species such as roller, bee-eater or black-winged kite to secretive cold-climate or mountain specialists like three-toed woodpecker and Tengmalm's owl. The Birdfinder section provides targeted details for 30 species which often rank in the top wish-list of birders visiting France. Dividing the country into 14 regions, the authors highlight 312 representative sites, chosen for their bird species composition and ease of access. The selected sites enable the reader to see the widest possible species diversity and largest range of local specialities in a reasonable time, while respecting the basic ethical rules obvious to all birdwatchers. Whenever possible, sites are arranged in clusters or itineraries that can be covered in two to three days without hurrying. To supplement the use of the book in the field, all the sites described are geolocated in a file that can be downloaded from the publisher's website and loaded onto any GPS device.

The names given to the variety of man-like fossils known to scientists should reflect no more than scientific views of the nature of human evolution. However, often in the past these names have also reflected confusion regarding the basic principles of scientific nomenclature; and the matter has been further complicated by the many new finds of recent decades. It is the unique purpose of this book to clarify the present state of knowledge regarding the main lines of human evolution by expressing what is known (and what is surmised) about them in appropriate taxonomic language. The papers in this volume were prepared by the world's leading authorities on the subject, and were revised in the light of discussions at a remarkable conference held in Austria in 1962 under the auspices of the Wenner-Gren Foundation. The authors review first the meaning of taxonomic statements as such, and then consider the substance of our present knowledge regarding the number and characteristics of species among living and extinct primates, including man and his ancestors. They also examine the relationship of behavior changes and selection pressures in evolutionary sequences. Ample illustrations, bibliographies and an index enhance the permanent reference value of the book, which will undoubtedly prove to be among the fundamental paleoanthropological works of our time.

From the world-famous expert on chimpanzees - the powerfully compelling sequel to the international bestseller IN THE SHADOW OF MAN: 'An instant animal classic' Time Equipped with little more than a notebook, binoculars, and her fascination with wildlife, Jane braved a realm of unknowns to give the world a remarkable window into humankind's closest living relatives. On the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Gombe is a community where the principal residents are chimpanzees. Through Goodall's eyes we watch as the younger chimpanzees vie for power, and how the leaders must deal with this challenge. We learn how one mother successfully rears her children, whilst another appears to doom her offspring to failure. All life is here - glorious births and heart-breaking deaths, moments of brutality, alongside the most tender displays of affection. In THROUGH A WINDOW, as Jane Goodall reveals the story of this intimately intertwined community, we are shown the parallels with human emotions laid bare. Indeed, in the mirror of chimpanzee life, we see ourselves reflected.

Sasol First Field Guide to Fishes of Southern Africa is a beginner's guide to the more common fishes of the region, and covers both marine and freshwater species. Full-colour photographs, distribution maps and easy-to-read text will help enthusiasts and budding naturalists to identify the more common fishes in southern Africa, discover where they are found and learn about their unique behaviour, reproduction, conservation status and unusual features. A brief introduction gives context to the topic, outlines points of importance and explains the structure of the book. Sales points: straightforward introductory guide to the region's fishes; suitable for both adult and younger enthusiasts; informative, uncomplicated text written for beginners; useful introductory section; full-colour photographs of each fish; compact enough for ease of use in the field.

Gorilla Pathology and Health: With a Catalogue of Preserved Materials consists of two cross-referenced parts. The first, the book itself, is a review of pathological changes and tissue responses in gorillas (Gorilla gorilla and G. beringei), with an emphasis on free-living animals, but also with reference to those in captivity. The comparative aspects are discussed, stressing the relevance of research to both gorillas and humans. What makes the publication truly unique, however, is the second part, a comprehensive descriptive catalogue of the location and nature of gorilla material in museums and scientific institutions throughout the world. This is of great consequence because free-living gorillas are strictly conserved with restricted access, so the location of a wealth of preserved tissues and other material that has been collected over the decades is a great benefit for research and study. This book can, and should, be used to gain cardinal knowledge regarding the biology and pathology of this genus. The combination of book and catalogue in this extensive compilation makes it an invaluable tool for all those concerned with the health, welfare, and conservation of gorillas, one of our nearest living relatives.

Tropical estuaries are among the most modified and threatened of aquatic environments, supporting innumerable fisheries essential to the regions in which they occur. This book synthesizes the wealth of data available in this area, much of it being brought together by Stephen Blaber for the first time. It will provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the fishes, the environments in which they live, and the management of biologically healthy estuaries and sustainable fisheries.

The Multilingual Illustrated Dictionary of Aquatic Animals and Plants provides a unique reference to the names of 1532 species of fish, crustaceans, molluscs, seaweeds and other fishery products that are landed worldwide. The names of these species can vary significantly between neighbouring regions of a country, from the size of the fish, from the stage of its life cycle, from the season of the year, and from its degree of treatment after capture. Co--published by the European Commission and Fishing News Books, the Multilingual Illustrated Dictionary of Aquatic Animals and Plants seeks to address this problem and to eliminate much of the existing confusion. New to the Second Edition of this acclaimed Dictionary is the addition of Finnish and Swedish to each existing entry. The Dictionary has been expanded to include new species and illustrations. For each entry, the following information is given: Reference number (the number given to the species within the index); Scientific (Latin) name; Family name; English name; Dutch name; French name; Danish name; German name; Greek name; Italian name; Portuguese name; Spanish name; Finnish name; Swedish name. Comprehensively illustrated, the New Second Edition of the multilingual Illustrated Dictionary of Aquatic Animals and Plants is an essential reference for all involved in the commercial fishing industries both within and beyond the boundaries of the European Union

The second edition of the book has sold over 3850 copies, making this our bestselling veterinary textbook. Day passed away in 2020 and Professor Brian Catchpole and Harm HogenEsch are the ideal authors to update this in his stead, actively teaching and researching in this field at the RVC, the UK's biggest veterinary college, and Purdue, a huge vet school in the US. The two new authors give this greater international coverage. The most accessible book on this topic for veterinary students: chapters are concise and informative, focused on the main message. It stands out among the competitor 'tomes' which are expensive and inaccessible, or are geared towards human (or mouse) immunology. In a nutshell, this book provides the essential immunological information specifically for vet students, but remains light and easy to read. Colour illustrations are effective, clear, simple and straight to the point, with nearly one illustration/schematic for each important section/paragraph. The clinical cases bring the material to life, while a short animation adds new practical application via the Support Materials tab on the Routledge website.

The Raven is one of the most spectacular and romantic of British birds, but relatively neglected in the modern literature of ornithology. Derek Ratcliffe here presents a thorough summary of our knowledge of its natural history, emphasizing the long association of the bird with humankind. The place of the Raven in myth, legend and history is long established, and this book describes the bird's fall from grace as a valued scavenger in medieval cities to a persecuted outcast in the modern wilds. The previous wide occurrence of Ravens is reviewed against the relationships between their present distribution, status and habitat requirements, as both a nesting and a non-breeding resident. The dependence of Ravens on carrion (especially sheep) within an omnivorous diet is the key to the species' ecology, and its social behaviour has evolved in close relation to this lifestyle. Today, Raven carry a new omen in the modern world, as a barometer of goodwill to wildlife. Like those in the Tower of London, the continued existence of Ravens in our wild countryside will reveal something about both our current situation and our prospects for the future.

1. Site Directed Mutagenesis to Probe for Active Site Components of Liver Mitochondrial Aldehyde Dehydrogenase.- 2. Substrate Binding Pocket Structure of Human Aldehyde Dehydrogenases: A Substrate Specificity Approach.- 3. Human Class 1 Aldehyde Dehydrogenase: Expression and Site-Directed Mutagenesis.- 4. Nitrate Esters as Inhibitors and Substrates of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase.- 5. Use of a Chromophoric Reporter Group to Probe the Active Site of Cytosolic Aldehyde Dehydrogenase.- 6. Studies of the Esterase Activity of Cytosolic Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Using Sterically Hindered and Cyclic Substrates.- 7. The Reduction of Propionic Anhydride by Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-Nadh Mixtures at pH 7.- 8. Cloning and Characterisation of the cDNA for Sheep Liver Cytosolic Aldehyde Dehydrogenase.- 9. Crystallization of Sheep Liver Cytosolic Aldehyde Dehydrogenase in a Form Suitable for High Resolution X-Ray Structural Analysis.- 10. Progress toward the Tertiary Structure of (Class 3) Aldehyde Dehydrogenase.- 11. UDP-Glucose Dehydrogenase: Structural Characteristics.- 12. Kinetic Studies on Class 3 Aldehyde Dehydrogenase from Bovine Cornea.- 13. Covalent Modification of Class 2 and Class 3 Aldehyde Dehydrogenase by 4-Hydroxynonenal.- 14. Constitutive and Overexpressed Human Cytosolic Class-3 Aldehyde Dehydrogenases in Normal and Neoplastic Cells/Secretions.- 15. Metabolism of Cyclophosphamide by Aldehyde Dehydrogenases.- 16. Tissue-Specific Expression and Preliminary Functional Analysis of the 5? Flanking Regions of the Human Mitochondrial Aldehyde Dehydrogenase (ALDH2) Gene.- 17. Transgenesis of the Aldehyde Dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) Locus in a Mouse Model and in Cultured Human Cells.- 18. Class 3 Aldehyde Dehydrogenase: A Northern Perspective in the Land Down Under.- 19. Studies on the Induction of Rat Class 3 Aldehyde Dehydrogenase.- 20. Mouse Class 3 Aldehyde Dehydrogenases.- 21. Cloning and Characterization of Genes Encoding Four Additional Human Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Isozymes.- 22. New Human Aldehyde Dehydrogenases.- 23. Retinoic Acid Synthesizing Enzymes in the Embryonic and Adult Vertebrate.- 24. Retinoic Acid Synthesis in the Developing Spinal Cord.- 25. Structure and Mechanism of Aldehyde Reductase.- 26. Expression of Human and Rat Carbonyl Reductase in E. coli: Comparison of the Recombinant Enzymes.- 27. Molecular Cloning and Sequencing of Mouse Hepatic 11ss-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase/Carbonyl Reductase: A Member of the Short Chain Dehydrogenase Superfamily.- 28. Molecular Modelling Calculations on the Binding of D- and L-Xylose to Wild-Type Aldose Reductase and Its H11OQ and H11OA Mutants.- 29. Stopped-Flow Studies of Human Aldose Reductase Reveal which Enzyme Form Predominates during Steady-State Turnover in Either Reaction direction.- 30. Lysine Residues in the Coenzyme-Binding Region of Mouse Lung Carbonyl Reductase.- 31. Substrate Specificity and Kinetic Mechanism of Tetrahymena 20?-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase.- 32. Purification and Characterization of Recombinant Human Placental and Rat Lens Aldose Reductases Expressed in Escherichia coli.- 33. Rat and Human Bile Acid Binders Are Members of the Monomeric Reductase Gene Family.- 34. The Alcohol Dehydrogenase System.- 35. Promoters of the Mammalian Class III Alcohol Dehydrogenase Genes.- 36. Class I and Class Iv Alcohol Dehydrogenase (Retinol Dehydrogenase) Gene Expression in Mouse Embryos.- 37. Molecular Evolution of Class I Alcohol Dehydrogenases in Primates: Models for Gene Evolution and Comparison of 3? Untranslated Regions of cDNAS.- 38. the Role of Leucine 116 in Determining Substrate Specificity in Human B1 Alcohol Dehydrogenase.- 39. Mutations of Human Class III Alcohol Dehydrogenase.- 40. Human and Rat Class IV Alcohol Dehydrogenases: Correlations of Primary Structures with Enzymatic Properties.- 41. Cloning and Expression of a Human Stomach Alcohol Dehydrogenase Isozyme.- 42. Purification and Properties of Murine Corneal Alcohol Dehydrogenase: Evidence for Class IV ADH P

Waterfowl can be identified by using information about size, shape, color pattern, markings, behavior, habitat, range and calls. All clues are important, but by far the most important things to concentrate on for this group are shape and patterns of white. This guide features more than 25 species of ducks and includes both silhouettes that emphasize distinctive shape and placement of white, and full color images of both males and females. Sections address behavior, habitat, color patterns and other characteristics important for each species. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this guide support continued educational activities by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Made in the USA.

This book is actually a product of efforts of many people, not only of the authors. W ide investigations of marine mammals began in Russia (that time, in the former Soviet Union) in the 1960s when a few teams of enthusiasts founded in captivity experimental stations intended for keeping dolphins and seals and for performing experimental studies of these fascinating animals. It was a time when attention of many people throughout the world was attracted to dolphins and other marine mammals due to appearance of oceanariums and dolphinariums, which demonstrated unique capabilities of these animals. So scientists in many countries concentrated on studies of them. There was much to learn about the morphology, physiology, and psychology of marine mammals, and investigators spending their time and efforts on studies in this field were rewarded by a number of surprising findings. The authors of this book represent one of such research teams focused on the neuro- and sensory physiology of marine mammals. A few decades of studies naturally resulted in the idea to summarize in a book both the results of these studies and a large body of data in adjacent fields. Our goal was to synthesize the many research findings and the present knowledge on sensory capabilities and mechanisms of sensory systems of aquatic mammals. We realize, however, that the appearance of this book was made possible due to the help and assistance of many colleagues.

This textbook provides a comprehensive, reliable and practical guide to the dissection and parasitological examination of marine fish and cephalopods. The first part provides a general introduction, presenting basic information on: parasitology, ecology of the marine environment, history and methods of fisheries and aquaculture, as well as the ecology of marine fish and cephalopods and the impact of parasites on hosts. In turn, the second part provides general information on the morphology and anatomy of marine fish and cephalopods using the example of abundant morphotypes (including e.g. habitus photos of the body cavity and internal organs). The third part covers the relevant parasitic groups, their ecology (e.g. lifecycles, transmission), related diseases, and detection. The fourth part, a comprehensive methods section, provides essential protocols and applications of common dissection methods (for roundfish, flatfish and cephalopods) and stomach content analyses, as well as parasite preservation, preparation and molecular identification. Basic calculations of the most common infection and ecological parameters are also introduced. The book's fifth and final part provides information on health risks associated with fish and cephalopod consumption, as well as the prevention of human infection through the correct handling and processing of fish samples. The appendix provides e.g. blank sheets for recording fish dissections and parasitological examinations.

This volume provides the reader with an overview of an intriguing and interdisciplinary field of research. For the first time the mammalian pineal gland, its mode of action and its physiological effects are discussed in a comprehensive, single-authored work.

From an evolutionary perspective, understanding chimpanzees offers a way of understanding the basis of human nature. This book on cognitive development in chimpanzees is the first of its kind to focus on infants reared by their own mothers within a natural setting, illustrating various aspects of chimpanzee cognition and the developmental changes accompanying them. The subjects are chimpanzees of three generations inhabiting an enriched environment, as well as a wild community in West Africa. There is a foreword by Jane Goodall and 26 color photos of chimpanzees in the laboratory and in the field in West Africa are included.

A review of our understanding of this area of the brain, showing how it fits into the general picture of those areas concerned with modulating mammalian behavior. The chapters, all written by leading figures in behavioral neuroscience, discuss the anatomy, neurochemistry, physiology, and behavioral relations in the septal area. Due to the great deal of current research shown in the related areas of hippocampus and the amygdala, this book will be of great interest to all those who research the hippocampus and the amygdala in addition to the septum itself.

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.

Are you curious about the remains of an animal you have found? This compilation of the most likely found body parts of animals eaten by raptors will help you identify your discovery. Including over 100 species of bird and mammal prey of raptors such as sparrowhawks, peregrines and hen harriers, this photographic guide highlights the common feathers, fur and other body parts found at raptor nests, roosts, plucking posts and other opportunistic spots. Discovering what raptors eat is an important part of confirming their feeding ecology and how this might change over time, vary on a local level or in response to changing prey populations, as well as dispelling myths and assumptions about what certain raptor species eat. Diet studies are vital for the conservation of raptor species; the more we know about what they need for survival the more we can predict and plan long-term for the protection and survival of raptors that may be vulnerable and in decline. This is the first book to show in detail the actual parts of a bird, mammal or other animal that you are likely to find in a garden, woodland or beneath a raptor roost. As more people take an interest in raptors and watch species such as peregrines via webcams and through watch groups, there is greater opportunity for finding prey remains. This book provides the first and most important step in identifying a prey species.

Taxonomy of Australian Mammals utilises the latest morphometric and genetic research to develop the most up to date and comprehensive revision of the taxonomy of Australian mammals undertaken to date. It proposes significant changes to the higher ranks of a number of groups and recognises several genera and species that have only very recently been identified as distinct. This easy to use reference also includes a complete listing of all species, subspecies and synonyms for all of Australia's mammals, both native and introduced as well as terrestrial and marine. This book lays a foundation for future taxonomic work and identifies areas where taxonomic studies should be targeted, not only at the species and subspecies level but also broader phylogenetic relationships. This work will be an essential reference for students, scientists, wildlife managers and those interested in the science of taxonomy.

Anguillid eels have fascinated biologists for centuries due to their spectacular long-distance migrations between freshwater habitats and their spawning areas far out in the ocean. This book provides a long overdue update on the biology and ecology of anguillid eels and features comprehensive coverage of the key features of the genus Anguilla. It covers a broad spectrum of topics on the biology (taxonomy, phylogeny, evolution, reproduction, feeding, salinity adaptation) and ecology (life history, recruitment, migration) of anguillid eels. It also brings together important information on the state of eel fisheries, conservation, exploitation, and management.

Southern African Mammals Made Simple enables users to distinguish between commonly confused mammals by applying the breakthrough methodology that made Southern African LBJs Made Simple so hugely popular.

The simple three-step system allows for quick and certain identification of mammals in the field. For each species featured, the book gives:

- range maps

- full-colour illustrations and photographs

- key identification pointers, and

- concise text describing height, weight, habits and habitat.

All of southern Africa’s most common and distinctive mammals are included, but the particular value of this book lies in separating the more challenging species, such as antelope, mongooses, genets, primates and many more. It will appeal to both local and foreign visitors to our game parks.

Unlike any other book, Avian Cognition thoroughly examines avian intelligence, behavior, and individuality. Preferences, choices, motivation, and habits of species, flocks, and individual birds are discussed and compared. This book investigates who birds are and why they do what they do. Daily, seasonal, and play activities, creativity, reasoning abilities, problem-solving skills, social interaction, life stages, and communication patterns are described, and a distinction is made between vocalizations that are learned and those that are inherited. The behavior and intelligence of both wild and pet birds is compared, and unlike other books, entire chapters are devoted to a single species.