The definitive examination of oak forest evolutionary ecology. Seed dispersal is a critical stage in the life cycle of most flowering plants. The process can have far-reaching effects on a species' biology, especially numerous aspects of its ecology and evolution. This is particularly the case for the oaks, in which the dispersal of the acorn is tied to numerous tree characteristics, as well as the behavior and ecology of the animals that feed on and move these seeds to their final destination. Forest structure, composition, and genetics often follow directly from the dispersal process-while also influencing it in turn. In Oak Seed Dispersal, Michael A. Steele draws on three decades of field research across the globe (e.g., the United States, Mexico, Central America, Europe, and China) to describe the interactions between oaks and their seed consumers. Rodents, birds, and insects, he writes, collectively influence the survival, movement, and germination of acorns, as well as the establishment of seedlings, often indicating a coevolutionary bond between oaks and their seed consumers. This bond can only be understood by unraveling the complex interactions that occur in the context of factors such as partial seed consumption due to acorn chemistry, scatterhoarding, predation of the seed consumers by other organisms, and the limiting effects of masting on insect, rodent, and jay damage. Offering new insights on how animal-mediated dispersal drives ecological and evolutionary processes in forest ecosystems, Oak Seed Dispersal also includes an overview of threatened oak forests across the globe and explains how a lack of acorn dispersal contributes to many important conservation challenges. Highly illustrated, the book includes photographs of key dispersal organisms and tactics, as well as a foreword by Stephen B. Vander Wall, a leading authority on food hoarding and animal-mediated seed dispersal, and beautiful artwork by Tad C. Theimer, also an accomplished ecologist.

"Squirrels of the World, "written by scientists with more than 100 years of collective experience studying these popular mammals, is the first comprehensive examination of all 285 species of squirrels worldwide. The authors reveal virtually every detail of the family "Sciuridae," which includes ground squirrels, tree squirrels, flying squirrels, prairie dogs, and chipmunks. Each species--from the familiar gray squirrel of American backyards to the exotic and endangered woolly flying squirrel of Pakistan--is described in a detailed account that includes distinguishing characteristics, ecology, natural history, conservation status, and current threats to its existence.

"Squirrels of the World" includes

- stunning color photographs that document rare and unusual squirrels as well as common varieties- evolution, morphology, ecology, and conservation status- colorful range maps marking species distribution- images of the skull of each genus of squirrel- extensive references

This review of Pennsylvania's conservation efforts is the first book to focus exclusively on the state's vertebrates of concern.

The 133 species of reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals discussed in this book are Pennsylvania's most vulnerable terrestrial vertebrates. Each species is described in a full account that details basic biology and includes photographs and range maps. The accompanying narratives focus on conservation priorities, research needs, and management recommendations. Featuring information compiled from a broad array of sources and by contributors who are recognized authorities on their respective species, this volume is a model for wildlife conservation across much of the northeastern United States.

A road map that reveals the Keystone State's most sensitive species and what can be done to manage and conserve these important natural resources, "Terrestrial Vertebrates of Pennsylvania" is a valuable tool for wildlife managers, conservationists, and naturalists.