The
Exotic Amphibians and Reptiles of Florida
By Walter E.Meshaka, Jr., Brian P. Butterfield, &
J. Brian Hauge
Published by Krieger Publishing
The Exotic Amphibians and Reptiles of Florida is
the latest guide from Krieger Publishing and takes a wonderful focus on the many
introduced species of reptiles and amphibians that have come to reside in this
sunny state. This comprehensive guide book provides species descriptions,
habitat and habit reports as well as informative and descriptive maps of the
species current distribution in Florida. The Exotic Amphibians and Reptiles of
Florida also offers vivid color photographs of each turtle, frog, lizard and
snake in this book. Walter E.Meshaka, Jr., Brian P. Butterfield, & J. Brian
Hauge have provided a unique effort, putting the serious issue of invasive alien
species to the forefront while still offering an informative and entertaining
read.
Wolves:
Behaviour, Ecology and Conservation
by
L. David Mech and Luigi Boitani
Published by University of
Chicago Press
So many
books have been written on the wolf that there seemed little more that could be
written. However, Wolves is an extraordinary treatise of up-to-date
information that reveals that so much more has been learned about these
creatures. Twenty-two specialists with a combined 350 person years of
experience, set the task of compiling much of what is now known about wolves
into one book. They review topics of social ecology, behaviour, communication,
carnivory, predation, population dynamics, physiology, genetics, evolution,
restoration and conservation, among other topics. Especially interesting was the
debate on whether the red wolf in eastern USA should be considered a full
species or a hybrid cross between gray wolf and coyote. Coyote genes are present
in many of the recent red wolves but none prior to 1944. There were 100
wild-born red wolves in 20 packs by 2002. The story reveals how much has been
learned from this experience into the logistics and politics of returning
animals to the wild. Although this is a scholarly text, the passion held by each
of the scientists for this creature of wilderness emerges in each chapter.
Princeton Field Guides -
Reptiles of Australia
By Steve Wilson & Gerry Swan
Published by Princeton
University Press
Australia
is a herpetologist’s dreamland. This magnificent land is home to over 800
species of reptile. Deadly snakes, dangerous crocs and fascinating lizards and
turtles dot this wild landscape and are often brought into our living rooms by
the fearless crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin. Princeton Field Guides - Reptiles
of Australia by Steve Wilson & Gerry Swan is an exceptional guide to these
amazing creatures. A colorful and comprehensive 473 page book that examines,
explains and notes all points of description, status, habitat and level of
danger of Australia’s reptiles. Each species description is accompanied by a
brilliantly descriptive color photograph that accents and enhances description
and identification. Princeton Field Guides - Reptiles of Australia by Steve
Wilson & Gerry Swan is a well organized, informative and very useful field guide
to these remarkable animals.
Mammal Tracks & Sign:
A Guide To North American Species
By
Mark Elbroch
Published by Stackpole Books
A
quiet walk in the woods or a distant hike in the wilderness provides special
moments and activities for many nature and outdoor enthusiasts. The thrill of
spotting a deer or bear in the wild highlights any such trip and helps to make
these types of experiences all the more worthwhile. The fantasy that these
encounters are imminent or possible often provides the fuel for many a person’s
outdoor jaunts. Mammal Tracks and Sign - A Guide to North American Species by
Mark Elbroch is an amazing guide book that helps make a still moment in the
backcountry come alive, helping you understand what is there to see and realize
what you have just missed seeing. Incredibly comprehensive with beautifully
detailed photographs this is a book no one who ventures outdoors to appreciate,
study or contemplate nature should be without. One cannot accurately describe
this books brilliance. The section on tracks includes mostly life sized
reproductions as well as easy to follow lessons on how to comprehend gait,
rhythm and more. Very impressive in style and content, we discover runs and
ridges, examine hollows and nests, burrows and dens. Also included in Mammal
Tracks and Sign is likely the largest photo guide to scat, which accompanies and
complements a detailed lesson in reading and understanding these signs. From
there we are shown different signs on vegetation and fungi and other sources of
feeding which include very interesting and ingenious mammal kill photos, sites
and diagrams. Mark Elbroch is a genius and Mammal Tracks and Sign - A Guide to
North American Species is an astounding effort of research and dedication. It is
thoroughly fascinating to read and helps the reader, hiker or naturalist paint a
more vivid picture of his wild surroundings and create a complete natural
portrait alive with drama, energy and life.
by Bill Schneider
The Globe Pequot Press
There are scores of books on the biology
of bears but Where the Grizzly Walks is the only book entirely
devoted to bear preservation. The reader meets the characters known as the
'bear people' who have devoted their lives preserving and restoring bears in
the USA. Originally published in 1977, Schneider has updated this book with
new information. There is some good news in the pages of bear preservation.
The view of bears has changed over the years from eliminating a ferocious
beast to saving the remnants of a symbol of wilderness. But bear preservation
is not out of the woods. Anyone interested in bear conservation and its
history in the USA will find this book a good read.
Smithsonian Mammal
Published by Dorling
Kindersley
A
fantastic book, Smithsonian Mammal offers a special journey across the
continents. Filled with amazing photos, we find the mammals of the wetlands and
mountains, the grasslands and deserts and view them through a variety of
terrains and habitats. From familiar favorites to the unique and obscure the
habits, evolution and profiles are explained in simple detail. Smithsonian
Mammal offers a unique glimpse of a territories mammals, how they live, hunt and
survive including spectacular behaviour profiles of special mammals and
evolutionary marvels. Smithsonian has produced another winner with Mammal, a
valuable edition to all home libraries.
National Geographic Reference Atlas Birds Of
North America
Edited and Compiled by Mel Baughman
Published by Simon and Shuster
Most
Birders and naturalists have a trusted field guide for identification and
descriptions of their encountered species and now National Geographic has
produced a companion to any guide with their Reference Atlas to the Birds of
North America. It is a comprehensive volume with all the over 800 species of
birds, filled with detailed information, vivid photos and illustrations. Each
species is chapter is organized by family with a wonderful and unique opening
species introduction page authored by a specific birding expert. The chapters
continue on with detailed descriptions of the species, classifications, body
structure, plumage, feeding and breeding behaviors, vocalization, observation
tips, status, conservation and more. All chapters are brilliantly concluded with
one or two large detailed maps that offer a unique and detailed view into
certain habitats or migration patterns for various species of each family.
Unfortunately these migration maps are so good that you long for one for each of
the North American birds. One realizes this reaction and need for more is
because the lucky reader is easily spoiled by this book’s riches. Editor and
compiler Mel Baughman has produced an amazing product and his achievement is to
be commended. His extreme research and vast knowledge make this effort shine.
The National Geographic Reference Atlas to the Birds of North America is an
incredibly valuable reference work and definitely deserves a spot in any birders
or naturalists library.
Snakes of the United States and
Canada:
Natural History and Care in Captivity
By John V. Rossi and Roxanne Rossi
Published by Krieger Publishing
Snakes
are fascinating reptiles that engage the mind and hearts of many. They can make
wonderful pets for those who take a fancy in
herpetoculture
and whether you are a major snake breeder
or a child with a captured garter snake from the back yard, there is now a
classic guide to keeping North American species of snake. ‘Snakes of the United
States and Canada – Natural History and Care in Captivity’ by John V. Rossi and
Roxanne Rossi covers every aspect of
snake
herpetoculture in a simple, easy to follow
format. They expertly leave no topic or example
of their general care uncovered. The Rossi’s are
expert snake keepers who have experienced first hand these snakes and their
knowledge and care shine in this excellent volume. In today’s growing
environmental climate important ideas regarding natural history and conservation
are incredibly important to talk about and the Rossi’s explain the important
role of the snake in nature and display passionate concern with the native
health of these creatures. The core of this book is its species profiles that
are arguably among the most comprehensive written to date and offer expert and
invaluable coverage of all Canadian and American snake species. With vivid
accompanying color photographs of each snake, their habitat, eating habits,
reproduction and so on are precisely covered and easy to reference. This book is
an exhaustively researched gem and ‘Snakes of the United States and Canada –
Natural History and Care in Captivity’ by John V. Rossi and Roxanne Rossi is a
stand alone original and a must have for all snake keepers and fanciers.
The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of
Eastern North America
The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of
Western North America
by David Allen Sibley
Published by Knopf
David
Allen Sibley displays an equaled mastery with his wonderful field guides to
birds. They are the chosen books for bird lovers, students and scientists for
their concise and accurate bird illustrations, detailed descriptions and easy to
find layout. The one slight drawback of The Sibley Guide to Birds is due to its
large, although information packed, size it is not a practical field use
guidebook. Now with the wonderful release of The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of
Eastern North America and The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North
America we get two smaller but refined versions of the Sibley classic. The same
vivid watercolours and scientifically accurate text reside in almost half the
volume, making a light and portal treasure. These field guides will fit snugly
in your backpack between your binoculars and your life list. With his typical
style and now more function in The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North
America and The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America, David
Allen Sibley continues his dominance of the bird guide field.
Pocket Factfile of Endangered
Animals
Published by Sterling Publishing
Conservation
and the protection of the world’s endangered species are of paramount importance
to many people and most believe that education and information are the most
vital tools in these efforts. Pocket Factfile of Endangered Animals by Sterling
Publishing is a wonderful guide to educating and enlightening us about some of
the fantastic mammals, birds, reptiles and insects that represent some of the
world’s most endangered species. At 256 pages and 120 animals, Pocket Factfile
of Endangered Animals won’t quite fit easily in ones pocket. It is jam-packed
with too much wonderful data to accomplish this. Information on each selected
species status, distribution, description, diet, breeding and conservation along
with distribution maps, vivid color photographs and beautiful artwork. What
really makes this book special is how well detailed and descriptive each species
conservation reports are. All guide books show you the facts but the great guide
books such as this make you understand them. Pocket Factfile of Endangered
Animals by Sterling Publishing is a colourful and comprehensive guide to some of
the worlds most threatened animals. Don’t let the word pocket fool you, this
book is a treasure of information, concise and easy to enjoy.
Wild Cats of the World
By Mel Sunquist and Fiona Sunquist
Published by the University of
Chicago Press
Cats
come in many sizes and live in a variety of
climates and regions. From tigers to domestic
cats, felids are special animals that hold a warm
spot
in many of our hearts. ‘Wild Cats of the World’ by
Mel Sunquist and Fiona Sunquist and published by
The University of Chicago Press is the definitive
book on these amazing mammals. Accurately billed
‘The Ultimate Reference to Every Species
Worldwide’, this book is an absolute treasure of
cat information. ‘Wild Cats of the World’ is a
comprehensive, stylish, well-written encyclopedia
with amazing and rare photographs of the world’s
many cat species. Effectively explaining what
makes a cat a cat, from their social structures
and basic biology to their taxonomy, ‘Wild Cats of
the World’ offers insights into hunting styles,
kill ratios per species, conservation status and
habitat, covering every cat species including a
complete history of the domestic cat. Mel Sunquist
and Fiona Sunquist have put forth an amazing
effort by exhaustively and completely researching
for this book, successfully using data from a
variety of felid publications. This beautiful
reference work provides the answers to all
questions on every species of cat from the rare
Bay Cat to the Domestic cat to the Lion with
nothing overlooked. Mel Sunquist and Fiona
Sunquist are leaders in conservation knowledge on
the cats of the world and provide a fascinating
historical database on the successes and the
failures of cat relocation efforts. Regardless of
whether you’re a cat lover, ‘Wild Cats of the
World’ by Mel Sunquist and Fiona Sunquist has set
the standard for cat reference and is necessary
addition to any library.
Glimpses of
Paradise: The Marvel of Massed Animals
By Fred Bruemmer
Published by Key Porter Books
Animals
amaze us in many ways. The natural world has many
facets that that are as odd as they are beautiful.
When species aggregate to breed, feed or rest they
create spectacular scenes that are becoming
increasingly rare. ‘Glimpses of Paradise - The
Marvel of Massed Animals’ by Fred Bruemmer and
published by Key Porter Books is a beautiful look
at these captivating moments. Packed with Fred
Bruemmer’s beautiful photographs and informative
and insightful text, ‘Glimpses of Paradise’ takes
the reader into these phenomena. From Monarch
Butterflies in Mexico to Chinstrap Penguins in
Antarctica, ‘The Marvel of Massed Animals’ offers
insights into the habits of a wealth of species
from all corners and climates of the planet. Fred
Bruemmer is careful to remind us that as immense
and strong as these species appear nothing is
certain during a time when the world’s ecology is
so fragile and
that all species, regardless of
their numbers, should be thought of as vulnerable
to decline and endangerment. We have lost a great
deal of nature in a short time such as the
Passenger Pigeon and we must respect and preserve
what we still have. With Fred Bruemmer’s fantastic
photos and personal and informative text,
‘Glimpses of Paradise’ is a colorful celebration
of the vibrancy of animal life.
Wild Bird Guides –
Great Horned Owl
By Dwight G. Smith
Published by Stackpole Books
The Great Horned Owl, one of the
largest of the North American owls, is a respected
creature of power and beauty. They inhabit nearly
every corner of North America and romance many of
us with their wild majesty. Wild Bird Guides –
Great Horned Owl by Dwight G. Smith and published
by Stackpole Books is a brilliant guide to this
magnificent and sometimes mysterious creature.
Beautiful color photos fill each page, perfectly
complementing the descriptive text that
accompanies it. The relevant text of each page
never exceeds a few paragraphs making it an
effortless read that completely covers all aspects
of Great Horned Owl ecology, biology and
conservation. This easy to read style makes the
reader absorb the facts simply, never dulling with
too much science but it is light and interesting
throughout. You read on, enthralled by the vivid
photography that brightens each page, and capture
the Great Horned Owl complete. Dwight G. Smith
through his thorough research has created a
definitive guide to the Great Horned Owl and
information on behavior such as nesting and
hunting give broad yet basic insights to this
amazing raptor. It is an enjoyable read that at
102 pages slips easy into any backpack for a quick
consult on any bird or owl-watching trip. Wild
Bird Guides – Great Horned Owl by Dwight G. Smith
is an excellent guide, descriptive and
comprehensive, that will definitely leave you to
the wise.
Birds
By
Robert Bateman
Published by Pantheon Books
Robert
Bateman's latest book Birds (foreword
by Peter Maththiessen, Pantheon Books, 2002) is
a selection of birds he has painted near his
home and around the world. For followers of
Bateman, this is not a collection of paintings
seen in previous books - most of the nearly 200
paintings were painted in the last few
years. They include pencil and watercolour wash
sketches to full canvas
paintings. Characteristic of Bateman's work, the
birds in Birds are wonderfully
alive. His snow goose bursting from a nest
exhibits the explosiveness of the event. A blue
crane wading in evening light on a languid pond
is exquisitely designed. A foreboding assault
by giant petrels on a gentoo penguin is
portrayed with all its fury and vigor of the
moment. Accompanying each painting is a brief
text describing Bateman's experiences and some
natural history. This book would make a
marvelous addition to anyone interested in
nature or art.
The Wolf in the Southwest : The Making of an Endangered
Species
New
Edition
By David E. Brown
Published by High Lonesome Books
The distant howl of the wolf seems
at home alongside campfires under a brilliant
moon. The echoes of those cries ring with
loneliness and pain. They are forever linked with
the wildest of the wild, nature untouched and
pure. The Southwestern U.S. to Mexico is a wild
and natural area, but far from untouched and
pristine wilderness areas. Moon-filled nights are
no longer punctuated by the wolf’s plaintive calls
due to a century of persecution that eliminated
all species of wolf from the South West. With the
attempts to reintroduce wild packs and the
subsequent controversy regarding this issue a new
edition of the David E. Brown’s brilliant ‘The
Wolf in the Southwest - The Making of an
Endangered Species’ has been released by High
Lonesome Books. Originally published in 1983, ‘The
Wolf in the Southwest’ documents the fervor to rid
the wolf from the wilds of Arizona, New Mexico and
Texas from the late 19th century until
the late 1970’s. David E. Brown has painstakingly
researched his book from decades of archival
records documenting the plight of the southwest
cattlemen. These ranchers whose heavy losses to
cattle depredation lead to a government sanctioned
declaration of war on all predators. It is a
grimly fascinating tale of the sad history of the
wolf in the southwest. David E. Brown’s ‘The Wolf
in the Southwest’ is the definitive resource on
the various species of southwestern wolf, covering
their biology, territory and first hand
descriptive accounts of their place within their
historical environment. These coincide with
various trapper reports, techniques and
encounters. Thorough and complete with many
historical photos and documents, David E. Brown
brings this shortsighted era to life. ‘The Wolf in
the Southwest - The Making of an Endangered
Species’ is a bitter read for it eulogizes, not
celebrates the wolf. A dramatic reminder of how
destructive the world was and still is and how
once we set foot in pristine natural areas we
slowly begin to lose them.
Reptiles of the Northwest
British Columbia to California
by Alan St. John
Published by Lone Pine Publishing
Reptiles are one of the most
successful classes of animal that inhabit the
earth. They occur in almost every climate and it
should be no surprise that the Pacific Northwest
has its share of fascinating reptiles. There are
42 species of reptile found from British Columbia
to Northern California and Reptiles of the
Northwest by Alan St. John is the
guide to them.
Comprehensive, with brilliant photographs, it is
simply a must-own for not only budding
herpetologists but naturalists and outdoor
enthusiasts of all ages. Reptiles of the Northwest
by Alan St. John has an easy to access and
understand quick reference guide and detailed
introduction to reptiles and herpetology. Each
species of Northwest reptile is given a complete
introduction with detailed description and
information on its distribution, habitat and
behaviour. What sets Reptiles of the Northwest by
Alan St. John apart from other field guides are
the 6 beautiful and informative color photos of
each species and the informative and whimsical
field notes describing each reptile. These are
accounts of encounters Alan St. John has had with
these reptiles and they give the reader
experiences that you don’t find in the average
field guide. They are filled with the author’s
wonder and joy in these creatures, written with
humour and warmth in a casual biographical style.
This is a
special field guide. Its soft cover allows for
ease of slipping into any backpack enabling one to
take advantage of the great inclusion of the
Northwest Reptile Life list note pages. Reptiles
of the Northwest by Alan St. John is definitive
and comprehensive It is a unique field guide to
unique animals.
Sibley's Birding Basics
By
David Sibley
Hot
on the heels of David Sibley's
extraordinary field guide, The Sibley
Guide ot North American Birds (Knopf)
is Sibley's Birding Basics
(Knopf, expected to be released in
October). Birders talk about the 'jizz' of
birds - that special, hard to describe
feature that experienced birders use to
identify a bird at a glance. This small
guide explains how to become expert by
refining the skills of this fine art. From
where to find birds, how to use behavioral
clues, voice and plumage clues, this book
is a great introduction to the fun sport
of birding.
A guide to common freshwater invertebrates
of North America
By J.
Reese Voshell, Jr. and illustrated by Amy
Bartlett Wright.
Published by McDonald & Woodward Publishing
Anyone with an interest in the outdoors or
natural history finds wonder and amazement
in all organisms one comes across. Even the
smallest of creatures holds fascination on
those keen on natural life and many times
will leave you wondering, ‘What is
that ??’.
A
guide to common freshwater invertebrates of
North America by J. Reese Voshell,
Jr. is a wonderfully complete introduction
to the small organisms that we find in the
shallows of our local freshwater ponds,
lakes, creeks or streams. Beautifully
illustrated by Amy Bartlett Wright,
A
guide to common freshwater invertebrates of
North America is much more than the
typical field guides on the market today.
The first section of the book takes the
reader through the ecology and fundamentals
of freshwater biology and freshwater
invertebrates. Well written in an easy to
follow flow that is indicative of his 25
years of research and study, J. Reese
Voshell, Jr. explains how to use this book
and introduces the reader to the guidelines
to effectively study freshwater
invertebrates. The rest of the book is split
into two parts, the first not too different
from most field guides are the illustrated
descriptions of 100 of the most common
freshwater invertebrates with easy to follow
distinguishing characteristics. This
identification section is referenced by page
to the third section that contains a
detailed description on the distribution,
habitat, biology and feeding habitats of
each of the individual freshwater
invertebrates. All written in an easy to
follow format,
A
guide to common freshwater invertebrates of
North America is a comprehensive
guide and study tool, it is part field guide
and part biology text, the combination of
which is what makes this book unique and
valuable.
A
guide to common freshwater invertebrates of
North America is as complete a guide
book as you will ever find or need.
