National Audubon Society Guide to Marine Mammals of the World
The National Audubon Society Guide to Marine Mammals of the World describes in fascinating detail all 120 species of the world's whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea lions, manatees, Marine and Sea Otters, and the Polar Bear. Written by a team of experts and featuring more than 320 illustrations, 418 photographs, and 123 maps, this new guide offers more authoritative, up-to-date, and accessible information than any book previously published on the subject.\ Organized by the four major...
Search in google:
The National Audubon Society Guide to Marine Mammals of the World describes in fascinating detail all 120 species of the world's whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea lions, manatees, Marine and Sea Otters, and the Polar Bear. Written by a team of experts and featuring more than 320 illustrations, 418 photographs, and 123 maps, this new guide offers more authoritative, up-to-date, and accessible information than any book previously published on the subject.Organized by the four major groups of marine mammals—marine fissipeds, pinnipeds, cetaceans, and sirenians—the species descriptions include:Full-color paintings, some depicting males and females, juveniles, subspecies, or special features. Color photographs showing appearance in the wild and illustrating typical behaviors. Life history data, including length and weight at various life stages, and life span. Range and habitat text and a full-color range map based on the most current information. Facts about social organization, surface behaviors, swimming, and diving. Information on mating behavior, breeding, and the rearing of young. Details about food items and foraging techniques. Estimates of population in the wild, plus current and historic threats.A general introduction outlines the evolution and taxonomy of marine mammals, distribution, migration, watching guidelines, identification techniques, organizations and laws that protect marine mammals, and more.Introductions to groups include comparative size illustrations, discussion of behaviors particular to the group, and other unique features.A useful illustrated glossary of terms and an index of species namescomplete the guide.Exquisitely detailed illustrations, stunning photographs, and clearly written text combine to make this an indispensible reference source for marine mammal watchers and anyone interested in the natural world. Publishers Weekly Among the most celebrated creatures on earth are the 120 species of water-dwelling mammals catalogued in this handsome and informative field guide, the latest in the National Audubon Society's family of nature publications. Photographs, drawings and paintings combine with maps, charts and essays to provide not only data but also insight into the behavior of these highly evolved and specialized animals. The book is sensibly arranged and easy to navigate, whether the reader is in an easy chair or on the open water. The introduction provides a general guide to marine mammals: their habitat, behavior, reproduction, diet and conservation status. The individual articles are packed with facts about each species and the best ways to find and identify them in the wild. The book is organized according to the four classifications of marine mammals: cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises); pinnipeds (seals and walrus); sirenians (dugongs, manatees); and polar bears and otters. The charts on each species specify size, weight and longevity. The maps show the reach of each type of animal while helping the reader to visualize its range and habitat. The articles also describe ways of identifying similar species whose ranges overlap. Among this guide's best features are the appendixes, which break down the species by region and offer a chart of species morphology and an illustrated glossary. This book is ideal for students and amateur animal watchers. Color illus. and paintings, maps. (Apr.) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.
Introduction8What Is a Marine Mammal?10Range and Habitat14Behavior17Reproduction23Food and Foraging26Status and Conservation29Watching Marine Mammals32Organization of the Guide34Polar Bear and Otters36Polar Bear38Otters42Pinnipeds49Eared Seals58Walrus110True Seals114Cetaceans180Baleen Whales184Sperm Whales238Beaked Whales248River Dolphins299Beluga and Narwhal316Ocean Dolphins326Porpoises452Sirenians474Dugong478Manatees482Appendices493Regional Assemblages494Marine Mammal Morphology499Illustrated Glossary500Photo Credits518Index522Contributors526Acknowledgements527
\ From Barnes & NobleThis oversize, handsomely illustrated guidebook is a must for anyone who loves whales, dolphins, seals, and the many other spectacular mammals of the seas. Along with the 418 photographs, Pieter Folkens, a noted artist, has painted in loving detail 230 animals. Expert text including range and habitat information completes this stunning book.\ \ \ \ \ Publishers WeeklyAmong the most celebrated creatures on earth are the 120 species of water-dwelling mammals catalogued in this handsome and informative field guide, the latest in the National Audubon Society's family of nature publications. Photographs, drawings and paintings combine with maps, charts and essays to provide not only data but also insight into the behavior of these highly evolved and specialized animals. The book is sensibly arranged and easy to navigate, whether the reader is in an easy chair or on the open water. The introduction provides a general guide to marine mammals: their habitat, behavior, reproduction, diet and conservation status. The individual articles are packed with facts about each species and the best ways to find and identify them in the wild. The book is organized according to the four classifications of marine mammals: cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises); pinnipeds (seals and walrus); sirenians (dugongs, manatees); and polar bears and otters. The charts on each species specify size, weight and longevity. The maps show the reach of each type of animal while helping the reader to visualize its range and habitat. The articles also describe ways of identifying similar species whose ranges overlap. Among this guide's best features are the appendixes, which break down the species by region and offer a chart of species morphology and an illustrated glossary. This book is ideal for students and amateur animal watchers. Color illus. and paintings, maps. (Apr.) Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.\ \ \ Library JournalThis new guide is the most comprehensive and up-to-date of the available marine mammal guides. Most other field guides, such as William Burt and Richard Grossenheider's A Field Guide to Mammals: North America North of Mexico. (Peterson Field Guides, 1998. 3rd ed.), Simon & Schuster's Guide to Mammals (1983), Golden Guide to Whales and other Marine Mammals (1990), or National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mammals (1980. o.p.), are either old or incomplete, as they cover mammals generally and cannot provide sufficient depth. This new guide has not only the standard features, including color plates, habitat range maps, and basic breeding, habitat, and range information, but also the latest and most comprehensive information about the animals. The essays are written by expert marine scientists, including Phillip J. Clapman, James A. Powell, Reeves and Brent S. Stewart. Furthermore, in contrast to most Audubon guides, the photos accompany the description of the animal rather than being relegated to a separate section of the book- which makes the book easier to use in the field. Highly recommended for all collections. - Mary J. Nickum, Lakewood, CO. Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information\ \ \ \ \ School Library JournalAdult/High School-Just about everything one could hope for in a guide can be found in this info-packed yet extremely user-friendly tome. Introductory pages cover the basics and more. The section "Watching Marine Mammals," which includes advice on what to bring along, proper etiquette, and what to do if a stranded animal is encountered, is particularly engrossing. Every group has its own overview with an illustrated spread showing relative sizes among species within it. Each species entry opens with a beautifully rendered color illustration accompanied by a brief list of key features to look for when trying to identify the animal. A neat little map indicates the mammal's range and is paired with a box containing vital statistics such as size, weight, and life span. A liberal dose of superb, high-quality action color photographs shows the creatures in their natural surroundings. Appendixes include a map that shows marine mammals by world region and a "Marine Mammal Morphology" with three line drawings indicating generic parts. While this book has obvious value as a research tool, students are sure to linger over the pages. An attractive presentation with satisfying content.-Sheila Shoup, Fairfax County Public Library, VA Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.\ \ \ \ \ From The CriticsDescribes the 120 species of seals, whales, manatees, polar bears, otters and other marine mammals. Each entry presents illustrations, maps, and photographs, along with information on range and habitat, behavior, reproduction, food and foraging, status, and conservation. Also included is an introductory chapter covering broader information. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)\ \
