carnivore

This book explores the intriguing and relatively unknown story of one of Australia’s most controversial animals, the dingo. The dingo has been shaped by its interactions with human societies and with this as a central theme, the book traces the story of the dingo from its beginnings as a semi-domesticated wild dog in South-east Asia, to its current status as a wild Australian native animal under threat of extinction. It describes how dingoes made their way to Australia, their subsequent relationship with the Indigenous population, their successful adaption to the Australian landscape and their constant battle against the agricultural industry. During these events, the dingo has demonstrated an unparalleled intelligence and adaptable nature seen in few species. The book concludes with a discussion of what the future of the dingo in Australia might look like, what we can learn from our past relationship with dingoes and how this can help to allow a peaceful co-existence.
The Dingo Debate reveals the real dingo beneath the popular stereotypes, providing an account of the dingo’s behaviour, ecology, impacts and management according to scientific and scholarly evidence rather than hearsay. This book will appeal to anyone with an interest in Australian natural history, wild canids, and the relationship between humans and carnivores.

From the ancient Egyptian cat goddess, Bastet, to the prophet Muhammad’s favorite cat, Muezza, and our contemporary obsession with online cat videos, felines have long held a place of honor in their human counterparts’ homes and cultures. But the domestic cat is just one of many feline species, and in The Wild Cat Book cat experts Fiona and Mel Sunquist introduce us to the full panoply of the purring, roaring feline tribe. Illustrated throughout with Terry Whittaker’s spectacular color photographs as well as unique photos from biologists in the field – some the only known images of the species pictured – The Wild Cat Book not only tantalizes with the beauty of cats, but also serves as a valuable and accessible reference on cat behavior and conservation. Comprehensive entries for each of the thirty-seven cat species include color distribution maps and up-to-date information related to the species’ IUCN conservation and management statuses, while informative sidebars reveal why male lions have manes (and why dark manes are sexiest), how cats see with their whiskers, the truth behind our obsession with white lions and tigers, and why cats can’t be vegetarians.
The Wild Cat Book also highlights the grave threats faced by the world’s wild cats – from habitat destruction to human persecution. From the extraordinary acrobatics of the arboreal margay, able to cling to a tree branch by a single paw thanks to its unusually flexible ankles, to modern declines in African lion populations, The Wild Cat Book is an instructive and revealing ode to felines of every size and color. Combining science, behavioral observations, and stunning photography, this book will captivate cat fanciers the world over.

Produced by the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery to coincide with their new exhibit. This book examines the tragic consequences of European settlement on this now extinct mammal, through objects, photographs and documents in the museum’s collection.

Wolves are considered controversial figures worldwide: mythical creatures as well as troublemakers, conservation efforts on their behalf are often polarizing. In recent years much effort has focused on the discussion of how to conserve large carnivores, such as wolves, while addressing public concerns. Compared with the Grey wolf, little is known about the Maned wolf, the peculiarities of its relationship with local people and the environment, and the reasons for its decline, making research about the species an urgent concern. This book gathers the work of the leading researchers in the field about different aspects of maned wolf conservation (feeding ecology, distribution, people’s attitudes, habitat studies, conservation projects for the species in and ex situ) and also provides innovative perspectives for the future of conservation strategies (education, human dimensions, ethno conservation) worldwide.

Ranging from the largest terrestrial carnivore, the Polar bear, and hyper-predatory wild cats, to the tiny Least weasel that can squeeze through a wedding ring, the true carnivores – order Carnivora – include some of the world’s most charismatic, admired, feared and spectacular creatures. The first comprehensive guide to every terrestrial species, this book profiles all 250 of the world’s carnivores. A detailed account for each species describes key identification characteristics, distribution and habitat, behaviour, feeding ecology, social patterns, life-history statistics, conservation and the latest on classification, including some unexpected discoveries. Eighty-six magnificent specially commissioned colour plates by top wildlife artist Priscilla Barrett depict each species, with subspecies and colour variations shown for many. There are line drawings of skulls (230) and footprints (110), as well as black-and-white sketches depicting the behaviour of specific species (45). This is an essential reading for anyone interested in wildlife – appeals to travellers, wildlife enthusiasts, mammal students, conservation planners and specialists.
The countries with many of the most spectacular carnivores are of key importance as ecotourism destinations. Expanding local markets as wildlife conservation assumes greater prominence locally.

The editors utilize their 50 years of combined experience with the behaviour and ecology of wild felids to draw together a unique network of the world’s most respected and knowledgeable experts. For the first time, this inter-disciplinary research programme is brought together within a single volume. Beginning with a complete account of all 36 felid species, there follow 8 comprehensive review chapters that span all the topics most relevant to felid conservation science, including evolution and systematics, felid form and function, genetic applications, behavioural ecology, management of species that come into conflict with people and control of international trade in felid species, conservation tools/techniques, ex situ management, and felid diseases. 19 detailed case studies then delve deeply into syntheses of the very best species investigations worldwide, written by all the leading figures in the field. These chapters portray the unique attributes of the wild felids, describe their fascinating (and conflicting) relationship with humans, and create an unparalleled platform for future research and conservation measures.
A final chapter analyses the requirements of, and inter-disciplinary approaches to, practical conservation with cutting-edge examples of conservation science and action that go far beyond the cat family. Also available in hardcover [stock id 31890].