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Timber rattlesnakes in Vermont and New York : biology, history, and the fate of an endangered species by Today, small populations of timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) quietly inhabit parts of Rutland County in Vermont, and Warren, Washington, and Essex counties in NewYork. Becausethe species is endangered, the exact locations of established dens in these counties are a closely guarded secret. Insider, naturalist, and author Jon Furman has devoted years to the study of the snake's past and present range, its habitat and biology, the period in Vermont and upstate NewYork history during which timber rattlesnakes were ruthlessly hunted for a bounty, and the outlook for this severely threatened species in both states
Rattlesnake: Portrait of a predator by Includes chapters on rattlesnakes in lore and religion; and as symbols.
Snakes: The evolution of mystery in nature by This is a book about some of nature's most alluring and forbidding creatures, written by a man with an abiding passion for snakes, as well as for science, conservation, and the beauty and complexity of nature. Snakes inhabit all major ecosystems outside of the polar regions and are among the most common predators on other vertebrates. More than 2,700 species of snakes are currently recognized, place in about 420 genera and 18 families
Turtles: An extraordinary natural history 245 million years in the making by Turtles are a species of reptile at its evolutionary zenith, with an ancient lineage stretching back over 200 million years. Under their unmistakable shells, testament to their survival, they harbor a natural history of epochal proportions. This is the engrossing story Turtles tells. The book offers a full account of the evolution, history, diversity, ecology, and behavior of the turtle, and of the problems facing these reptiles worldwide. The book describes the important role turtles play in their ecosystems, as well as the pressures put upon current populations by habitat destruction, over-collection for the pet trade, and increasing consumption for food. Accompanying Franklin's text are photographs and illustrations testifying to the colorful diversity of the 300 species of turtle known to inhabit forest, mountains, prairies, rivers, lakes, and oceans of the world--70 within the United States alone. Appendices provide contact information for turtle organizations, as well as a listing of all extant chelonians.
Invasive pythons in the United States : ecology of an introduced predator by Most people think of pythons as giant snakes in distant tropical jungles, but Burmese pythons, which can reach lengths of over twenty feet and weigh over two hundred pounds, are now thriving in southern Florida. These natives of Asia are commonly kept as pets and presumably escaped or were released in the Everglades. Pythons are now common in this region; widespread throughout hundreds of square miles, they are breeding and appear to be expanding their range. Pythons are voracious predators that feed on a variety of native wildlife including wading birds, bobcats, white-tailed deer, and even alligators. Their presence has drawn dramatic media attention and stoked fears among the public that pythons may threaten not just native species but humans as well.
Crocodile : evolution's greatest survivor by The crocodilian is an ancient animal whose ancestors have roamed the eartch since the time of the dinosaurs. While continents drifted, ice ages thawed and once-prolific species became extinct, the crocodilian survived it all. However, many breeds of this seemingly indescructible species are now facing extinction because of human activity, intrusion into their habitats and retaliation for the threat they pose to humans.
American alligator : ancient predator in the modern world by A natural history of the American alligator. Having survived since the Mesozoic era, alligators teetered on the brink of extinction in the 1960s. Protected by legislative intervention, today's populations are closed monitored throughout their range. Ouchley examines the lessons we have learned about urban development and energy production, and how they can still threaten the alligator and its southern wetland habitat.
Fire Ants by A comprehensive review of the biology of this exceptionally interesting, as well as economically and environmentally important, group of insects.
Bees : a natural history by The vital role of bees in human ecology is underlined by the estimate that every third mouthful of human food is dependent on the pollinating services of bees
The Earth Moved: on the remarkable achievements of earthworms by Explores the impact earthworms have on the ecosystem, discussing how they improve soil, fight plant diseases, clean up pollution, and turn ordinary dirt into fertile land.
Monarchs and milkweed : a migrating butterfly, a poisonous plant, and their remarkable story of coevolution by Monarch butterflies are one of nature's most recognizable creatures, known for their bright colors and epic annual migration from the United States and Canada to Mexico. Yet there is much more to the monarch than its distinctive presence and mythic journeying. In Monarchs and Milkweed, Anurag Agrawal presents a vivid investigation into how the monarch butterfly has evolved closely alongside the milkweed--a toxic plant named for the sticky white substance emitted when its leaves are damaged--and how this inextricable and intimate relationship has been like an arms race over the millennia, a battle of exploitation and defense between two fascinating species.
Spineless Wonders by We humans have a word for the feeling, whether actual or imagined, that creepy invertebrates are crawling over our skin. That word is formication, and the implied sense of horror and fascination, contends Richard Conniff, is something many of us actually crave. His Spineless Wonders presents an "unabashed wallow in the joy of formication." Spineless Wonders is an engaging, sophisticated, and humorous mix of natural history and human lore. Through his journalistic assignments, Richard Conniff has been in contact with invertebrates for more than twenty years - tarantulas in the upper Amazon region, dragonflies in Arizona, squid in Florida, and flies on the rim of his beer glass. Discoveries about the extraordinary habits and idiosyncrasies of the moth, the leech, the ant, and the slime eel are opening new frontiers in the exploration of our natural universe. Spineless Wonders takes us directly to these wild and wonderful outposts to observe the hazards of being around invertebrates, the bizarre adaptions that enable them to survive in the world, and also the astonishing work they do - work that enables us to survive.
Cockroaches : ecology, behavior, and natural history by This volume provides a detailed overview of the approximately 4,000 species within the suborder Blattaria. Beginning with a foreword by E.O. Wilson, the book then explores the natural history and behavior of cockroaches, describing their various colors, sizes, and shapes, as well as how they move on land, in water, and through the air. In addition to habitat use, diet, reproduction, and behavior, Cockroaches covers topics such as the relationship between cockroaches and microbes, termites as social cockroaches, and the ecological impact of the suborder
House Guests, House Pests by Today we live in snug, well-furnished houses surrounded by the trappings of a civilized life. But we are not alone--we suffer a constant stream of unwanted visitors. Our houses, our food, our belongings, our very existence are under constant attack from a host of invaders eager to take advantage of our shelter, our food stores and our tasty soft furnishings. From bats in the belfry to beetles in the cellar, moths in the wardrobe and mosquitoes in the bedroom, humans cannot escape the attentions of the animal kingdom. Nature may be red in tooth and claw, but when it's our blood the bedbugs are after, when it's our cereal bowl that's littered with mouse droppings, and when it's our favorite chair that collapses due to woodworm in the legs, it really brings it home the fact that we and our homes are part of nature too.To read additional books about animal behavior in general, try these:
An introduction to animal behavior: an integrative approach by The study of animal behavior is one of the most integrative endeavors in biology; it encompasses how the behavior is acquired, how it works, why it has come to work as it does, and how it influences the behaving animal and the animals around it. In this text, the authors address the interrelationship of these aspects of animal behavior, which Nikolaas Tinbergen codified in his "four questions" as causation, ontogeny, survival value, and evolution. In light of these questions, the authors first review some of the basic concepts of ultimate and proximate aspects of behavior. They make the argument that integrating different levels of analysis is critical for deriving a correct interpretation of behavior. In subsequent chapters, they review topics such as foraging, orientation and migration, sex differences, mate choice, social bonding, cooperation, conflict, and aggression. The authors integrate information from molecular genomics through neuroscience, endocrinology, development, and learning to evolutionary genetics, selection, constraints, and phylogenetics to provide a concise but comprehensive look at current topics in animal behavior.
Animal Behavior by Why do birds have regional accents? Can horses learn maths? What do animals without eyes see? Questions such as these have fascinated scientists and animal lovers alike long before ethology - the study of animal behavior - became recognised as a science in the 1970s. Now, as issues of conservation and welfare dominate the field, an understanding of how and why animals act the way they do has become even more critical. Drawing together evolutionary theory, ecology, population biology, genetics, physiology, and anatomy to demonstrate the diversity involved when studying animals, Byers explains the mechanisms and motivations behind a range of animal movements.
Calls beyond our hearing: unlocking the secrets of animal voices by Examines the research of communication in the animal world, exploring how animals use voices to search for a mate, play, locate food, communicate when threatened, and more.
Animal Weapons by Every animal relies on a weapon of some kind -- cats have claws, eagles have talons, and even the dogs we keep as pets have a respectable set of teeth. But the overwhelming majority of these weapons stay small, proportional to the rest of the animals' bodies. In rare cases, however, we find species whose weapons have become stunningly outsized, some with tusks or horns so massive that the animals who wield them look like they should tip over or collapse under their bulk and weight. Weapons just as extreme have cropped up in walruses and narwhals, crabs, beetles, bugs and flies. What is it about these species? Why are their weapons so big? When does bigger become too big? Biology professor Douglas Emlen pulls readers into the worlds of these remarkable beasts, trekking through rainforests and mountain passes to unravel the mysteries of their weapons. Humans are animals, too, and no book on extreme weapons would be complete without an examination of our own arsenals. The parallels between animal weapons and manufactured weapons run deep, and the same critical conditions trigger arms races in animals and in humans, analogous factors sculpt their evolution, and similar circumstances ultimately bring about collapse -- the sudden, and often dramatic, end of the race. A story that begins with biology becomes the story of all weapons, as readers glide between beetles and battleships, crabs and the Cold War. Ultimately, Emlen seeks to determine where this parallel leaves us today, in a post-Cold War world filled with the deadliest weapons of all time -- nuclear, biological and chemical weapons of mass destruction.
Nature’s compass: the mystery of animal navigation by We know that animals cross miles of water, land, and sky with pinpoint precision on a daily basis. But it is only in recent years that scientists have learned how these astounding feats of navigation are actually accomplished. This book explores the remarkable methods by which animals find their way both near home and around the globe
Giraffe reflections by " ... this volume presents a magnificent portrait of a group of animals who, in spite of their legendary elegance and astonishing gentleness, may not entirely survive this century. Dale Peterson's text provides a natural and cultural history of the world's tallest and second-biggest land animals, describing in detail their biology and behavior. He offers a new perspective on the giraffes' place in our world, and argues for the stronger protection of these imposing yet endangered creatures and their elusive forest relatives, the okapis. Some 120 stunning photographs by award-winning wildlife photographer Karl Ammann capture the grace and elegance of Giraffa camelopardalis. Both beautiful and informative, the images document giraffes' complex interactions with each other and their environment
The Hidden World of the Fox by "The fox. For thousands of years myth and folklore have celebrated its cunning intelligence. Today the red fox is nature's most populous carnivore, its dancing orange tail a common sight in backyards. Yet who is this wild neighbor, truly? How do we negotiate this uneasy new chapter of an ancient relationship? Join British ecologist Adele Brand on a journey to discover the surprising secrets of the fabled fox, the familiar yet enigmatic creature that has adapted to the human world with astonishing--some say, unsettling--success."--Publisher's description.
Otters by Otters are highly charismatic and popular animals of very considerable concern to conservationists worldwide. Written by the pre-eminent authority in the field, this book builds on the reputation of the author's landmark monograph of the European otter, Wild Otters (OUP, 1995). Furthermore, its broader scope to include all species of otter in North America as well as Europe and elsewhere leads to a deeper synthesis that greatly expands the book's overall relevance and potential readership. Aimed at naturalists, scientists and conservationists, its personal style and generously illustrated text will appeal to amateurs and professionals alike. It emphasizes recent research and conservation management initiatives for all 13 species of otter worldwide, incorporates recent molecular research on taxonomy and population genetics, and discusses the wider implications of otter studies for ecology and conservation biology. As well as enchanting direct observations of the animals, there is guidance about how and where to watch and study them. From otters in the British and American lakes and rivers, to sea otters in the Pacific Ocean, giant otters in the Amazon and other species in Africa and Asia, this book provides an engaging approach to their fascinating existence, to the science needed to understand it, and to the very real threats to their survival.
Dogs: a natural history by Dog lovers do not need to be reminded that dogs are astonishing creatures, but recent research shows that they are even more amazing than anyone knew. Dogs draws on the last several decades of studies, examining everything from a dog's eyesight to its culinary preferences and sense of humor. Jake Page looks at dogs' wild brothers, the wolves, and their closer cousins, the wild or pariah dogs; explains the newest theory of how dogs were domesticated; describes a dog's development from puppyhood on; and finally ponders a dog's emotional life and intelligence. While not a practical book on dog training, Dogs will give readers a better sense of why their pets behave as they do. And as an added bonus, Jake Page's own pack of six dogs makes multiple cameo appearances.
Being a dog : the world from your dog's point of view by Dogs and humans have lived together for more than 30,000 years, becoming closer and more interdependent over time. Today, there are dogs in almost 50 percent of American households. This book is not about anthropomorphizing dogs. They are not human. But science is confirming what dog people have always known. Uniquely written from a dog's perspective, Being a Dog is the most authoritative and current book about dog behavior and cognition. It combines the latest scientific research with enlightening illustrations to give a unique insight into a dog's world. What does it feel like to be a dog? How does a dog view other dogs, other animals, humans? How does a dog see itself? What makes a dog happy or excited, scared or angry?
Pit Bull: The battle over an American icon by The story of how a popular breed of dog became the most demonized and supposedly the most dangerous of dogs -- and what role humans have played in the transformation. When Bronwen Dickey brought her new dog home, she saw no traces of the infamous viciousness in her affectionate, timid pit bull. Which made her wonder: How had the breed -- beloved by Teddy Roosevelt, Helen Keller, and Hollywood's "Little Rascals"--Come to be known as a brutal fighter? Her search for answers takes her from nineteenth-century New York City dogfighting pits -- the cruelty of which drew the attention of the recently formed ASPCA -- to early twentieth-century movie sets, where pit bulls cavorted with Fatty Arbuckle and Buster Keaton; from the battlefields of Gettysburg and the Marne, where pit bulls earned presidential recognition, to desolate urban neighborhoods where the dogs were loved, prized -- and sometimes brutalized. Whether through love or fear, hatred or devotion, humans are bound to the history of the pit bull
Inside of a dog : what dogs see, smell, and know by What do dogs know? How do they think? The answers will surprise and delight you as Alexandra Horowitz, a cognitive scientist, explains how dogs perceive their daily worlds, each other, and that other quirky animal, the human
Decoding your dog : the ultimate experts explain common dog behaviors by More than ninety percent of dog owners consider their pets to be members of their family. But often, despite our best intentions, we are letting our dogs down by not giving them the guidance and direction they need. Unwanted behavior is the number one reason dogs are relinquished to shelters and rescue groups. The key to training dogs effectively is first to understand why our dogs do what they do. In Decoding Your Dog, graduates of the American College of Veterinary Behavior analyze problem behaviors, decipher the latest studies, and correct common misconceptions and outmoded theories. The book includes effective, veterinary-approved positive training methods; expert advice on socialization, housetraining, diet, and exercise; and remedies for behavior problems such as OCD and aggression.
The Behaviour of the Domestic Cat by Describing feline behavior from both a mechanistic and functional approach, this textbook provides an accessible overview of this fascinating subject. The book begins by addressing physiological, developmental and psychological aspects, with chapters on domestication, the development of the senses, learning, communication and feeding behavior. The authors then build on this foundation to discuss social behavior, hunting and predation, cat-human interactions and welfare. Fully updated throughout, this new edition also includes two new chapters on behavioral disorders due to pathologies and from misdirected natural behavior. It is the essential source of cat behavior information.
The lion in the living room : how house cats tamed us and took over the world by Cats are incredible creatures: they can eat practically anything and live almost anywhere. Tracing their rise from prehistory to the modern cat craze, Abigail Tucker presents an adventure through history, natural science, and pop culture. Tucker investigates the way house cats have used their relationship with humans to become one of the most powerful animals on the planet.
Tigers of the World: The Science, Politics and Conservation of Panthera tigris by The second edition of Tigers of the World explores tiger biology, ecology, conservation, management, and the science and technology that make this possible. In 1988, when the first edition was published, tiger conservation was still in its infancy, and two decades later there has been a revolution not only in what is known, but how information about tigers is obtained and disseminated. In the fast changing world of conservation, there is a great need to summarize the vast and current state-of-the-art, to put this into historical perspective, and to speculate in what yet remains to be done. This book fulfills this need by bringing together in a unique way the world's leading tiger experts into one volume.
The Biology of Small Mammals by The Biology of Small Mammals is the first exploration of the lives of small mammals undertaken in decades. Mammalogist Joseph F. Merritt offers an engaging, in-depth discussion about a diverse array of small mammals, from the rare Kitti's hog-nosed bat of Southeast Asia to the bizarre aye-aye of Madagascar to the familiar woodchuck of North America. Small mammals include those mammals weighing under five kilograms (approximately eleven pounds). Merritt introduces the various species that fall under this heading, then follows with chapters that cover such topics as behavior, modes of feeding, locomotion, habitat use, reproduction, and coping with heat loss. Animals of this size face different physiological and ecological challenges than larger mammals. Merritt describes in rich detail how mammals across the globe have adapted to compensate for their small stature, showing how they contribute to and survive in diverse environments in many fascinating ways. For example, arctic foxes, weighing just 3 to 4.3 kilograms, are champion survivors in the cold. They cope with their harsh environs by decreasing activity, seeking shelter in temporary dens and snow burrows, growing a lush winter fur, and undergoing complex physiological changes to insulate themselves from chilling temperatures. Beautifully illustrated throughout, this book provides a valuable and updated reference on nature's more diminutive creatures.
The Florida manatee : biology and conservation by Learn all about manatees a unique and endangered marine mammal.
Biology and Mangement of White-Tailed Deer by 
Deerland by Behind the unassuming grace and majesty of America's whitetail deer is the laundry list of human health, social, and ecological problems they cause. They destroy farm crops and vegetable gardens, devour suburban landscaping, ravage entire ecosystems, endanger motorists, and spread Lyme disease across the United States. The author ventures afield with botanists, ecologists, frustrated farmers and foresters, overworked body-shop owners, camo-clad hunters, and humble deer enthusiasts. Along the way he gives readers an insider's tour of America's deer-industrial complex -- and makes a case that yes, there really is such a thing. The author examines our history with whitetails, pinpoints where our ecological problems began, and asks tough questions about what it will take to restore the balance we've disrupted.
The rat : a study in behavior by 
Prairie dogs : communication and community in an animal society by C. N. Slobodchikoff and colleagues synthesize the results of their long-running study of Gunnison's prairie dogs (Cynomys gunnisoni), one of the keystone species of the short-grass prairie ecosystem. They set their research in the context of the biology of the five Cynomys species found in the United States and Mexico and detail their investigation into the prairie dogs' sophisticated system of barks, yips, and chirps, which, the authors argue, represents a referential communication capable of fine distinctions among predators." "Long seen as vermin that spoiled valuable range-land, prairie dogs were the subject of eradication campaigns and are now threatened by habitat loss and the loss of genetic diversity. The authors hope their research will help to pull the prairie dog back from the brink of extinction as well as foster an appreciation of larger conservation challenges. By examining the complex factors behind prairie dog decline, we can begin to understand the problems inherent in our adversarial relationship with the natural
The Last Elephants by Amazing photographs of elephants accompany narratives from researchers, scientists, and conservationists celebrating elephants and calling for their preservation.
The song of the ape: understanding the languages of chimpanzees by Documents the astonishing experiences that inspired the author's work in chimpanzee communication, the individual histories of five captive chimpanzees, and the scientific attempts to teach human language to chimps.
A forest in the clouds : my year among the mountain gorillas in the remote enclave of Dian Fossey by A zoologist's portrait of Dr. Dian Fossey's remarkable mountain gorilla camp documents the story of the controversial unraveling of the Rwandan facility after Fossey's murder and the author's contributions to tracking mountain gorillas through hostile terrain, confronting aggressive silverbacks and rehabilitating orphaned baby gorillas.
Baboon metaphysics : the evolution of a social mind by In 1838 Charles Darwin jotted in a notebook, "He who understands baboon would do more towards metaphysics than Locke." Fifteen years ago, following the extraordinary success of their How Monkeys See the World, Dorothy Cheney and Robert Seyfarth set out to take up Darwin's challenge. Baboon Metaphysics is their fascinating response. Cheney and Seyfarth set up camp in Botswana's Okavango Delta, where they could intimately observe baboons and their social world. Baboons are a perfect model for such a study because they live in groups of up to 150, including a handful of males and eight or nine matrilineal families of females. Such numbers force baboons to form a complicated mix of short-term bonds for mating and longer-term friendships based on careful calculations of status and individual need. The result is enough interpersonal drama to rival Jane Austen, as the baboons make and break alliances and try to anticipate the actions of their friends and rivals, all while avoiding frequent attacks by predators. But Baboon Metaphysics is concerned with much more than just baboons' social organization -- Cheney and Seyfarth aim to fully comprehend the intelligence that underlies it. How do baboons actually conceive of the world and their place in it? Using innovative field experiments, the authors test whether baboons understand kinship relations, how they make use of vocal communication, and how they manage the stress and dangers of life in the wild. They learn that for baboons, just as for humans, family and friends hold the key to mitigating the ill effects of grief, stress, and anxiety. Written with a scientist's precision and a nature-lover's eye, Baboon Metaphysics gives us an unprecedented and compelling glimpse into the mind of another species.
Through a Window: My Thirty Years with the Chimpanzees of Gombe Through a Window: My Thirty Years with the Chimpanzees of Gombe by Jane Goodall recounts the thirty years she spent in the company of chimpanzees and describes the dynamics of a chimpanzee family.These books are in the SF (Agriculture) call number.
Why did the chicken cross the world? : the epic saga of the bird that powers civilization by From ancient empires to modern economics, science reporter Andrew Lawler delivers a sweeping history of the animal that has been most crucial to the spread of civilization across the globe -- the chicken. Queen Victoria was obsessed with it. Socrates' last words were about it. Charles Darwin and Louis Pasteur made their scientific breakthroughs using it. Catholic popes, African shamans, Chinese philosophers, and Muslim mystics praised it. Throughout the history of civilization, humans have embraced it in every form imaginable -- as a messenger of the gods, powerful sex symbol, gambling aid, emblem of resurrection, all-purpose medicine, handy research tool, inspiration for bravery, epitome of evil, and, of course, as the star of the world's most famous joke. Beginning with the recent discovery in Montana that the chicken's unlikely ancestor is T. rex, this book tracks the chicken from its original domestication in the jungles of Southeast Asia some 10,000 years ago to postwar America, where it became the most engineered of animals, to the uncertain future of what is now humanity's single most important source of protein. In a combination of historical sleuthing and journalistic exploration on four continents, Lawler reframes the way we feel and think about our most important animal partner -- and, by extension, all domesticated animals, and even nature itself. Lawler's narrative reveals the secrets behind the chicken's transformation from a shy jungle bird into an animal of astonishing versatility, capable of serving our species' changing needs.
Lesser Beasts: a snout-to-tail history of the humble pig by Unlike other barnyard animals, which pull plows, give eggs or milk, or grow wool, a pig produces only one thing: meat. Incredibly efficient at converting almost any organic matter into nourishing, delectable protein, swine are nothing short of a gastronomic godsendyet their flesh is banned in many cultures, and the animals themselves are maligned as filthy, lazy brutes. As historian Mark Essig reveals in "Lesser Beasts," swine have such a bad reputation for precisely the same reasons they are so valuable as a source of food: they are intelligent, self-sufficient, and omnivorous. What's more, he argues, we ignore our historic partnership with these astonishing animals at our peril. Tracing the interplay of pig biology and human culture from Neolithic villages 10,000 years ago to modern industrial farms, Essig blends culinary and natural history to demonstrate the vast importance of the pig and the tragedy of its modern treatment at the hands of humans. Pork, Essig explains, has long been a staple of the human diet, prized in societies from Ancient Rome to dynastic China to the contemporary American South. Yet pigs ability to track down and eat a wide range of substances (some of them distinctly unpalatable to humans) and convert them into edible meat has also led people throughout history to demonize the entire species as craven and unclean. Today's unconscionable system of factory farming, Essig explains, is only the latest instance of humans taking pigs for granted, and the most recent evidence of how both pigs and people suffer when our symbiotic relationship falls out of balance. An expansive, illuminating history of one of our most vital yet unsung food animals, "Lesser Beasts" turns a spotlight on the humble creature that, perhaps more than any other, has been a mainstay of civilization since its very beginnings--whether we like it or not.
Cattle: an informal social history by An exploration of the relationship between cows and people looks at the impact of science, technology, and economic forces on cattle, and traces their impact on human history and society
A cow's life : the surprising history of cattle and how the Black Angus came to be home on the range by Offers an evolutionary history of the "king of cows," covering its primal ancestor, the six-thousand-pound extinct aurochs, and the Aberdeen-Angus' emigration from Scotland to the United States in the late 19th century.
Extraordinary goats : meetings with remarkable goats, caprine wonders, & horned troublemakers by From ancient myths to pop culture to profiles of domestic breeds, "Extraordinary Goats" explores the many facets of the goat.
Sheep : small-scale sheep keeping for pleasure and profit by Sheep offers both neophyte and seasoned sheep keepers a wealth of information for healthy, thriving flocks. Readers get advice straight from the farm - together with detailed charts, a comprehensive glossary, tips from hobby shepherds, and fun sheep trivia. Whether they are being kept as pets or a business venture, sheep are winning additions to any small-scale farm.
Donkey : the mystique of Equus asinus by This book has emerged out of our responses to donkeys: donkeys as a species and donkeys as individuals. The book grazes, feeding on a landscape both real and historical, imagined, desired and underfoot, inspired by a creature that has, strangely, embedded itself into the very fabric of philosophy, religion, art, the environment, human history, as well as in our hearts. Donkeys did not bray for this attention, but their own subtle beauty and gentleness has attracted our kind, while their "utility" has brought them loads of woe.
Llama by Known for their woolly charm, sure-footed strength, and a propensity to spit at you if you bother them too much, llamas have had a rich and diverse history. Since their domestication high in the Andes, they have been farmed, smuggled, sacrificed, and sometimes kept around just to be petted. They have functioned at different times as luxury commodities, literary muses, and national symbols, and they have served by turns as beasts of burden, circus performers, and even golf caddies. Helen Cowie charts the fascinating history of llamas and their close relatives, alpacas, guanacos, and vicuñas. Cowie illustrates how deeply the Incas venerated llamas and shows how the animals are still cherished in their native lands in Peru and Bolivia, remaining central to Andean culture. She also tells the story of attempts to introduce llamas and alpacas to Britain, the United States, and Australia, where they are used today for trekking, wool production, and even as therapy animals. Packed with llama drama and alpaca facts, this book will delight animal lovers, fans of natural history, and anyone who just can't resist these inimitable animals' off-the-charts cuteness factor
The great white bear : a natural and unnatural history of the polar bear by Presents an introduction to polar bears, describing the species' contradictions and resiliency and the factors that threaten its survival, from hunting to environmental losses.
In the Company of Wild Bears by Readers should understand that they don't have to encounter grizzly bears or black bears in order to reap rich rewards. Simply knowing that bears could be present is enough to awaken our senses and give us insights that have long since died-dried up with urban life. There is substantial value in realizing that the great outdoors is, indeed, wild. Grasping this concept enables us to live life as we once lived it-vibrantly attuned to every second. And now, come join us in walking in the company of wild bears ...
Wolf Nation: the life, death, and return of wild American wolves by "In the tradition of Peter Matthiessen's Wildlife in America or Aldo Leopold, Brenda Peterson tells the 300-year history of wild wolves in America. It is also our own history, seen through our relationship with wolves. The earliest Americans revered them. Settlers zealously exterminated them. Now, scientists, writers, and ordinary citizens are fighting to bring them back to the wild. Peterson, an eloquent voice in the battle for twenty years, makes the powerful case that without wolves, not only will our whole ecology unravel, but we'll lose much of our national soul"
Path of the puma : the remarkable resilience of the mountain lion by During a time when most wild animals are experiencing decline in the face of development and climate change, the intrepid mountain lion -- also known as a puma, a cougar, and by many other names - has experienced reinvigoration as well as expansion of territory. What makes this cat, the fourth carnivore in the food chain -- just ahead of humans - so resilient and resourceful? And what can conservationists and wild life managers learn from them about the web of biodiversity that is in desperate need of protection? Their story is fascinating for the lessons it can afford the protection of all species in times of dire challenge and decline.
Eager : the surprising, secret life of beavers and why they matter by "In Eager, environmental journalist Ben Goldfarb reveals that our modern idea of what a healthy landscape looks like and how it functions is wrong, distorted by the fur trade that once trapped out millions of beavers from North America's lakes and rivers. The consequences of losing beavers were profound: streams eroded, wetlands dried up, and species from salmon to swans lost vital habitat. Today, a growing coalition of 'Beaver Believers'--including scientists, ranchers, and passionate citizens--recognizes that ecosystems with beavers are far healthier, for humans and non-humans alike, than those without them. From the Nevada deserts to the Scottish highlands, Believers are now hard at work restoring these industrious rodents to their former haunts. Eager is a powerful story about one of the world's most influential species, how North America was colonized, how our landscapes have changed over the centuries, and how beavers can help us fight drought, flooding, wildfire, extinction, and the ravages of climate change. Ultimately, it's about how we can learn to coexist, harmoniously and even beneficially, with our fellow travelers on this planet"
Rodent societies : ecological & evolutionary perspective by Rodent Societies synthesizes and integrates the current state of knowledge about the social behavior of rodents, providing ecological and evolutionary contexts for understanding their societies and highlighting emerging conservation and management strategies to preserve them. It begins with a summary of the evolution, phylogeny, and biogeography of social and nonsocial rodents, providing a historical basis for comparative analyses.
In the Company of Moose by Wildlife biologist Victor Van Ballenberghe has studied wild moose in the field for 35 years. He gives insights into the species, their habitat and predators, and shares intimate stories about the moose he has studied for extensive periods. The beauty of these creatures, their strange grace and gentle nature, and their personalities are captured in lively text and dramatic full-color photos.--From publisher description.
Sex Sleep Eat Drink Dream by Follows a typical day in the life of the human body, from the early morning wakeup to the nighttime return to sleep, revealing the rhythmic cycles that control the body and demonstrating the importance of synchronizing one's actions to these biological rhythms.
The Well-Dressed Ape by Explores how the human animal--the eponymous well-dressed ape--fits into the natural world, even as we humans change that world in both constructive and destructive ways
Journey with the loon by Explore the wonders of the Common Loon with stunning visuals, complemented by narrative that reveals the hidden life of this entrancing species. Authored by two leading experts on loon biology, this spectacular coffee table book provides a portal into the loon's secret world, following their lives through the seasons. This book also includes a DVD, featuring remarkable footage on loon behavior.
Mind of the Raven by By award-winning naturalist.
Crow Planet by A scholarly tribute to crow life and mythology explains how increasing crow populations are reflecting various ecological imbalances while providing opportunities to connect with the animal world.
Vulture by Turkey vultures, the most widely distributed and abundant scavenging birds of prey on the planet, are found from central Canada to the southern tip of Argentina, and nearly everywhere in between. In the United States we sometimes call them buzzards; in parts of Mexico the name is aura cabecirroja, in Uruguay jote cabeza colorada, and in Ecuador gallinazo aura. A huge bird, the turkey vulture is a familiar sight from culture to culture, in both hemispheres. But despite being ubiquitous and recognizable, the turkey vulture has never had a book of literary nonfiction devoted to it--until Vulture. Floating on six-foot wings, turkey vultures use their keen senses of smell and sight to locate carrion. Unlike their cousin the black vulture, turkey vultures do not kill weak or dying animals; instead, they cleanse, purify, and renew the environment by clearing it of decaying carcasses, thus slowing the spread of such dangerous pathogens as anthrax, rabies, and botulism. The beauty, grace, and important role of these birds in the ecosystem notwithstanding, turkey vultures are maligned and underappreciated; they have been accused of spreading disease and killing livestock, neither of which has ever been substantiated. Although turkey vultures are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which makes harming them a federal offense, the birds still face persecution. They've been killed because of their looks, their odor, and their presence in proximity to humans. Even the federal government occasionally sanctions "roost dispersals," which involve the harassment and sometimes the murder of communally roosting vultures during the cold winter months. Vulture follows a year in the life of a typical North American turkey vulture. By incorporating information from scientific papers and articles, as well as interviews with world-renowned raptor and vulture experts, author Katie Fallon examines all aspects of the bird's natural history: breeding, incubating eggs, raising chicks, migrating, and roosting. After reading this book you will never look at a vulture in the same way again.
An eternity of eagles: the human history of the most fascinating bird in the world by "Author Stephen J. Bodio traces our love-hate relationship with these "living dinosaurs," from Neolithic rock art and Native American religion through the practices of Kazakh falconers who use them to hunt wolves, all the way to contemporary art and popular culture"
Owls by From tiny Elf and Pygmy Owls through the familiar Tawny and Barn Owls to the giant Eagle and Fish Owls, these fierce hunters of dawn, dusk and night have long held a fascination for people around the world. This informative book, covering all owl species found in the northern hemisphere, looks closely at how owls live their lives, and how best to recognize them. The first part of the book looks in detail at owl biology: how they live, how they breed, and how they feed. The second part includes species accounts for all 47 species of owls that occur in the northern hemisphere, with emphasis on those of Europe and North America. The book is richly illustrated with sensational, full-color photographs of these compelling birds
The bird : a natural history of who birds are, where they came from, and how they live by Explains the evolutionary origins and future prospects of the avian class, covering such topics as the first proto-bird-dinosaurs and the differences between birds and mammals, in a guide that also introduces bird taxonomic order.
The Genius of Birds by Birds are astonishingly intelligent creatures. In fact, according to revolutionary new research, some birds rival primates and even humans in their remarkable forms of intelligence. Like humans, many birds have enormous brains relative to their size. Although small, bird brains are packed with neurons that allow them to punch well above their weight. In The Genius of Birds, acclaimed author Jennifer Ackerman explores the newly discovered brilliance of birds and how it came about
The Life of Birds by A survey of birds around the world explores their nesting, hunting, mating, and parenting behavior, and describes the threat to their existence presented by man.