Walker's Mammals of the World

Walker's Mammals of the World

From aardwolves and bandicoots to yapoks and zorillas, Ernest P. Walker's Mammals of the World is the most comprehensive--the preeminent--reference work on mammals. Now, completely revised and updated, this fascinating guide is better than ever--covering more than 1,000 genera of mammals, including nearly one hundred that did nor appear in previous editions, and describing more than 4,000 different species. The newest Walker's Mammals offers, for the first time in a single publication, a complete account of world mammals in all of historical time--that is, since about 3,000 B.C. Another new feature is that species are arranged within each genus in the order of simple to more advanced life forms, so that species are shown in their closest relation to one another. No other work contains illustrations--more than 1,700--of virtually every genus of mammals. Included are pictures by such noted wildlife photographers as Leonard Lee Rue III, Bernhard Grzimek, David Pye, and Warren T. Houck. Many new photographs of rarely seen animals have been added and, as in previous editions, most photographic illustrations are of live animals rather than of skins or skeletons. Each section of the book describes one genus and includes facts such as scientific and common names, the number and distribution of species, measurements and physical traits, habitat, locomotion, daily and seasonal activity, population dynamics, home range, social life, reproduction, and longevity. Textual summaries present accurate, well-documented descriptions of the physical characteristics and living habits of mammals in every part of the world. Endangered species and those having singular economic importance are given particular attention, and the names and ranges of all the species within a given genus are listed at the beginning of each entry. Since its publication in 1964, Walker's Mammals of the World has become a favorite guide to the natural world for general readers and an invaluable resource for professionals. This fifth edition represents more than half a century of scholarship--Ernest P. Walker himself devoted more than thirty years to the original project--and remains true to Walker's vision, smoothly combining thorough scholarship with a popular, readable style to preserve and enhance what the Washington Post called "a landmark of zoological literature." "Professional naturalists will find [these volumes] invaluable as a handy reference, and amateurs -- at least those citizens alive to their earthly environment -- should delight in finding so much fascinating information made so available and palatable." -- Audubon. "What an amazing lot mammals are, seen here in all of their diversity!... Walker has made available a mine of information, for the specialist as well as for the casually interested... If you want to find out about a mammal, then, here is the place to look." -- New York Times "Every mammalogist must have [these books], and those who profess a broad interest in the fauna of the world will want them." -- Natural History "Speaking as a reader who is mildly addicted to 'standard works of reference', I must say that I find it a very welcome addition to my library, and suspect that it will become my regular first port of call when trying to answer any mammalogical question." -- Nicholas Gould, International Zoo News "An absolute treasure trove -- a `must' for the working naturalist as well as for any person who has curiosity about the world's mammals." -- Roger Tory Peterson. Ernest P. Walker (1891-1969) began work on Mammals of the World in the early 1930s, when he became assistant director of the National Zoo in Washington. His work reflected an unequaled store of knowledge about the world's mammals. Ronald M. Nowak was senior author of the fourth edition of Walker's Mammals of the World , published in 1983. His otherworks on mammalogy include North American Quaternary Canis (1979) and several parts of the National Geographic Society's Wild Animals of North America (1979, 1987), for which he also was editorial consultant. He received a Ph.D. in biology from the University of Kansas in 1973 and was staff mammalogist at the former Office of Endangered Species, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, from 1974 to 1987. He served as an Air Force officer for four years and is a private pilot.