California Lizards and How to Find Them
The author of California Snakes and How to Find Them invites budding reptile enthusiasts into a wonderland of lizards.Lizards: they are cute, endearing, and mind-bogglingly diverse, and yet they are so easy to overlook among California's natural abundance. Start watching them, though, and a wonderland of lizard life appears. In California Lizards and How to Find Them, lizard lover Emily Taylor profiles over 60 native and introduced species, from California's iconic Western Fence Lizard to the adorable Desert Iguana to the chonky Ringed Wall Gecko. With her expert knowledge and joyous, laugh-out-loud writing, Taylor provides tips for finding, watching, and responsibly catching lizards. She offers absorbing insights on lizard evolution, and she explains the toll of invasive lizard species on California's ecosystems. Featuring more than 100 full-color photographs, and designed for easy use in everyday life, this is the ideal guide for budding reptile enthusiasts and longtime naturalists alike.
Five Friends Discuss Global Warming
Kingdom of Play
This "delightful...compelling" (Scientific American) and revelatory look at the science behind why animals play "will fill you with joy and wonder" (Sy Montgomery, author of The Soul of an Octopus). Acclaimed science writer David Toomey takes us on a fast-paced and entertaining tour of playful animals and the scientists who study them. From octopuses on Australia's Great Barrier Reef to meerkats in the Kalahari Desert to brown bears on Alaska's Aleutian Islands, we follow adventurous researchers as they design and conduct experiments seeking answers to new, intriguing questions: When did play first appear in animals? How does play develop the brain, and how did it evolve? Are the songs and aerial acrobatics of birds the beginning of avian culture? Is fairness in dog play the foundation of canine ethics? And does play direct and possibly accelerate evolution? Monkeys belly flop, dolphins tail-walk, elephants mud-slide, crows dive-bomb, and octopuses bounce balls. These activities are various, but all are play, and as Toomey explains, animal play can be defined as a distinct behavior that is ongoing and open-ended, purposeless and provisional--rather like natural selection. Through a close examination of both natural selection and play, Toomey argues that life itself is fundamentally playful. A "lively, informative, and scientifically entertaining animal behavior study" (Kirkus Reviews) Kingdom of Play is an illuminating--and yes, playful--look at a little-known aspect of the animal kingdom.
Butterflies and Moths of Costa Rica
Butterflies and Moths of Costa Rica is an in-depth field guide to the majority of species that nature enthusiasts and tourists are eager to see in the region. Richly illustrated accounts include photographs of larvae, pupae, and, when relevant, both male and female individuals. The field guide includes: -A practical primer on the biology of butterflies and moths -A comprehensive introduction describing the geography, climates, and habitats of Costa Rica -Detailed accounts of 170 species with fascinating natural history information -Range maps to aid readers in finding species -A list of host plants to further assist in identification Written in easy-to-understand language, this portable field guide is packed with stunning images and is essential reading for tourists, nature enthusiasts, and biologists alike.
Four Thousand Paws
Few sporting events attract as much attention, or create as much spectacle, as the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Each March, despite subzero temperatures and white-out winds, hundreds of dogs and dozens of mushers journey to Anchorage, Alaska, to participate in "The Last Great Race on Earth," a grueling, thousand-mile race across the Alaskan wilderness. While many veterinarians apply, only a small number are approved to examine the elite canine athletes who, using solely their muscle and an innate drive to race, carry handlers between frozen outposts each year, risking injury, illness, and fatigue along the way. In Four Thousand Paws, award-winning veterinarian Lee Morgan--a member of the Iditarod's expert veterinary corps--tells the story of these heroic dogs, following the teams as they traverse deep spruce forests, climb steep mountain slopes, and navigate over ice-bound rivers toward Nome, on the coast of the Bering Sea, where the famed Burled Arch awaits. From the huskies of Iditarods past to the intrepid dogs of today, Morgan shows how these fierce competitors surmount the dangers of the Arctic, aided, along the way, by attentive mushers and volunteer veterinarians. A world away from his Georgetown veterinary clinic, Morgan examines dogs at each checkpoint, and sees how their body language reflects the thrill of the race--and how, when pulled from it, they often refuse to eat. As in any team sport, distinct personalities among the sled dogs create complex group dynamics, and Morgan captures moments of intense rivalry, defeat, camaraderie, and, ultimately, triumph. In the tradition of Why Elephants Weep, Four Thousand Paws is an intimate look inside the animal mind, and an exciting new account of a storied race.
Birds of Costa Rica
The definitive photographic guide to the astounding avifauna of Costa Rica. Birdwatching in Costa Rica is one of the world's great nature experiences, with 850 species on its national list. A place of transition between South and Central American avifaunas, spectacular birds such as toucans, hummingbirds, trogons, macaws and tanagers are abundant throughout its extensive montane forests, with further riches to be found in the coastal lowlands and wetlands. The perfect companion for any wildlife-friendly visitor, Birds of Costa Rica provides photographic coverage of 350 species regularly seen in this small yet habitat-rich country. Concise text for each species includes information on identification, songs and calls, behaviour, distribution and habitat, with each photograph carefully selected to aid identification. A guide to the best birdwatching sites of Costa Rica is also included. Portable yet authoritative, this is the perfect guide for any visitor to this incredible part of Central America.
Voices of the Herd
Did you know that cows have best friends? That after giving birth, cows and their calves form powerful, lasting bonds? Voices of the Herd takes you inside animal sanctuaries, where cows are cherished as unique beings with deep emotions. This stunning coffee-table book features breathtaking photography and moving rescue stories that reveal the hidden lives of cows, as told by the people who know them best. Explore the world of these remarkable animals through intimate portraits and touching narratives. Voices of the Herd not only showcases the beauty and individuality of cows but also challenges how we view them--not as livestock, but as sentient beings with rich inner lives. With over a decade of experience photographing farmed animals, Mark Peters offers an unparalleled window into their lives, capturing their personalities, their bonds, and their resilience. Accompanying the photographs are stories of select animals by sanctuary staff, turning the book into an emotional journey. Voices of the Herd is more than a visual experience--it's a call to compassion. With every turn of the page, you'll witness the intelligence, curiosity, and affection of these gentle giants. An included essay by an animal welfare scientist further deepens your understanding of cow emotions, teaching you how to recognize their feelings through body language. Whether you're a longtime animal advocate or simply curious, Voices of the Herd will inspire you to see cows in a new light. Purchase your copy today and join a movement of empathy, one photograph and story at a time. Contributors to Voices of the Herd include Anne Shroeder, Erin Amerman, Dr. Helen Lambert, Indra Lahiri, John Netzel, Jonina Turzi and Sarah Salluzzo, Kelly Nix, Michele Waldman, Terry Cummings, and William and Ellen Crain.
Preacher Ain't Done 'Til the Snakes Are Back in the Box
The book is about the Pentecostal churches in the southeastern United States that use venomous snakes during worship to affirm their faith to themselves and to other church members. In addition to the book's overall description of the phenomenon, two pastors have also participated by sharing their faith. Of course, the book is also about the snakes they use, snakes always play the main role in my books. How are the snakes affected by being taken from the wild and handled during church services?
Incredible Bear Attacks
A new book edited by Lamar Underwood about the most incredible bear attacks ever, including attacks by Grizzlies, black bears, brown bears, Kodiac bears, and others. Bears are not to be trifled with: don't ever feed them, shout at them, or try to play with them. This book includes the scariest stories of bear attacks available.
Birdwatching Guide
Get inspired by nature on your birdwatching journey Start your birdwatching journey in the safe hands of a lifelong birder. Through a series of chapters, you will build from an absolute beginner, exploring your own backyard, soaking up useful tips and insights gained from years of birdwatching. Whether you are in a city or deep in the country, birds are guaranteed and provide an easy doorway into nature. Learn where, when, and how to look and what to look out for. Find out what equipment to buy and how to use it. Discover the different characters and characteristics of birds--from the shy bittern to the bold robin and gymnastic red kite. As you build skills and experience, the book will help you expand horizons from walks with binoculars around your "local patch" to visiting remote wildlife reserves and other nature hot spots, with their contrasting birdlife and different demands, from dense woodland to expansive estuaries teeming with flocks of waders.
Exploring Topics in Non/Human Coexistence
This book highlights significant contributions to animal studies and animal rights activism regarding the total liberation of all life on Earth for more peaceful non/human coexistence. Contributors push the concept of coexistence to include not merely existing but for all to thrive in a multispecies world. Exploring Topics in Non/Human Coexistence serves as a unifying platform for individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a common goal of achieving total liberation and fostering coexistence between humans and nonhumans beyond the confines of our shared planet. The chapters delve into a wide range of subjects, including critical analyses of human/nonhuman interactions, strategies for enhancing liberation efforts, and the significance of drawing inspiration from nonhuman entities. Several chapters within this book push the field toward innovative paths by proposing solutions to detrimental practices and organizational frameworks. Moreover, they underscore the interconnectedness of animal advocacy with other social justice movements, thereby fostering collaboration among advocates of various liberation causes. Veganism, in its broadest sense, emerges as a recurring motif that weaves together the diverse themes explored in this book, facilitating a cohesive approach toward anti-oppressive endeavors. To amplify the voices of marginalized communities, the editors have strategically positioned chapters authored by individuals of color and other underrepresented groups at the forefront of this book, granting them prominent roles in sections such as the foreword, preface, and afterword. This arrangement challenges content creators to redefine their understanding of "meaningful" content creation, urging them to prioritize original insights, emotionally resonant narratives, and incisive critiques over recycled ideas that may saturate discourse and stifle diverse perspectives. Readers are encouraged to actively engage in alleviating nonhuman suffering while respecting the autonomy of nonhuman entities to flourish, equipping themselves with the skills necessary to discern between the two. This call to action underscores the imperative of fostering empathy and understanding in our interactions with the nonhuman world, paving the way for a more compassionate and inclusive future.
The Bears of Grand Teton
The Bears of Grand Teton is the first comprehensive history of bears, black and grizzly, and their interactions with people in Grand Teton National Park and the surrounding area of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It is also a personal account by Sue Consolo-Murphy, who spent thirty years as a wildlife manager for the National Park Service. Consolo-Murphy focuses on the natural, cultural, and administrative histories of bears in and around Grand Teton National Park and the nearby John D. Rockefeller Jr. Memorial Parkway, paying particular attention to bears' interactions with livestock. Entertaining and educational, The Bears of Grand Teton also explores the phenomenon of social media celebrity bears--such as Grizzly 399, the world's most famous bear--and the challenges of listing and removing grizzly bears from Endangered Species Act protection.
Butterflies of the World
A lavishly illustrated guide to the diversity of the world's butterflies Conspicuous for their beauty, butterflies are one of the most popular and well-studied insects. This book explores the astonishing variety of butterfly species around the world and examines their central role in maintaining a range of delicate ecosystems. Their sensitivity to changes in the environment across their life stages makes them effective indicators for monitoring the health of habitats and populations. The use of a variety of strategies has ensured their survival, such as the ability to shift host plants at different life stages and the colorful wing patterns they use for mimicry, camouflage, and predator deterrence. In this expert guide, the introductory section covers topics ranging from anatomy and evolution to life stages and conservation. A directory of profiles follows, highlighting the remarkable appearance, characteristics, and ecology of notable species. Blending the latest science with breathtaking illustrations, Butterflies of the World is the premier guide to these exquisite creatures.More than 200 stunning color photosEach profile features current taxonomy, a commentary, distribution map, and table of informationIncludes examples from every butterfly family and subfamily
The Lives of Snakes
A richly illustrated introduction to the marvelous world of snakes Descended from prehistoric lizards, snakes have been slithering across the earth for more than a hundred million years. There are some 4,100 species known to exist, and many are venomous, but many more are not. Snakes experience the world in unique ways, smelling the air with their tongues and relying on signs of movement for orientation. They are ectothermic, needing external heat for energy, and must shed their skin to grow. This guide offers a unique look at the lives of snakes, exploring their life cycles, diets, defenses, locomotive strategies, and more. Written by an internationally recognized herpetologist and informed by the latest science, The Lives of Snakes blends captivating photos with engaging, fact-filled profiles of selected species to provide an invaluable introduction to these splendid reptiles.Combines beautiful illustrations, clear graphics, and lively text to inform and entertainFeatures dozens of representative species profilesCovers topics ranging from evolution and diversity to habitats and reproductionExamines how snakes coexist with humansDiscusses threats to the world's snake populations and their conservationA must for snake lovers everywhere
Shark
A marvelously illustrated look at the life of the shark No two species of shark have the same life history, yet these magnificent creatures share many things in common. This one-of-a-kind narrative biography brings together a wide array of species from habitats around the globe, examining the biology, ecology, and behavior of sharks as well as their cultural role in human history. Written by two experienced shark educators, scientists, and conservationists, Shark: The Illustrated Biography blends engaging profiles of selected species with captivating illustrations to offer an unparalleled exploration of the life and times of the shark.Features a beautiful and informative array of watercolorsTells the biographical story of the shark using the life histories of representative species, from birth and early family life to adolescence and the adult yearsDiscusses sharks of all kinds, such as Shortfin Makos, Sandbar Sharks, Spiny Dogfish, Great Whites, Tiger Sharks, Basking Sharks, Angel Sharks, and Great HammerheadsCovers evolutionary history, distinguishing features, habitats, reproduction, and migrationExamines the role of sharks in art, music, literature, spirituality, and mythologyAn essential, must-have reference for shark lovers everywhere
Echoes of Our Origins
The amazing chronicle of a primate scientist's fifty-year journey studying baboons--and what her findings can tell us about primates, resilience, and human coexistence.In 1972, renowned anthropologist Shirley C. Strum traveled to Kenya to study the origins of human aggression through observing baboons. What Dr. Strum discovered completely defied her expectations, scientific notions about baboons, and even well-established assumptions about primate behavior writ large. In Echoes of Our Origins, Strum takes readers on an extraordinary fifty-year journey alongside baboons, creatures that transformed not just her scientific understanding, but also her perspective on life, people, nature, and evolution. Strum's groundbreaking research began when she embarked on fieldwork in Kenya. Observing the lives of these social creatures, Strum uncovered their unexpectedly complex strategies of negotiation, collaboration, and resilience in the face of adversity. From exploring the evolution of social bonds and trust in baboon society--a common idea today but not then--to confronting the consequences of human-wildlife conflict, Strum illustrates what it means to coexist with the natural world and question our role within it. With insights drawn from half a century of living among and studying baboons, Strum reflects on the delicate balance of nature and humanity, how science itself must evolve to see beyond its rigid frameworks, and how to think about evolution. This profound narrative challenges readers to look anew at not only baboons but also the very methods by which we understand the animal kingdom--and ourselves. Equal parts natural history, adventure story, memoir, and call to action, Echoes of Our Origins will engage, enlighten, and contribute to the vital conversation about our natural world and how to ensure its survival.
Animal Rights
A fresh view of animals and what we owe them. Do animals have moral standing? Do they count, morally speaking? In Animal Rights, Mark Rowlands argues that they do and explores the implications of this idea. He identifies three different waves in animal rights writing. The first wave was defined by a traditional dispute between utilitarianism (represented by Peter Singer) and rights-based approaches (represented by Tom Regan) to ethics. The second wave was defined by an expansion in a conception of ethics, which saw utilitarian and rights-based approaches supplemented by other ethical traditions, including contractualism, virtue ethics, and care ethics. The third wave was defined by an expansion in our conception of animals, driven by exciting new developments in the field of comparative psychology. Each of these waves had ramifications for how we understand the moral status of animals, but, this book argues, and reinforces, the core idea that animals deserve moral respect. In earlier waves, discussions of animal ethics had been focused on the issue of animal suffering. But the third wave is defined by the idea that animals are far more than merely sufferers or enjoyers of experiences but are instead authors of their own lives: creatures capable of choosing how to live, shaped by a conception of their life and how they would like it to go. Rowlands writes that, no matter what moral theory you choose, the most plausible version of that theory entails that animals have moral standing and that our obligations to them are far more substantial than many of us care to acknowledge.
Wild Track
PROSE AWARDS ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE FINALIST 2024Wild Trackis an exploration of birdsong and the ways in which that sound was conveyed, described and responded to through text, prior to the advent of recording and broadcast technologies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Street links sound aesthetics, radio, natural history, and literature to explore how the brain and imagination translate sonic codes as well as the nature of the silent sound we "hear" when we read a text. This creates an awareness of sound through the tuned attention of the senses, learning from sound texts of the natural world that sought - and seek - to convey the intensity of the sonic moment and fleeting experience. To absorb these lessons is to enable a more highly interactive relationship with sound and listening, and to interpret the subtleties of audio as a means of expression and translation of the living world.
Fossils
With stunning images and an expert guide, explore the world of fossils to uncover the story of life on Earth, from the origins of new life to mass extinctions. Ancient Earth seems like an alien world. But the fossil record can help reveal the mysteries of the organisms that have lived on our planet since its formation some 4,600 million years ago. In this engaging and beautifully illustrated book, world-renowned paleontologist Paul D. Taylor provides a comprehensive guide to all aspects of fossils to tell the story of life on Earth. Taylor begins with the basics: how fossils form, how they mark geological time, and what they tell us about the origins of life and major evolutionary events like the Cambrian Explosion. He then shows the oldest fossils--single-celled bacteria in amazing, three-billion-year-old microbial rock structures--before introducing the first animals in the fossil record. From fishes to amphibians, reptiles, and mammals, we meet these animal fossils in an appropriate evolutionary parade. Next, we imagine plants long past, charting the evolution of this kingdom and learning how ephemeral botanical remains can become permanent records. While comprehensive in his coverage of fossil groups and ages, Taylor pays particular attention to specimens fossil hunters are most likely to encounter, like crinoids and the iconic ammonites. Throughout, he introduces us to fascinating fossil folklore--like the idea that ammonites are the petrified remains of coiled snakes--and helps us distinguish true fossils from fakes. With stunning color images of many original specimens from the collections of London's Natural History Museum, Fossils is an essential introduction, connecting life on Earth today to the ancient past.
Zoological Illustrations, Second Series, Volume 2; Or, Original Figures and Descriptions of New, Rare, or Interesting Animals
Zoological Illustrations, Second Series, Volume 2; Or, Original Figures and Descriptions of New, Rare, or Interesting Animals" is a classic book, that has held significant value throughout history, and to ensure its timeless wisdom is never lost, Alpha Editions has carefully preserved it by republishing it in a modern, accessible format for both present and future generations. Thoughtfully reformatted, retyped, and newly designed, this edition offers a clear and readable text-free from scanned copies of the original work. Alpha Editions is dedicated to breathing new life into antique and classic books, making these literary treasures available once again for readers who cherish history, culture, and timeless knowledge.
Zoological Illustrations, Second Series, Volume 3; Or, Original Figures and Descriptions of New, Rare, or Interesting Animals
Zoological Illustrations, Second Series, Volume 3; Or, Original Figures and Descriptions of New, Rare, or Interesting Animals" is a classic book, that has held significant value throughout history, and to ensure its timeless wisdom is never lost, Alpha Editions has carefully preserved it by republishing it in a modern, accessible format for both present and future generations. Thoughtfully reformatted, retyped, and newly designed, this edition offers a clear and readable text-free from scanned copies of the original work. Alpha Editions is dedicated to breathing new life into antique and classic books, making these literary treasures available once again for readers who cherish history, culture, and timeless knowledge.
Pussy and Her Language
Pussy and Her Language" is a classic book, that has held significant value throughout history, and to ensure its timeless wisdom is never lost, Alpha Editions has carefully preserved it by republishing it in a modern, accessible format for both present and future generations. Thoughtfully reformatted, retyped, and newly designed, this edition offers a clear and readable text-free from scanned copies of the original work. Alpha Editions is dedicated to breathing new life into antique and classic books, making these literary treasures available once again for readers who cherish history, culture, and timeless knowledge.
Wake-Robin
Wake-Robin" is a classic book, that has held significant value throughout history, and to ensure its timeless wisdom is never lost, Alpha Editions has carefully preserved it by republishing it in a modern, accessible format for both present and future generations. Thoughtfully reformatted, retyped, and newly designed, this edition offers a clear and readable text-free from scanned copies of the original work. Alpha Editions is dedicated to breathing new life into antique and classic books, making these literary treasures available once again for readers who cherish history, culture, and timeless knowledge.
Zoological Illustrations, Second Series, Volume 1; Or, Original Figures and Descriptions of New, Rare, or Interesting Animals
Zoological Illustrations, Second Series, Volume 1; Or, Original Figures and Descriptions of New, Rare, or Interesting Animals" is a classic book, that has held significant value throughout history, and to ensure its timeless wisdom is never lost, Alpha Editions has carefully preserved it by republishing it in a modern, accessible format for both present and future generations. Thoughtfully reformatted, retyped, and newly designed, this edition offers a clear and readable text-free from scanned copies of the original work. Alpha Editions is dedicated to breathing new life into antique and classic books, making these literary treasures available once again for readers who cherish history, culture, and timeless knowledge.
The zoological gardens of Europe, their history and chief features
The zoological gardens of Europe, their history and chief features" is a classic book, that has held significant value throughout history, and to ensure its timeless wisdom is never lost, Alpha Editions has carefully preserved it by republishing it in a modern, accessible format for both present and future generations. Thoughtfully reformatted, retyped, and newly designed, this edition offers a clear and readable text-free from scanned copies of the original work. Alpha Editions is dedicated to breathing new life into antique and classic books, making these literary treasures available once again for readers who cherish history, culture, and timeless knowledge.
An Account of the Insects Noxious to Agriculture and Plants in New Zealand The Scale Insects (Coccididae)
An Account of the Insects Noxious to Agriculture and Plants in New Zealand The Scale Insects (Coccididae)" is a classic book, that has held significant value throughout history, and to ensure its timeless wisdom is never lost, Alpha Editions has carefully preserved it by republishing it in a modern, accessible format for both present and future generations. Thoughtfully reformatted, retyped, and newly designed, this edition offers a clear and readable text-free from scanned copies of the original work. Alpha Editions is dedicated to breathing new life into antique and classic books, making these literary treasures available once again for readers who cherish history, culture, and timeless knowledge.
The Cambridge Natural History, Vol. 01
The Cambridge Natural History, Vol. 01" is a classic book, that has held significant value throughout history, and to ensure its timeless wisdom is never lost, Alpha Editions has carefully preserved it by republishing it in a modern, accessible format for both present and future generations. Thoughtfully reformatted, retyped, and newly designed, this edition offers a clear and readable text-free from scanned copies of the original work. Alpha Editions is dedicated to breathing new life into antique and classic books, making these literary treasures available once again for readers who cherish history, culture, and timeless knowledge.