The most up-to-date and comprehensive handbook to the region's mammals, illustrated with exceptional photography.
Madagascar is home to one of the most remarkable assemblages of mammals on earth. Millions of years of isolation has resulted in the evolution of a suite of species that are exceptional for two major reasons. Firstly, every native non-volant species (approximately 210 species) is endemic. No other island or place on earth boasts such a combination of species richness and endemism. And secondly, these mammals have evolved an extraordinary diversity of body forms and lifestyles often displaying significant convergence with forms elsewhere but also at times evolving utterly unique features.
Handbook of the Mammals of Madagascar describes all 217 native species, including bats, tenrecs, mice and lemurs, and a small number of introduced, non-native species. Species accounts are subdivided into sections covering description and identification, habitat and distribution (including distribution maps), behaviour and where to see. Over the past 15 years, major advances in research have been made into the island's mammal fauna and species accounts include all the latest information.
Supporting chapters cover the island's regions and habitats, threats to mammals, conservation and important mammal watching sites. There is also a section covering the bizarre extinct mammal fauna.
Throughout, the book is illustrated with exceptional, high-quality photography, often featuring species rarely photographed previously.
Rezensionen / Stimmen
Truly spectacular, an immense achievement. The photos are awesome and it's rare to see a guide book that is also so meticulous in providing available information on life history and biology. -- Dr PJ Stephenson A fascinating and beautifully illustrated book. A cherished resource. -- Dr David Krause
Sprache
Verlagsort
Verlagsgruppe
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Produkt-Hinweis
Fadenheftung
Gewebe-Einband
mit Schutzumschlag
Illustrationen
Full-colour photographs throughout
Maße
Höhe: 249 mm
Breite: 185 mm
Dicke: 35 mm
Gewicht
ISBN-13
978-1-4729-8593-4 (9781472985934)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Klassifikation
Nick Garbutt is a well known authority on Madagascar's wildlife. He has observed the majority of the island's mammals in the wild - a claim only a handful of others can make. He is an award-winning wildlife photographer and talented artists, and contributes articles and photos to many publications including National Geographic, Africa Geographic and BBC Wildlife.
Acknowledgements
Introduction
How to Use the Handbook
Biogeography
How Did Mammals Arrive in Madagascar?
Regions and Habitats of Madagascar
Lowland Rainforest and Littoral Forest
Mid-Elevation Montane Rainforest
High-Elevation Montane Rainforest
Sclerophyllous Forest and High Mountain Thicket
Seasonal Humid Forest (Sambirano)
Dry Deciduous Forest
Subarid Thorn Scrub or Spiny Forest
Mangroves
Grasslands and Palm Savannahs
THE MAMMALS OF MADAGASCAR
Overview
Taxonomy
The Species Conundrum
Classification of the Extant Mammals of Madagascar
Tenrecs, Order Afrosoricida
Family Tenrecidae
Subfamily Tenrecinae
Subfamily Geogalinae
Subfamily Oryzorictinae
Bats, Order Chiroptera
Suborder Pteropodiformes (Yinpterochiroptera)
Family Pteropodidae
Family Rhinonycteridae
Family Hipposideridae
Suborder Vespertilioniformes (Yangoterochiroptera)
Family Emballonuridae
Family Nycteridae
Family Myzopodidae
Family Molossidae
Family Miniopteridae
Family Vespertilionidae
Lemurs, Order Primates
Infraorder Lemuriformes
Family Cheirogaleidae
Family Lepilemuridae
Family Lemuridae
Family Indriidae
Infraorder Chiromyiformes
Family Daubentoniidae
Malagasy Carnivorans, Order Carnivora
Family Eupleridae
Subfamily Eupleriinae
Subfamily Galidiinae
Rodents, Order Rodentia
Family Nesomyidae
Subfamily Nesomyinae
Non-Native Mammals
Non-Native Rodents
Old World Rats and Mice
Non-Native Carnivorans
True Civets
Domestic Dogs
Feral Cats
Non-Native Insectivores
Shrews
Hoofed Mammals
Wild Pigs
Domestic Stock
Deer
Threats to Madagascar's Mammals
Habitat Loss and Fragmentation
Habitat Degradation
Mining Operations
Hunting and Bushment
The Illegal Pet Trade
Intrusion by Non-Native Species
Conservation and the Island's Protected Areas
Parks and Reserves
Important Mammal Watching Sites
Rainforest Areas
Deciduous Forest Areas
Spiny Forest Areas
The Extinct Mammal Fauna
Middle Jurassic Mammals
Late Cretaceous Mammals
Quaternary Mammals
Order Bibymalagasia
Order Afrosoricida
Order Chiroptera
Order Primates
Infraorder Lemuriformes
Order Carnivora
Order Artiodactyla
Order Rodentia
Classification of Extinct Subfossil Mammals
Glossary
Species Checklists
General Bibliography
Photo Credits
Index
