Dieren in de natuur

There are over four and a half thousand different kinds of mammals alive today. How many can you name? Many will not be entirely clear about what it is that makes a mammal rather than a reptile or bird, apart from egg laying. But then what about egg-laying mammals such as the platypus and echidna? The Life of Mammals describes and illustrates the remarkable diversity of mammals from the giant blue whale to the miniscule pigmy shrew. The cachet of David Attenborough's name and distinctive voice comes through clearly from the text and there's a stunning selection of photographs, by the best wildlife photographers in the world. The Life of Mammals is worth getting even if you just like wildlife pictures, for there are many here that you will not have seen before--the Brazilian tapir, the hairy rhino of Sumatra, the Pyrenean desman and more. Attenborough certainly has the knack of making good stories for the general reader out of what, in other hands, can be rather dry science. He manages to weave in a great deal about the evolutionary story behind the success of the mammals over the last 65 million years since the dinosaurs bit the dust. Also, because of all the careful research behind the TV programmes, he is pretty well up to speed on many of the scientific developments in our understanding of our biologically nearest if not necessarily dearest relatives. This is especially true when the story gets around to our closest primate cousins--the apes. All the recent discoveries about tool use and culture are included. The Life of Mammals will make a perfect gift for anyone from the age of about 10 upwards and hopefully a whole new generation will know what a kinkajou, cacomistle or a uakiri are. The only quibble is there's no further-reading list to fuel new enthusiasms lit up by this excellent book. Synopsis David Attenborough recounts the story of 4000 species that have outlived the dinosaurs and conquered the farthest places on Earth: the mouse-sized Pioneers who lived alongside the dinosaurs; the Insect Eaters; the tool-using Root Raiders and Seed Stealers; and the Leaf Eaters. Meer info

A remarkeble collection of photographs provide a rare inside into the fascinating world of meerkats. Photographer Nigel Dennis spent two years in the Kalahari Gemsbok National Park, during which time he was afforded opportunities for photography which few others have enjoyed. The photographs provide insight into the private lives, behaviour and habits of these curious creatures, and capture them in many moods and in a wide variety of daily activities. It is accompanied by an informative and extremely readable text which documents the life of these animals in their desert habitat, examining their behaviour, social make-up and adaptation to an often hostile environment. Meerkats display almost human qualities, which make them the favourites of many wildlife watchers. This guide will stimulate and satisfy readers, allowing them to share in the world of one of Africa's most endearing animals. Meer info

The majestic mountains and sweeping valleys of western North America have long inspired writers, painters, and photographers. But the pristine wetlands - marshes, deltas, and tideland - historically have been considered wastelands standing in the way of progress. As such they were drained, filled, and dammed to make room for development. Tracks in the Sky is the long-awaited testament to the beauty and importance of the wetlands of the West. Photographer Tupper Ansel Blake and naturalist-writer Peter Steinhart present in provocative text and glorious full-color photography the spectacular panorama of the Pacific flyway. They examine the entire life system, but it is the almost overwhelming presence of the brilliantly plumed waterfowl that dominate this breathtaking book. Tuper Blake has traveled from the Arctic tundra to the briny marshes of Central America following these great migratory flocks. He has caught them in all their graceful, elusive grandeur. Meer info

Dit boek over de Koraaldriehoek is een must, even fraai als informatief leesvoer voor iedereen die de natuur een warm hart toedraagt.

Meer info