Dieren in de natuur

Carnivores are among the most spectacular creatures in the natural world, and also the most feared. Carnivores of the World is the first comprehensive field guide to all 245 terrestrial species of true carnivores, from the majestic polar bear and predatory wild cats to the tiny least weasel. This user-friendly illustrated guide features 86 color plates by acclaimed wildlife artist Priscilla Barrett that depict every species and numerous subspecies, as well as about 400 line drawings of skulls and footprints. Detailed species accounts describe key identification features, distribution and habitat, feeding ecology, behavior, social patterns, reproduction and demography, status, threats, lifespan, and mortality. Carnivores of the World includes an introduction that provides a concise overview of taxonomy, conservation, and the distinct families within the order Carnivora. Covers all 245 terrestrial species of true carnivores Includes 86 color plates by acclaimed wildlife artist Priscilla Barrett Features detailed species accounts and hundreds of line drawings The first field guide of its kind Meer info

The idea that animals have feelings of any kind -let alone the ability to grieve- remains highly controversial. A combination of philosophical dogma and human arrogance had prevented any serious rational debate on the subject over the course of many centuries. Science provides some remarkable insights into animal behaviour, with crocodiles, for example, emerging as devoted parents, and elephants - like whales - able to communicate with each other across long distances by ultrasound. This title contends that emotions - including grief - can potentially have a survival value for a species. Meer info

When South African conservationist Lawrence Anthony was asked to accept a herd of "rogue" wild elephants on his Thula Thula game reserve in Zululand, his common sense told him to refuse. But he was the herd's last chance of survival: they would be killed if he wouldn't take them. In order to save their lives, Anthony took them in. In the years that followed he became a part of their family. And as he battled to create a bond with the elephants, he came to realize that they had a great deal to teach him about life, loyalty, and freedom. The Elephant Whisperer is a heartwarming, exciting, funny, and sometimes sad account of Anthony's experiences with these huge yet sympathetic creatures. Set against the background of life on an African game reserve, with unforgettable characters and exotic wildlife, it is a delightful book that will appeal to animal lovers and adventurous souls everywhere. Meer info

China's stunning diversity of natural habitats--from parched deserts to lush tropical forests--is home to more than 10 percent of the world's mammal species. A Guide to the Mammals of China is the most comprehensive guide to all 556 species of mammals found in China. It is the only single-volume reference of its kind to fully describe the physical characteristics, geographic distribution, natural history, and conservation status of every species. An up-to-date distribution map accompanies each species account, and color plates illustrate a majority of species. Written by a team of leading specialists, including Professor Wang Sung who provides a history of Chinese mammalogy, A Guide to the Mammals of China is the ideal reference for researchers and a delight for anyone interested in China's rich mammal fauna. The definitive, comprehensive, up-to-date guide to all of China's 556 mammal species High-quality color plates accompany the detailed text Each species account comes with a distribution map Organized taxonomically for easy reference Includes an extensive bibliography Meer info

When does a butterfly nap? How do fish sleep without drowning? Why do birds dream? This book tells about the various ways tht living organisms (mammals, insects, reptiles, birds and fish) take their rest on a daily and seasonal basis. It used the latest research, tells the story, in understandable language, of how, and why, animals sleep, rest and dream. Meer info

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

From the Palaeolithic age to the present, mammals have been a source of fascination and inspiration for artists. Mammals are portrayed in cave paintings many thousands of years old, in austere Renaissance woodcuts, in copper engravings from the eighteenth century and exquisitely coloured lithographs from the nineteenth century. Reproduced here is a selection of coloured prints taken mostly from priceless, rare books not widely available. This beautiful volume shows the variety with which artists portrayed mammals in the days before photography. It will surprise and delight lovers of wildlife and animal art alike. Meer info

Beginnings of Life is biology with a difference. Combining a lively text with a wealth of superb photographs and illustrations. Chris Catoon and James Gray present the whole miraculous story of how generation follows generation in the animal world: how the tiny eggs clustered beneath a nettle leaf turn into shimmering butterflies; how a young chimpanzee learns his manners; why the peacock spreads his fan; and why giraffes and wildebeest mus run with the herd within hours of being born. Contents; -Why do animals reproduce -Why have two sexes? -Finding a mate -Courtship -Sex roles in nature -Doing without sex -From castaways to carrycots -Family life -Instinct and learning Meer info

The grizzly bear, or grizzly, is a symbol of the land the way it used to be. These enormous creatures once roamed over North America from Mexico to the Arctic Ocean and from the Pacific to the Great Plains, yet today they are found in only about two percent of their original domain, where, along with the wolf, they arouse heated and passionate debate. Grizzly Bears is an engaging introduction to these controversial creatures, which have long featured in human life, from early cave paintings to the naming of constellations. The book describes their lifestyle, from the mysteries of hibernation to the threats to their survival. Filled with the author's personal anecdotes and first-hand experiences, and illustrated with superb colour photographs, it brings you face-to-face with these awe-inspiring creatures. Meer info