Wildlife Activist - Nº64, Summer 2009
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Wildlife Activist, No. 64, Summer 2009, p.26
Handbook of the Mammals of the World: Volume 1, Carnivores, ed. by Don E. Wilson and Russell A. Mittermeier. 2009. Cloth. 727 pages. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, Spain. $205.
For anyone. familiar with the magnificent Handbook of the Birds of the World (HBW), it will come as no surprise that the new series, Handbook of the Mammals of the World (HMW), is outstanding. With eight volumes planned to cover the more than 5,000 known mammal species, the first one released in the series is the Carnivores, a great choice because of the many charismatic species. Another great choice is evident when you open the book and see Robert Bateman’s painting of a Snow Leopard as the frontispiece. This volume begins with an overview of mammal anatomy, physiology, behavior, diversity, and evolution. For each taxonomic family, there is a family account, richly illustrated with absolutely stunning color photos of the members. These photos could stand alone as a wonderful book. The family text is followed by the species accounts. The accounts are accompanied by excellent color plates with illustrations of each species. The account begins with a range map followed by text, including sections on taxonomy, distribution, description, habitat, food and feeding, activity patterns, movements, social organization, breeding, status and conservation, and a bibliography for the species. A 57-page list of references (alphabetical by author) is an indispensable resource for students and researchers, and a detail index finishes the volume.
When the series is finished, this will stand as an equal to HBW in its importance, artistry, and scientific value. As with HBW, Handbook of the Mammals of the World is certain to increase in value over time. It may be hard to imagine a $205 book to be a bargain, but this one is. Part coffee table book, part art book, and a hefty scientific text, this series will be sought by libraries, academics, and natural history enthusiasts. It is an amazing achievement that will hopefully fulfill editor Mittermeier’s dream of calling attention to the world’s diversity of mammals and promote their conservation. DRK