A Field Guide to the Carnivores of the World

About this book

Ranging from the largest terrestrial carnivore, the Polar Bear, to the tiny Least Weasel that can squeeze through a wedding ring, the true carnivores include some of the world's most charismatic, admired, feared and spectacular creatures.

This new edition of Luke Hunter's comprehensive guide profiles all of the world's terrestrial carnivore species. Thoroughly updated throughout and covering recently described species, a detailed account describes each species' key identification characteristics, distribution and habitat, behaviour, feeding ecology, social patterns, life history statistics, conservation and the latest on classification. The new edition also includes accurate distribution maps for each species.

Colour plates by top wildlife artist Priscilla Barrett depict each species, with subspecies, colour variations and behavioural vignettes for many. There are also detailed line drawings of more than 230 skulls and 110 footprints.

Contents

INTRODUCTION
Carnivore families 7
The conservation challenge 12
About Panthera 14
Structure of the species account 14

SPECIES ACCOUNTS
Felidae - Cats 16
Hyaenidae - Hyaenas 50
Herpestidae - Mongooses 54
Eupleridae - Fosa and Allies 72
Prionodontidae - Linsangs 76
Viverridae - Genets, Oyans and Civets 76
Nandiniidae - African Palm Civet 94
Canidae - Dogs 96
Ursidae - Bears 122
Procyonidae - Raccoons, Coatis and Allies 134
Ailuridae - Red Panda 140
Mephitidae - Skunks and Stink Badgers 142
Mustelidae - Weasels, Martens, Badgers and Otters 150

SKULLS 188
FOOTPRINTS 218

Glossary 234
Bibliography 236
Index 237
Acknowledgements 240

Customer Reviews

Biography

Luke Hunter has worked on the ecology and conservation of carnivores since 1992, and is currently President of the conservation charity Panthera. His doctorate and postdoctoral research involved work on big cat conservation. He has contributed to more than 100 scientific papers and articles; this is his sixth book.