Collins Field Guide: Sharks of the World describes the world's 440 species of shark. Shark families are grouped together and for each individual species there is detailed identification information, colour illustration, and a distribution map showing where in the world that species can be found. The expert text covers all aspects, from their behaviour, breeding, feeding and ecology, right through to the impact of humans on sharks throughout the world.
Sarah Fowler works in marine ecology, biodiversity, conservation and management, with a particular focus on sharks. Appointed to the IUCN Species Survival Commission's Shark Specialist Group on its establishment in 1991 and now co-chair, Sarah also co-founded the UK Shark Trust and the European Elasmobranch Association and is an American Elasmobranch Society's Conservation Committee member.
"This exceptionally well-produced book, written by the leading authorities on shark systematics and conservation, is the only stand-alone field guide that covers all known shark species of the world. It is therefore an invaluable reference for shark scientists and enthusiasts alike. Nowhere are the identification, distribution, and conservation status of sharks more clearly presented."
– Professor Dr. Marcelo R. de Carvalho, researcher of shark and ray evolution, Universidad de Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
"The first field guide to cover all species of sharks, Sharks of the World is a welcome addition to the field bags of both professional and amateur naturalists. Filling a role heretofore satisfied only by owning a series of regional field guides, this volume offers one stop shopping for worldwide shark aficionados. Sharks of the World is a must-buy for anyone interested in identifying sharks."
– George H. Burgess, Florida Program for Shark Research, Florida Museum of Natural History