South America's wide range of habitats support a tremendous diversity of plants and animals, including more than 400 species of larger mammals – those the size of a guinea pig or bigger. Many are truly iconic: Jaguar, Puma, Ocelot and numerous other beautiful cats; the fantastic Maned Wolf; the incomparable Giant Anteater; and an incredible variety of extraordinary primates. This groundbreaking guide provides detailed coverage of these and many other wonderful mammals, including porcupines and peccaries; squirrels, sloths, skunks and seals; opossums, olingos and otters; armadillos, agoutis and Andean Bear; and viscachas and Vicuna – not to mention tapirs and river and estuarine dolphins.
The species accounts include a description of key features and information on subspecies, comparisons with similar species that overlap in range, details of the habitats in which the species occurs, a summary of its distribution in South America and information on its conservation status. Each species is illustrated with carefully selected photos, or artwork where suitable photos were not available.
- Covers more than 400 species
- Showcases over 500 stunning photos, many of rarely photographed species
- Features specially commissioned artwork for almost 100 species, including comparative plates of all marmosets and titi monkeys
- Includes up-to-date distribution maps
Richard Webb is a widely travelled and experienced mammal watcher, birder and wildlife tour guide who pioneered Jaguar and Puma watching tours for Wildwings in Brazil and Chile in the early 2000s. He has visited the Neotropics almost 40 times.
Jeff Blincow is a field ecologist and researcher with experience working with mammals, birds, fungi, amphibians and beetles. He has travelled widely, recording all wildlife groups, and has special interests in South America and the Arctic.