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Bats have long been the focus of fascination, and sometimes fear: they move faultlessly through the darkness and spend the day hanging upside down in gloomy caverns and cracks – most at home where humans are least comfortable. Bats also represent a hugely important, numerous and varied group, accounting for 20% of all mammal species worldwide. Covering their biodiversity, ecology and natural history, A Miscellany of Bats offers a hoard of insights into the lives of these creatures.
For over a quarter of a century Brock Fenton and the late Jens Rydell collaborated on projects involving bats. Here they bring together a collection of stories and anecdotes about bat research, brought to life by stunning photographs of these animals in action. Key topics include flight and echolocation, diet and roosting habits, and the complex social lives of bats. Jens and Brock also address issues of conservation and the interactions between bats and people, ranging from matters of disease to bats' role as symbols, and our fixation with vampire bats. They explore how echolocation and flight shape batkind, from their appearance to where they go and why. Overall, this book is an entertaining and personal vision of bats' central place in the universe.
Brock Fenton is an Emeritus Professor of Biology at the University of Western Ontario. He is Deputy Executive Editor-in-Chief of Canadian Science Publishing. Over his long career, he has published widely on bats, from detailed research papers to books intended for the general reader.
Jens Rydell was a Swedish scientist and noted bat photographer, writing more than a hundred scientific papers on bats and insects. Renowned as a great teacher and conservation advocate, he was awarded the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences conservation prize in 2017.
"Two of the world's leading bat scientists, photographers and communicators illustrate the wonder of bats with clarity and beauty, drawing on a wealth of personal experiences over many decades and on recent research from across the world."
– Prof. Gareth Jones, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol
"Fenton and Rydell, the 'power couple' of bat photography and ecology have created an up-to-date review of bat behavior and physiology with superb imagery."
– Prof. Yossi Yovel, Department of Zoology, Tel Aviv University
"Filled with fascinating and interesting facts about the world of bats, as the authors discuss many aspects of bat-related research, based on their own experiences acquired over many years, as well as research carried out by others around the planet."
– Neil Middleton, author of Social Calls of the Bats of Britain and Ireland, The Effective Ecologist, and Is That A Bat?
"A delightful read. The casual, first-person narrative invites the reader to experience learning about bats in a way that reflects the joy and enthusiasm of the venerable authors. The book is a testament to the fascinating lives of bats and to life-long friendships among bat biologist colleagues."
– Dr. Winifred F. Frick, Bat Conservation International
"This book is a visual and intellectual treat that will delight anyone interested in bats. Lavishly illustrated with amazing photographs, it shows us not only what scientists now know about bats, but also tells the story of bat research and the people who do it. This book brings the hard work and the thrill of scientific discovery – and the bats themselves – alive in a uniquely accessible and engaging way."
– Dr Nancy Simmons, Curator-in-charge, Department of Mammalogy, American Museum of Natural History
"A visual spectacle with amazing photos on every page. Jens and Brock use photographs to tell the stories of bats in a fascinating and captivating manner. A fun read for the specialist and non-specialist alike. The material is accessible for all audiences and even the experienced bat biologist will find some new nuggets of information. And everyone will appreciate the visual storytelling style. The book is filled with the wonderful photographic catalogue that Jens and Brock have spent their careers gathering. The photos in this book are a wonderful way to see bats in a way that few people will get to experience in person."
– Liam McGuire, Associate Professor, Department of Biology, University of Waterloo
"This captivating book is chock full of stunning photos and fascinating facts about bats around the world. It contains information about bat specializations, natural behaviors and impacts on human society, all of which will be of great interest to a broad readership, from students and educators to conservationists and scientists."
– Prof. Cindy Moss, Director of the Bat Lab, Johns Hopkins University
