Mel and Fiona Sunquist have spent more than a decade gathering information about cats from every available source, including scientific papers, descriptions of hunts, archeological findings, observations by naturalists and travelers, government reports and organisation newsletters. Combining it with their own experiences observing wild cats around the world, the Sunquists have created the most comprehensive reference on felids available. Each of their accounts of the 36 species contains a description of the cat, including human interactions with it, detailed data on its distribution, ecology and behaviour, status in the wild, and efforts to conserve it.
Preface
Introduction
What Is a Cat?
- The Essence of Cats
- Taxonomy of the Cat Family
Species Accounts
- Cheetah
- Caracal
- Bay cat
- Asiatic golden cat
- Chinese desert cat
- Jungle cat
- Sand cat
- Black-footed cat
- Wildcat: European wildcat, African-Asian wildcat, Domestic cat
- Jaguarundi
- Ocelot
- Oncilla
- Margay
- Serval
- Lynx: Canada lynx, Eurasian lynx, Iberian lynx, Bobcat
- Pampas cat
- Geoffroy's cat
- Kodkod
- Andean mountain cat
- Manul
- Leopard cat
- Flat-headed cat
- Rusty-spotted cat
- Fishing cat
- African golden cat
- Puma
- Clouded leopard
- Lion
- Jaguar
- Leopard
- Tiger
- Marbled cat
- Snow leopard
Study and Conservation
- Field Research Techniques: Recent Advances
- Relocating Cats: History and Guidelines for the Future
- Conserving Felids in the Twenty-First Century
Appendix 1: CITES Listings Governing Trade in Wild Cats
Appendix 2: IUCN Red List: Conservation Status of Wild Cats
Appendix 3: Olfactory Communication in Felids
Appendix 4: Vocal Communication in Felids
Appendix 5: Reproduction in Felids
Appendix 6: List of Scientific and Common Names Mentioned in the Text
Index
Mel Sunquist is associate professor in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida.
Fiona Sunquist is a science writer, photographer, and roving editor for International Wildlife Magazine. Together they are the authors of Florida: The Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guide and Tiger Moon.