Big cats such as lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars fascinate us like few other creatures. They are enduring symbols of natural majesty and power. Yet despite the magnetic appeal of the big cats, their origins and evolutionary history remain poorly understood—and human activity threatens to put an end to the big cats’ glory. On the Prowl is a fully illustrated and approachable guide to the evolution of the big cats and what it portends for their conservation today. Mark Hallett and John M. Harris trace the origins of these iconic carnivores, venturing down the evolutionary pathways that produced the diversity of big cat species that have walked the earth. They place the evolution and paleobiology of these species in the context of ancient ecosystems and climates, explaining what made big cats such efficient predators and analyzing their competition with other animals. Hallett and Harris pay close attention to human impact, from the evidence of cave paintings and analysis of ancient extinctions up to present-day crises. Their engaging and carefully documented account is brought to life through Hallett’s detailed, vivid illustrations, based on the most recent research by leading paleontologists. Offering a fresh look at the rise of these majestic animals, On the Prowl also makes a powerful case for renewed efforts to protect big cats and their habitats before it is too late.

Cat experts Fiona and Mel Sunquist present comprehensive entries for each of the thirty-seven cat species that include color distribution maps and up-to-date information related to the species' IUCN conservation and management statuses, while their informative sidebars reveal why male lions have manes (and why dark manes are sexiest), how cats see with their whiskers, the truth behind our obsession with white lions and tigers, and why cats can't be vegetarians. The Wild Cat Book also highlights the grave threats faced by the world's wild cats--from habitat destruction to human persecution.

In this completely updated edition of Big Cats, award-winning writer Seymour Simon celebrates the grace and power of lions, tigers, leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, pumas, and snow leopards. Readers will learn all about how they hunt, care for their young, and rest in their varied natural habitats. This nonfiction picture book is packed with information and beautiful color photographs. Cat fans and kids ages 6 to 10 looking for facts, whether for a report or just for fun, will find much to like in Big Cats. This updated edition includes: Author’s note Stunning full-color photographs Glossary Index Additional reading sources Supports the Common Core Learning Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) standards.

Text and pictures introduce lions, tigers, leopards, and the other big cats.

"Become an expert on all the big cats of the world, from well-known safari favorites like the king cheetah to the elusive snow leopard and the tiny rusty-spotted cat. Learn about the species-specific behavior, habitats, diets, and cool quirks of the most extraordinary cats on the planet"--Back cover.

Wild Cats of the World provides detailed accounts for all 38 species of wild cat accompanied by magnificent artwork and stunning photography. From the rabbit-sized Black-footed Cat of southern Africa to bear-killing Amur tigers of the Russian Far East, the 38 members of the Cat Family include some of the world's most fascinating and magnificent species on earth. Supremely adapted for the kill, all cats are obligate carnivores; they survive only by preying upon other animals, and they have become one of evolution's most successful predatory lineages of mammals. Wild Cats of the World explores the spectacular Cat Family in unprecedented depth. Drawing on thousands of scientific papers and direct observations in the field, each species is profiled at length, covering all aspects of felid behaviour and ecology. The book is profusely illustrated with colour plates, black-and-white sketches showing important aspects of cat life and accurate images of every species' skull. Over 400 spectacular photographs are included, many of them showing extremely rare and little-known cats published here for the first time. Each profile includes an up-to-date range map and explains the most current science on how cats are classified and related to each other, including some very recent, surprising discoveries. Despite their great evolutionary success, the challenges facing felids in the modern world are profound. Only one, the ubiquitous domestic cat, does not require dedicated conservation action to ensure survival for the next century. The book also explores the current conservation issues facing wild cats, the increasingly perilous status of many species and how they can be saved.

Focuses on big cats such as lions, tigers, jaguars, and cougars.

Discusses physical characteristics, habitats, behavior, and future of such big cats as lions, tigers, leopards, and cheetahs, using numerous pictures.

"This illustrated children's book brings together every domestic cat breed in the world alongside coloured drawings of rare wild cats and the well-known big cats. It is divided into double-page spreads. The book features cat breeds from North America, Europe, Asia and the Rest of the World; the second half is devoted to the wild cats of the world, both the rarer small species and the large cats of Africa, North and South America and Asia - the Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Jaguar. The book also features both a charming kitten identifier and a cub identifier. And an extensive cat index gives the reader fun facts about every breed and species featured. This is a great new reference guide for all the family that will make your little children cat experts!"--

Combines photography, research, and personal observations of the worlds eight big cats.