The Handbook of New Zealand Mammals is the only definitive reference on all the land-breeding mammals recorded in the New Zealand region (including the New Zealand sector of Antarctica). It lists 65 species, including native and exotic, wild and feral, living and extinct, residents, vagrants and failed introductions. It describes their history, biology and ecology, and brings together comprehensive and detailed information gathered from widely scattered or previously unpublished sources. The description of each species is arranged under standardised headings for easy reference. Because the only native land-breeding mammals in New Zealand are bats and seals, the great majority of the modern mammal fauna comprises introduced species, whose arrival has had profound effects both for themselves and for the native fauna and flora. The book details changes in numbers and distribution for the native species, and for the arrivals it summarises changes in habitat, diet, numbers and size in comparison with their ancestral stocks, and some of the problems they present to resource managers. For this third edition, the text and references have been completely updated and reorganised into Family chapters. The colour section includes 14 pages of artwork showing all the species described and their main variations, plus two pages of maps.

The vast terrain between Panama and Tierra del Fuego contains some of the worlds richest mammalian fauna, but until now it has lacked a comprehensive systematic reference to the identification, distribution, and taxonomy of its mammals. The first such book of its kind, Mammals of South America both summarizes existing information and encourages further research of the mammals indigenous to the region. It includes identification keys and brief descriptions of each order, family, and genus. Species accounts include taxonomic descriptions, synonymies, keys to identification, distributions with maps and a gazetteer of marginal localities, lists of recognized subspecies, brief summaries of natural history information, and discussions of issues related to taxonomic interpretations.

Human colonization of New Zealand has dramatically altered the resident biota, introduced numerous alien organisms to these once remote islands, and exported local species to the world. This book reviews invasions, investigates what controls the success of invaders and studies the consequences for ecosystems both on land and offshore. The book tests current theories about the success of invaders and evaluates principles for effective management of biological invasions worldwide.

A Photographic Guide to Mammals of New Zealand delves into a fascinating field of New Zealand's natural history. In prehistory, only a few bats, marine mammals and odd quadrupeds constituted our local land-breeding mammals; but today these have been joined by a throng of colonisers. These include several carnivores, rodents, and hoofed mammals from Europe and North America, as well as a few marsupials from Australia. Many are unwelcome: some have decimated native bird and reptile populations, while others attack the bush: but all are now here to stay and are worthy of study for their interesting habits and ecological impact. In addition to these land mammals are more than two dozen native species of marine mammal, including seals, dolphins and whales. This account from one of New Zealand's premier mammalogists fills a gap in the market.

This landmark book is the first comprehensive account of all 46 land-breeding mammal species known in New Zealand, native and exotic, wild and feral, living and extinct. With contributions from 29 leading authorities in the field, the book describes New Zealand mammal history, biology, and ecology, and brings together much information previously unpublished or scattered throughout diverse literatures. Standardized for easy reference, each species is arranged under conventional headings. The book emphasizes throughout that because the only native land-breeding mammals in New Zealand are bats and seals, the great majority of modern mammal fauna comprises introduced species whose arrivals have had profound effects--both for introduced and native species' changes in numbers, distributions, arrivals, habitat, and diet. Distribution maps, skull diagrams, dentition diagrams, and photographs of each species are included as well. The editor's introduction masterfully summarizes the general history and characteristics of New Zealand fauna and describes some of the problems that mammals present to research managers. The Handbook of New Zealand Mammals will surely be the subject's definitive reference for years to come and will appeal to researchers, students, and interested layperson's alike.

The best field guide to North American mammals The best-selling field guide that "sets new standards" (New Scientist) and "makes all other field guides for mammals of the United States. . . and Canada obsolete" (Journal of Mammalogy) is now even better. Covering 20 species recognized since 2002 and including 13 new color plates, this fully revised edition of Mammals of North America illustrates all 462 known mammal species in the United States and Canada—each in beautiful color and accurate detail. With a more up-to-date species list than any other guide, improved facing-page descriptions, easier-to-read distribution maps, updated common and scientific names, and track and scat illustrations, this slim, light, and easy-to-use volume is the must-have source for identifying North American mammals. Roland Kays and Don Wilson have scoured the technical literature to pull out the key differences between similar species, and illustrated these whenever possible, making the guide useful to amateur naturalists and professional zoologists alike. Casual animal watchers will appreciate the overview of mammal diversity and the tips on identifying animals they can spy in their binoculars, while scientists will appreciate the exacting detail needed to distinguish similar species, including illustrations of shrew teeth, bat toes, and whale dorsal fins. The best-illustrated and easiest-to-use field guide to North American mammals Beautiful and accurate color illustrations of all 462 mammals found in the United States and Canada—including 20 species recognized since 2002 112 color plates—including 13 new ones Key identification information—fully revised—on facing pages The most current taxonomy/species list Fully revised, easy-to-read range maps Illustrations of tracks, scat, and whale and dolphin dive sequences

The essential field guide to the wildlife of New Zealand Wildlife of New Zealand is the leading field guide to the distinctive flora and fauna of this amazing country. Fully revised and expanded, this handy pocket guide includes up-to-date descriptions of all manner of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles, insects, seashore species, trees and shrubs, grasses, fungi, and lichen, and new sections look at fish and places to visit. Accompanied by hundreds of color photographs and current maps, the book’s succinct text contains information on identification, distribution, and biology. The detailed introduction covers New Zealand’s habitats, geography, and geology, and discusses current conservation issues. The guide also contains information on national parks and useful websites and contacts, as well as a glossary and comprehensive index. Wildlife of New Zealand is an indispensable traveling companion for anyone interested in this incredible area of the world. Fully revised and expanded edition Handy, compact format Updated species accounts accompanied by hundreds of color photographs Extensive new section on places to visit

The story of invasive species in New Zealand is unlike any other in the world. By the mid-thirteenth century, the main islands of the country were the last large landmasses on Earth to remain uninhabited by humans, or any other land mammals. New Zealand’s endemic fauna evolved in isolation until first Polynesians, and then Europeans, arrived with a host of companion animals such as rats and cats in tow. Well-equipped with teeth and claws, these small furry mammals, along with the later arrival of stoats and ferrets, have devastated the fragile populations of unique birds, lizards and insects. Carolyn M. King brings together the necessary historical analysis and recent ecological research to understand this long, slow tragedy. As a comprehensive historical perspective on the fate of an iconic endemic fauna, this book offers much-needed insight into one of New Zealand’s longest-running national crises.