True river dolphins as well as marine dolphins that frequent freshwater systems are large animals that have traditionally gone unnoticed by the general public and, in a certain sense, by marine mammal specialists as well. In fact, only a limited number of researchers have investigated the biology of these dolphin species. This is quite surprising given that these species are commonly the top predators in their habitats. Now for the first time, revolutionary molecular techniques are being applied to answer evolutionary reconstruction questions of many animals, including river dolphins. In addition, new paleontological records are dramatically changing our perspective about the relationships of these dolphins with each other and with other cetaceans. In this book, new census information and important ecological characteristics are provided of the river dolphins Inia, Sotalia, Pontoporia, Lioptes, and Orcaella. For the first time, molecular and genetic results of theses dolphin species are presented. A compilation of these data is essential if we are to present a strategic conservation plan for these animals. Upon being informed of critical evolutionary historical data, conservation biologists will now be able to tailor their conservation efforts for each threatened river dolphin species. Additionally, new morphological data and the new discoveries in the fossil record for river dolphins are examined. The major dolphin specialists in Colombia, Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, the United States of America, China, and India present their newest results within a single book that graduate students, professors, scientists, evolutionary ecologists, aquatic mammalogists, population ecologists, conservation ecologists, and marine biologists will all find valuable for the foreseeable future.

The Franciscana Dolphin: On the Edge of Survival provides the most updated and comprehensive knowledge on the most endangered marine mammal in the Western South Atlantic Ocean. It synthesizes all available information on this dolphin species, also referred to as La Plata dolphin, ranging from taxonomy, evolution, diet, parasites and diseases, reproduction and growth, to genetic diversity and stock definition, distribution, abundance, behavior, as well as the threats and causes behind the dwindling population numbers. Written by international experts, this book explores aspects of the species' natural history and urgent problems of accidental mortality in fishing nets, contamination, and habitat loss. It offers the most current research and practices on rehabilitating debilitated animals and presents initiatives at the regional and international level for species conservation, including current and potential strategies related to marine protected areas and public policies. The Franciscana Dolphin: On the Edge of Survival is an important resource for researchers and practitioners in marine conservation, marine biology, and zoology, particularly those who seek to gain the most reputable information on vulnerable marine mammal species for conservation efforts. Policymakers and public officials involved in environmental protection and planning will also find this useful to combat similar threats with other dolphin species around the world - Offers the most up-to-date research of the species' natural history, biology and ecology - Discusses current threats and solutions for species conservation, which can be applied to other marine mammal species - Provides updates on national and international agreements and policies for conservation efforts

This compilation brings together current information on the status of Asian freshwater cetacean populations, the factors that have caused their recent declines, and what can be done to improve their chances for survival. Includes papers on water development issues, the Yangtze River Dolphin (Baiji), the Ganges River Dolphin (Susu), and porpoises. In the final section, five papers address methods of studying freshwater cetaceans.

Although all living beings modify their environment, human beings have acquired the ability to do so on a superlative space-time scale. As a result of industrialization and the use of new technologies, the anthropogenic impact has been increasing in the last centuries, causing reductions in the sizes or the extinction of numerous wild populations. In this sense, from the field of conservation genetics, various efforts have been made in recent decades to provide new knowledge that contributes to the conservation of populations, species, and habitats. In this book, we summarize the concrete contributions of researchers to the conservation of the Neotropical mammals using Molecular Ecology techniques. The book is divided into three major sections. The first section provides an up-to-date review of the conservation status of Neotropical mammals, the applications of the molecular markers in its conservation, and the use of non-invasive and forensic genetic techniques. The second and third sections present, respectively, a series of case studies in various species or taxonomic groups of Neotropical mammals.

The tragic recognition of the extinction of the Yangtze River Dolphin or baiji in 2007 became a major news story and sent shockwaves around the world. It made a romantic story, for the baiji was a unique and beautiful creature that features in many Chinese legends and folk tales. The Goddess of the Yangtze, as it was known, was also the lone representative of an entire and ancient branch of the Tree of Life. But perhaps the greater tragedy is that its status as one of the world's most threatened mammals had been widely recognized, yet despite wide publicity virtually no international funds became available. A compelling read by a young naturalist, Samuel Turvey tells the story of the plight of the Yangtze River Dolphin from his unique perspective as a conservation biologist deeply involved in the struggle to save the dolphin. This is both a celebration of a beautiful and remarkable animal that once graced one of China's greatest rivers, its natural history and its role as a cultural symbol; and also a personal, eyewitness account of the failures of policy and the struggle to get funds that led to its tragic demise. It is a true cautionary tale that we must learn from, for there are countless other threatened species that will suffer from the same human mistakes, and whose loss we shall not know until it is too late.

Practical and portable, this is the ultimate field guide to the world's cetaceans. This outstanding new field guide to whales, dolphins and porpoises is the most comprehensive, authoritative and up-to-date guide to these popular mammals. With more than 500 accurate and detailed illustrations – complete with detailed annotations pointing out the most significant field marks – this new field guide covers all 93 species and every subspecies in the world. Many of the world's most respected whale biologists have collaborated on the concise text, which is packed with helpful identification tips from cetacean expert, Mark Carwardine. Mark's informative text is accompanied by up-to-date distribution maps for each species. Beautifully designed, to ensure critical information is quickly accessible, this is an indispensable resource that every whale-watcher will want to carry out to sea.