Hibernation and Torpor in Mammals and Birds explores the physiological factors that control hibernation and torpor in birds and mammals. This text covers topics ranging from metabolism in hibernation to the role of endocrines, respiration and acid-base state in hibernation, and theories of hibernation. This book is comprised of 14 chapters and begins with an overview of some clear-cut definitions and why mammals and birds hibernate. The reader is then introduced to the variations from euthermia that have been observed among birds and mammals. To give some structure to this listing, the approach is phylogenetic, starting with the birds and proceeding through the primitive to the more advanced mammals. Subsequent chapters explains the process of entering hibernation and the hibernating state, itself; capability of a species in natural hibernation to arouse from that state using self-generated heat; physiological changes at the start of a spontaneous arousal; and physiological mechanisms underlying the ability of hibernators to rewarm. Consideration is also given to intermediary metabolism in hibernation, cold adaptation of metabolism in hibernators, and the response of hibernators to various extrinsic influences such as neoplastic growth, radiation injury, and parasitism and symbionts. This book will be of interest to students and researchers in fields ranging from zoology to physiology and biophysics.

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

It's possible to safely see fascinating wildlife—if you know what to look for and where, and if you understand what you see—whether you are far from civilization or right in your own backyard. Wildlife of the Pacific Northwest includes illustrated descriptions for more than 180 mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates most common in Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, northern California, Idaho, and western Montana. With more than 460 photographs, hundreds of scale drawings, and more than 90 distribution maps. This book belongs in every pack and is a must-have for nature lovers of all ages and skill levels.

INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF WILD MAMMALS AND BIRDS IN EUROPE Infectious Diseases of Wild Mammals and Birds in Europe is a key resource on the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases in European wildlife that covers the distinctive nature of diseases as they occur in Europe, including strains, insect vectors, reservoir species, and climate, as well as geographical distribution of the diseases and European regulations for reporting, diagnosis and control. Divided into sections on viral infections, bacterial infections, fungal and yeast infections, and prion infections, this definitive reference provides valuable information on disease classification and properties, causative agents, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and implications for human, domestic and wild animal health. KEY FEATURES: Brings together extensive research from many different disciplines into one integrated and highly useful definitive reference. Zoonotic risks to human health, as well as risks to pets and livestock are highlighted. Each disease is covered separately with practical information on the animal species in which the disease has been recorded, clinical signs of the disease, diagnostic methods, and recommended treatments and vaccination. Wildlife vaccination and disease surveillance techniques are described. Examines factors important in the spread of disease such as changing climate, the movement of animals through trade, and relaxations in the control of wild animal populations. Written by a team of pathologists, epidemiologists and clinicians from across Europe, this is the definitive resource for infectious diseases of wild mammals and birds in Europe. It will be an invaluable reference for veterinarians, conservation biologists, epidemiologists, and wildlife researchers, managers, rehabilitators and students.

This book is about the time when giant reptiles ruled the world, on land (dinosaurs), in the sea (sea monsters), and in the air (pterosaurs). It was a unique period, never to be repeated once mammals became the dominant tetrapods. Birds and mammals first appeared as well, but remained insignificant until these reptiles were already extinct. The book is designed for a wide audience of age groups, ranging in age from seven years (my grandson Jake) to those of us at 77 (my age). The approach is holistic. For example, it describes relevant concepts within the geosciences, including how fossils record the history of life and how radioactivity provides us with the numerical ages of this history. Also, it describes the significant influence of mass extinctions and of the plate tectonic rearrangement of the continents. The book is well-illustrated. There are more than 65 accurate drawings and additional cartoons.They are used to illuminate the written narrative. Enjoy.