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
Roland W. Kays is the curator of mammals at the New York State Museum.
Don E. Wilson is a senior scientist at the Smithsonian Institution’s
National Museum of Natural History. His books include The Smithsonian Book of
North American Mammals and Mammal Species of the World.
Reviews:
Praise for the first edition: "Will be welcomed by amateur naturalists
and field biologists."–Science
Praise for the first edition: "Makes all other field guides for mammals
of the United States (exclusive of Hawaii) and Canada obsolete."–Jerry R.
Choate, Journal of Mammalogy
Praise for the first edition: "Sets new standards in field guides. A
must for any biological traveller to the US or Canada, as well as for
residents."–Adrian Barnett, New Scientist
Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments 6
Introduction 7
Species Included 8
What Is a Species? 8
What Information Is Included? 8
What Information Is Not Included? 10
Further Reading 10
Recommended Internet Resources 10
Using This Book to Identify a Mammal 11
Quick Mammal ID Chart 12
How Are Mammals Related? 16
Mammal Measurements and Anatomy 17
Species Plates 18
Glossary 240
Index 242
