A Guide to the Deer of the World

Description

A Guide to the Deer of the World is a long-overdue review of deer as we understand them today and includes several species which have only recently become known to science. Writing for a wide readership in a straightforward and easily accessible style, Charles Smith-Jones has produced an authoritative and attractive reference work with a strong conservation focus. Lavishly illustrated throughout in colour, the guide looks at deer evolution, biology and lifestyles in general before covering each of the fifty-five true deer, seven musk deer and ten chevrotain species as well as their subspecies in more detail with photographs, general information and distribution maps. In addition, there are fact boxes which include descriptions of individual recognition features, habitats, behaviour, breeding and conservation issues for each member of this widely diverse and fascinating group of animals. Forming an iconic and important part of almost all the world's ecosystems, many of the species featured are elusive and only very rarely photographed or observed. Any areas of taxonomical confusion and ongoing discussion are highlighted in readily understandable terms. This book will have a valued place in the library or on the coffee table of any nature lover or deer enthusiast. AUTHOR: Charles Smith-Jones, an all-round field sportsman, has studied and managed deer for almost forty years. He writes for Shooting Times, Sporting Guns, and Deer magazines, to which he is a regular contributor. He has written three other books. Muntjac: Managing an Alien Species (2004), received widespread praise as a groundbreaking work on coping with the challenges posed by this invasive little Asian deer in Britain. The Deer Stalker's Beside Book, a collection of facts, anecdotes, advice, and fiction for fellow deer enthusiasts, was published in 2015, followed by Between the Coverts for the game shooter in 2016. After a full Army career, Smith-Jones lectured in game and wildlife management at Sparsholt College in Hampshire where he taught the new generation of gamekeepers and other countryside custodians. In addition to writing, Charles consults on deer matters and acts as technical adviser to the British Deer Society (BDS). He has been a Trustee Director of the BDS.

A lifelong naturalist and countryman, Charles Smith-Jones has always had a special interest in deer which he has studied and worked with closely for more than forty years. Previously a lecturer in countryside management at Sparsholt College, Hampshire, he is currently Technical Adviser to the British Deer Society. He has written four books, three of them specifically on deer, and is a regular contributor to national countryside publications.

'This is a rare feat: both coffee table book and academic reference book, engaging and informative in equal measure.' 'the value of this book to me means that it may be some time before I have exhausted the joy that comes with finding out another new-to-me fact about this fascinating and under-appreciated taxon.' 'Writing for a wide readership in an accessible style, Smith-Jones has produced an authoritative and attractive reference work with a strong conservation focus.' 'A comprehensive volume covering each of the world's deer species...It will make a valuable contribution to a natural history library' 'I tend to pride myself on my knowledge of deer species, but even I will admit that there are a few in these pages that were a surprise! Add to that the stunning pictures sprinkled throughout, and you've got an easy read that I found myself flicking through at leisure.'