Mammals of Africa: Volumes I-VI

Description

'Mammals of Africa represents a high-water mark - not just in mammalogy, but in scientific publishing overall. Magnificent.' - Tim Flannery, Macquarie University, Sydney Winner of the 2014 Dartmouth Medal, awarded by the American Library Association. Mammals of Africa (MoA) is a series of six volumes which describes, in detail, every currently recognized species of African land mammal. This is the first time that such extensive coverage has ever been attempted, and the volumes incorporate the very latest information and detailed discussion of the morphology, distribution, biology and evolution (including reference to fossil and molecular data) of Africa's mammals. With 1,160 species and 16 orders, Africa has the greatest diversity and abundance of mammals in the world. The reasons for this and the mechanisms behind their evolution are given special attention in the series. Each volume follows the same format, with detailed profiles of every species and higher taxa. The series includes some 660 colour illustrations by Jonathan Kingdon and his many drawings highlight details of morphology and behaviour of the species concerned. Diagrams, schematic details and line drawings of skulls and jaws are by Jonathan Kingdon and Meredith Happold. Every species also includes a detailed distribution map. Extensive references alert readers to more detailed information. Volume I: Introductory Chapters and Afrotheria (352 pages) Volume II: Primates (560 pages) Volume III: Rodents, Hares and Rabbits (784 pages) Volume IV: Hedgehogs, Shrews and Bats (800 pages) Volume V: Carnivores, Pangolins, Equids and Rhinoceroses (560 pages) Volume VI: Pigs, Hippopotamuses, Chevrotain, Giraffes, Deer and Bovids (704 pages)

Jonathan Kingdon was born in Tanzania and has spent much of his life in Africa. Over the course of a long career he has achieved acclaim as both a leading academic and a prominent artist. David Happold has held academic positions at the University of Khartoum (Sudan), University of Ibadan (Nigeria), University of Malawi, and The Australian National University. Tom Butynski is a conservationist and ecologist who has worked in Africa for 35 years, mostly in Botswana, Kenya, Uganda and Equatorial Guinea. Mike Hoffmann trained as a mammalogist at the University of Pretoria, South Africa and the University of Oxford, UK. He has since moved into the field of international biodiversity conservation. Meredith Happold spent several years studying bats in Nigeria. Since 1977 she has held a Visiting Fellowship at the Australian National University and her research has focused on African bats. Jan Kalina is a conservation biologist. Her work with mammals began at Wildlife Conservation Society's Bronx Zoo in New York and at Colorado State University. She is currently joint-owner of Soita Nyiro Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya.

Mammals of Africa is the magnum opus of Kingdon's team - except that it seems more magnum than any opus has any right to be. It is up-to-date, comprehensive and, above all, beautiful, in both the writing and the pictures. * Richard Dawkins, New College, University of Oxford * Mammals of Africa is a splendid rare blend of natural history and science. It takes handbooks to a new level and shows what professionals and amateurs alike can expect if they wish to carry with them the very best. * E. O. Wilson, Harvard University * Art in science, the science of art, and the art of science: say these words to informed biologists worldwide, and with one voice they will acclaim: Jonathan Kingdon. This marvellous book, compendious, meticulous, beautiful and inspirational is the crescendo of a lifetime's work in and for Africa. No other continent can boast such a tome as Mammals of Africa, and Africa and her magnificent mammals owe it to Jonathan Kingdon and his remarkable team. * David W. Macdonald CBE, Professor of Wildlife Conservation, University of Oxford * Mammals of Africa represents a high-water mark - not just in mammalogy, but in scientific publishing overall. Magnificent. * Tim Flannery, Macquarie University, Sydney * No other reference work comes close to the scope of this set-most guides are regional and contain far less content. This incredibly detailed work is recommended for academic libraries supporting zoology programs and large public research libraries. -- Rebecca Vmuk * Booklist * Highly recommended * Choice * VERDICT: This is an ambitious source aiming to make its mark in a specialized field. -- Kara Schaff Dean, Walpole P.L. * Library Journal *