Overview

From the ancient Egyptian cat goddess, Bastet, to the prophet Muhammad's favorite cat, Muezza, and our contemporary obsession with online cat videos, felines have long held a place of honor in their human counterparts' homes and cultures. But the domestic cat is just one of many feline species, and in The Wild Cat Book cat experts Fiona and Mel Sunquist introduce us to the full panoply of the purring, roaring feline tribe. Illustrated throughout with Terry Whittaker's spectacular color photographs as well as unique photos from biologists in the field-some the highest quality images ever captured of exceptionally rare species-The Wild Cat Book not only tantalizes with the beauty of cats, but also serves as a valuable and accessible reference on cat behavior and conservation. Comprehensive entries for each of the thirty-seven cat species include color distribution maps and up-to-date information related to the species' IUCN conservation and management statuses, while informative sidebars reveal why male lions have manes (and why dark manes are sexiest), how cats see with their whiskers, the truth behind our obsession with white lions and tigers, and why cats can't be vegetarians. The Wild Cat Book also highlights the grave threats faced by the world's wild cats-from habitat destruction to human persecution. From the extraordinary acrobatics of the arboreal margay-able to cling to a tree branch by a single paw thanks to its unusually flexible ankles-to modern declines in African lion populations, The Wild Cat Book is an instructive and revealing ode to felines of every size and color. Combining science, behavioral observations, and stunning photography, this book will captivate cat fanciers the world over.

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9780226780269

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Reviews

"""An essential guide for fellnophiles and a valuable handbook for conservation professionals."" (New Scientist) ""Magnificent.... The book contains a life-time of knowledge that has been carefully and logically documented to make the book user-friendly to a wide cross-section of readers.... A fascinating learning experience.... Put this one on the top of your list."" (Cat Fancy)"""

An essential guide for fellnophiles and a valuable handbook for conservation professionals. (New Scientist) Magnificent.... The book contains a life-time of knowledge that has been carefully and logically documented to make the book user-friendly to a wide cross-section of readers.... A fascinating learning experience.... Put this one on the top of your list. (Cat Fancy)

The cats of the world are among the most captivating and charismatic of all creatures. From the mighty lion to the diminutive sand cat, each possesses the feline attributes of stealth, grace, and beauty. This marvelous book showcases the world's cats in all their compelling diversity. --Simon King (www.simonkingwildlife.com) naturalist, broadcaster, and author

Author Information

Fiona Sunquist is a science writer, photographer, and for fifteen years was a roving editor for International Wildlife Magazine. Mel Sunquist is professor emeritus in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at the University of Florida, Gainesville. Together they are the authors of Florida: The Ecotravellers' Wildlife Guide, Tiger Moon: Tracking the Great Cats in Nepal, and Wild Cats of the World, the latter two published by the University of Chicago Press. They live in Melrose, FL. Terry Whittaker is a UK-based photographer specializing in wildlife conservation and the environment. He lives in Folkestone, Kent.

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