In this, the only up-to-date accessible and scientifically based book on Australia's principal icon, internationally known kangaroo researcher Terry Dawson gets to the heart of what makes these animals special. He shows how many features of their biology, such as their reproductive patterns, social structure and locomotor characteristics, confer great advantages in their adaptations to Australia's harsh climate and demanding environment. Besides covering widely the biology, ecology and behaviour of the ten different types of kangaroos, Professor Dawson compares European and Aboriginal cultural attitudes towards them. He explores such issues as hunting habits, conservation, kangaroos as agricultural pests, the economics of kangaroo ranching and the use of their products.
A party of jays, a parade of elephants, a stench of skunks, and so many more make up this delightfully funny and informative picture book about animal group names! Packed with vibrant art, young readers will not only learn what we call certain groups of animals, but it will tickle them with literal images. That party of jays? Those birds have party hats and streamers galore! A Troop of Kangaroos is early nonfiction that will entertain and teach.
This book provides a clear and accessible account of kangaroos, showing how their reproductive patterns, social structure and other aspects of their biology make them well adapted to Australia’s harsh climate and demanding environment. Since the last edition of this book nearly 20 years ago, much more is now known about the biology and ecology of these iconic animals. This completely revised edition describes these new perspectives and attempts to counter the many urban and rural myths that still exist.
To many people, the suggestion that a kangaroo could live up a tree is fantasy. Yet, in the rainforests of Far North Queensland and New Guinea, there are extraordinary kangaroos that do just that. Many aspects of these marsupials' anatomy and biology suggest a terrestrial kangaroo ancestor. Yet no one has, so far, come forward with a convincing explanation of how, why and when mammals that was so superbly adapted for life on the ground should end up back in the trees. This book reviews the natural history and biology of tree-kangaroos from the time of their first discovery by Europeans in the jungles of West Papua in 1826 right up to the present day, covering the latest research being conducted in Australian and New Guinea. Combining information from a number of disparate disciplines, the author sets forth the first explanation of this apparent evolutionary conundrum. Features * Provides a fascinating and readable account of an unusual evolutionary conundrum * Written by a field biologist with more than a decade's experience working with tree-kangaroos
Tree Kangaroos: Science and Conservation, a volume in the Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes series, provides an overview of tree kangaroo species and their relationship with humans. This exciting, interdisciplinary work on tree kangaroo science and conservation is divided into six major sections: (1) tree kangaroo evolution, genetics, taxonomy, ecology, behavior, and conservation status; (2) current and emerging threats to the species; (3) conservation programs in Australia and New Guinea with an emphasis on the human aspect of conservation; (4) the role of zoos in conservation solutions; (5) techniques and technologies to study this elusive marsupial; and (6) what is needed to keep tree kangaroos and their landscapes healthy in the future. The series on Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes includes titles focused on specific species or taxa across disciplinary boundaries and spatial scales-from genes to landscapes. Volumes are edited and written by prominent scholars and practitioners to illuminate and advance biodiversity science and conservation. Includes coverage of all known tree kangaroo species Features contributions edited and written by the world's leading researchers and practitioners focusing on these scientifically mysterious marsupials Provides accessible scientific and general information to a wide audience including students, academics, researchers, conservation professionals, policy makers, business leaders, zoo professionals, health professionals, and people interested in community-based conservation Presents the current knowledge of tree kangaroos, helping to lay the foundations and best practices for future conservation and research in Australia and New Guinea
Provides details on the anatomy of fourteen mammals, including dolphins, chimpanzees, squirrels, and humans, and describes the musculoskeletal, circulatory, nervous, digestive, and reproductive systems of each animal.
