The most complete and user-friendly photographic field guide to the world’s canids This stunningly illustrated and easy-to-use field guide covers every species of the world’s canids, from the Gray Wolf of North America to the dholes of Asia, from African jackals to the South American Bush Dog. It features more than 150 superb color plates depicting every kind of canid and detailed facing-page species accounts that describe key identification features, morphology, distribution, subspeciation, habitat, and conservation status in the wild. The book also includes distribution maps and tips on where to observe each species, making Canids of the World the most comprehensive and user-friendly guide to these intriguing and spectacular mammals. Covers every species and subspecies of canid Features more than 150 color plates with more than 600 photos from around the globe Depicts species in similar poses for quick and easy comparisons Describes key identification features, habitat, behavior, reproduction, and much more Draws on the latest taxonomic research Includes distribution maps and tips on where to observe each species The ideal field companion and a delight for armchair naturalists
The Wild Kratts go in search of wolves, coyotes, and wild dogs of all sizes in this Step into Reading leveled reader with stickers! TARGET AUDIENCE: Nature, science, and animal fans ages four to six and their parents. PBS's successful animated show Wild Kratts joins the adventures of zoologists Chris and Martin Kratt as they travel to animal habitats around the globe. Along the way, they encounter incredible creatures while combining science education with fun. Children ages four to six can learn all about the wild cousins of man's best friend--from robust canines like wolves to sneaky foxes and more. Step 2 readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories for beginning readers who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.
There are roughly 6,600 wild dogs left in Africa yet they have cast such a spell on top wildlife photographer and naturalist Jocelin Kagan that she is determined to help save them. If left to their own devices, they are more than capable of thriving, as this sumptuous photographic natural history shows. Jocelin has called in world experts to add their latest findings about these resourceful, graceful and highly skilled family groups. Nomadic predators whose territories range thousands of kilometres, they hunt co-operatively, preying on small herbivores. Non-confrontational, they form complex bonds as this book reveals. Now restricted to small populations and threatened by some shoot-to-kill policies, habitat fragmentation, diseases from domestic dogs, climate change and snares, as well as natural predation from hyenas and lions, Africa's wild dogs will be supported by all the royalties from this book.
Foxes, Wolves, and Wild Dogs of the World covers more than 30 species of the Canidae, from foxes and wolves to dingoes and coyotes. Having been hunted, driven out of their natural habitats by human encroachment, and suffered from occasional disease outbreaks, these animals are often misunderstood and unjustifiably feared. Expert author David Alderton reveals the true character and behavior of wolves and other wild dogs. The first four chapters detail their form and function, reproduction, evolution, and distribution. Next, the author presents discussions of different canids around the world, from the Holarctic to Australia. This readable volume also shows how the lifestyle and zoology of wild species is directly relevant to human understanding of the domestic dog. Increasingly rare canid species, like wolves, that are now, in some cases, facing extinction are also featured. Looking at foxes, wolves, and other non-domestic dogs in their natural context, this informative guide provides an insightful introduction to what is known about canids. The text is complemented by full-color photographs, line illustrations, and diagrams.
No group of wild mammals so universally captures the emotions of people world-wide than do wild canids. That emotion can be enchantment and fascination, but it can also be loathing, because the opportunism that is the hallmark of the dog family also leads them into conflict with humans. In the developed world at least, the fascination with wild canids doubtless stems from people's captivation with domestic dogs - everybody feels they are an expert on canids! While most people may be familiar with only the better known members of the dog family, such as the grey wolf and the red fox, there are in fact 36 species of wolves, dogs, jackals and foxes. They attract hugely disproportionate interest from academics, conservationists, veterinarians, wildlife managers and the general public. This book brings together in single volume an astonishing synthesis of research done in the last twenty years and is the first truly compendious synthesis on wild canids. Beginning with a complete account of all 36 canid species, there follow six review chapters that emphasise topics most relevant to canid conservation science, including evolution and systematics, behavioural ecology, population genetics, diseases, conflict/control of troublesome species, and conservation tools. Fifteen detailed case studies then delve deeply into the very best species investigations currently available written by all the leading figures in the field. Much of the material is previously unpublished and will make fascinating reading far beyond the confines of canid specialists. These chapters portray the unique attributes of wild canids, their fascinating (and conflictive) relationship with man, and suggestions for future research and conservation measures for the Canidae. While most canid species are widespread and thrive in human dominated landscapes, several are in severe jeopardy; habitat loss, illegal hunting, persecution by farmers and disease all imperil dwindling populations. A final chapter analyses the requirements of, and approaches to, practical conservation, with lessons that go far beyond the dog family. It concentrates particular attention on priorities for the protection of the most threatened canid species, including the red wolf, African wild dog, Ethiopian wolf, Island fox and Darwin's fox. The wild canids provide examples that will thrill the evolutionary biologists and theoretician, enthral the natural historian and challenge the conservationist and wildlife manager. Anybody interested in evolutionary and behavioural biology, in mammals, in the environment, or in conservation will find much that is new and enriching in this book.
“A perspective on love and loss [that] will haunt you for days.”—Entertainment Weekly Alice's boyfriend abandons her dog, which joins a feral pack. Every evening, Alice and five others gather at the forest's edge, trying to call their dogs back. Most have similar tales of jealousy or vengeance enacted upon them through their dogs: Jamie is rebelling against his stepfather; Lily, who has suffered brain damage, is considered irresponsible. Becoming more deeply involved, Alice moves out to a cabin on land owned by Malcolm, one of the group, whose motives in having her there are suspicious. As she falls in love with the wildlife biologist whose wolf has gained lead of the pack, she feels the tug between love's wild power and her desire to domesticate it. After a tragic accident, all members of the group must rethink their lives and find their places in an untamed world. Wild Dogs strips away the conventions of love and passion to reveal deeper, richer truths.
The most comprehensive guide to the bovids of the world Bovids are a diverse group of ruminant mammals that have hooves and unbranched hollow horns. Bovids of the World is the first comprehensive field guide to cover all 279 bovid species, including antelopes, gazelles, cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats. From the hartebeest of Africa and the takin of Asia to the muskox of North America, bovids are among the world's most spectacular animals and this stunningly illustrated and easy-to-use field guide is an ideal way to learn more about them. The guide covers all species and subspecies of bovids described to date. It features more than 300 superb full-color plates depicting every kind of bovid, as well as detailed facing-page species accounts that describe key identification features, horn morphology, distribution, subspeciation, habitat, and conservation status in the wild. This book also shows where to observe each species and includes helpful distribution maps. Suitable for anyone with an interest in natural history, Bovids of the World is a remarkable and attractive reference, showcasing the range and beauty of these important mammals. The first comprehensive field guide to all 279 bovid species 337 full-color plates, with more than 1,500 photographs Detailed species accounts describe key identification features, distribution, subspeciation, habitat, behavior, reproduction, and conservation status Fully updated and revised taxonomy, with common and scientific names Easy-to-read distribution maps
Why This Book The Ultimate Guide to Wild Canines, Primitive Dogs, and Pariah Dogs is geared toward the experienced dog owner who wants to own a pure wild canine, a wolf dog, coydog, dingoX, or primitive/pariah dog. In this book we will examine pureblood wild canines and their crosses and look at several primitive/pariah breeds. We will lay out the challenges that you can expect from these breeds, including housing, transporting, and socializing. We will also discuss the current state and provincial laws surrounding ownership of wild canines. This is not a training manual. If you are an inexperienced dog owner and think having a wild canine or cross is cool or a status symbol, please read this book very carefully. Wild canines are not for the inexperienced dog owner. For the sake of the dog you plan to bring home, please consider your decision very carefully. These dogs are a challenge even for experienced dog handlers. Wild animals and their crossbreeds do not belong in 99% of homes. The rehoming options are slim, and your pet wild canine may end up paying for your decision with its life. Primitive dogs have a long history of living on the edges of human habitation. They may not come with the same legal challenges as a wild canine, but you will still have plenty of work ahead of you including training and socializing your primitive. Carefully think through your decision to adopt a primitive. Bringing home a “couch wolf” can cause problems in your home. If you’ve accidentally gotten a primitive dog from a shelter, I highly encourage you to read this book, then find a reputable trainer who understands that this is not just a dog. I acquired my primitive dog accidentally and while I was an experienced dog owner, I was still baffled until I realized what she was and adapted to her behaviors. A common domesticated dog is a huge responsibility. However, a wild or primitive dog requires far more work. Owning one may be the greatest experience in your life, but it will also be one of the biggest challenges. For the sake of your future pet, take the time to read this book carefully. Owning a wild dog – a wolf, coyote, dingo, or even something imported from Africa – might sound like an amazing opportunity. Imagine the looks you’ll get! Imagine how much fun it will be to walk down the street with your silver coated wolf by your side. However, before you make that sort of commitment, take some time to learn about wild dogs. Bringing a wild dog into your life can have some long term legal and ethical outcomes. Because wild dogs are governed by state laws, The Ultimate Guide to Wild Dogs, Primitive Dogs and Pariah Dogs examines the basic laws and requirements for those owning wild dogs. What happens when your wolf dog mistakes cattle for their rightful prey? Can you keep a coy-dog in an apartment? Did you know that finding vet care can be a challenge for your wild dog and that their nutritional, training, and exercise requirements are different? Will your homeowner’s insurance even cover a wild dog? Before you make a commitment to a wild dog, learn what you can expect from bringing an undomesticated dog into your life. This book also examines pariah and primitive dogs, those with specific physical characteristics who live on the outskirts of human society. These dogs are somewhat more socialized than a wild dog but come with their unique challenges and interesting personalities. If you’ve met one of these unique dogs during a trip to another country, how do you go about bringing it home? What sort of quarantines are in place? Can they be fully associated into a home? This book answers all these important questions and will help you to decide if a wild dog, primitive dog or pariah dog is the right match for your home and family.
