A New York Times bestselling author—and “a mythmaker for the millennium, a wiseacre wiseman” (New York Times Book Review)—delivers a surreal and elaborate quest that takes readers from Tokyo to the remote mountains of northern Japan, where the unnamed protagonist has a surprising confrontation with his demons. An advertising executive receives a postcard from a friend and casually appropriates the image for an advertisement. What he doesn’t realize is that included in the scene is a mutant sheep with a star on its back, and in using this photo he has unwittingly captured the attention of a man who offers a menacing ultimatum: find the sheep or face dire consequences.
This book is a celebration of the return of wild sheep to many of its historical ranges. The remarkable recovery of our wild sheep populations have been documented by two widely-respected wildlife biologists and provides fascinating accounts of the decline and recovery of North American wild sheep.
A fascinating look at wild sheep, their behavior, and their place in the natural environment. Current management strategies for the animal and the role hunting plays in maintaining stable populations. Discussions of the natural history of wild sheep, be
Mountain sheep epitomize wilderness for many people because they occupy some of the most inaccessible and rugged habitats known to man, from desert crags to alpine mountains. But of all hoofed mammals in North America, wild sheep present the greatest management problems to biologists. This book is a major reference on the natural history, ecology, and management of wild sheep in North America. Written by wildlife biologists who have devoted years of study to the animals, it covers Dall's and Stone's sheep and Rocky Mountain, California, and desert bighorn and examines a variety of factors pertinent to their life histories: habitat, diet, activity, social organization, reproduction, and population dynamics. Additional chapters consider distribution and abundance, adaptive strategies, and management guidelines. Discussions on diseases of wild sheep present a wealth of information that will be of particular use to wildlife biologists, including detailed clinical descriptions of conditions that threaten sheep populations, from pasteurellosis to capture myopathy. An appendix reviews the cytogenetics and genetics of wild sheep. North American wild sheep may face extinction in many areas unless critical questions concerning their management are answered soon. Prior to the publication of this book, there was no single reference available in which one could find such a synthesis of information. Mountain Sheep of North America provides that source and points toward the preservation of these magnificent wild creatures.
Originally published in 1975. In Mountain Sheep and Man in the Northern Wilds Valerius Geist, a renowned scientist, sensitive observer, and natural storyteller here recounts his experiences among, and reflections upon, the magnificent bighorned sheep of the Canadian wilderness, where he lived and worked year 'round. The book presents popular science in the best sense -- beautifully written, unmistakably accurate, innovative and thought provoking. In the book, Dr. Geist focuses on cold climates to study animal behavior and its implications for man. He makes valuable contributions to our knowledge about aggression and dominance and offers new insights into the impact of ecological factors upon the anatomy, physiology and behavior of man as well as beast. He looks critically at the role of early and modern man as hunter and tells delightful stories about his own adventures in working with big-game animals. His splendid photographs capture his enthusiasm for the land and the sheep. Finally, he ponders the lessons that urban man can learn from zoological theory so that he may better live within his ecological means. "To the names Fraser Darling, Murie, Schaller, Carpenter and Goodall must now be added Geist." Science "This book is about wilderness, animals and people. These subjects are woven together in a way that will curl your toes. Geist is an excellent writer; he has a probing mind a tempered wit and an ability to convey a total experience. Be sure to read this one." Frontiers. "Geist writes surpassingly well." Canadian Field Naturalist "This is a very well written book that will intrigue the most ingenious thinker. It reflects originality and provides accurate and interesting reading to anyone interested in wild animals." Journal of Wildlife Management "This book is immensely thought provoking." Mammal Review Valerius Geist is a graduate of the University of British Columbia, where he also received his Ph.D. He is professor emeritus of environmental science at the University of Calgary.
