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.
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
Using colorful photographs and illustrations, this book reveals the hidden world of wolves, wild dogs, and foxes, explaining what they eat, how they communicate with each other, who their enemies are, and how they reproduce.
Tucked away in Siberia, there are furry, four-legged creatures with wagging tails and floppy ears that are as docile and friendly as any lapdog. But, despite appearances, these are not dogs—they are foxes. They are the result of the most astonishing experiment in breeding ever undertaken—imagine speeding up thousands of years of evolution into a few decades. In 1959, biologists Dmitri Belyaev and Lyudmila Trut set out to do just that, by starting with a few dozen silver foxes from fox farms in the USSR and attempting to recreate the evolution of wolves into dogs in real time in order to witness the process of domestication. This is the extraordinary, untold story of this remarkable undertaking. Most accounts of the natural evolution of wolves place it over a span of about 15,000 years, but within a decade, Belyaev and Trut’s fox breeding experiments had resulted in puppy-like foxes with floppy ears, piebald spots, and curly tails. Along with these physical changes came genetic and behavioral changes, as well. The foxes were bred using selection criteria for tameness, and with each generation, they became increasingly interested in human companionship. Trut has been there the whole time, and has been the lead scientist on this work since Belyaev’s death in 1985, and with Lee Dugatkin, biologist and science writer, she tells the story of the adventure, science, politics, and love behind it all. In How to Tame a Fox, Dugatkin and Trut take us inside this path-breaking experiment in the midst of the brutal winters of Siberia to reveal how scientific history is made and continues to be made today. To date, fifty-six generations of foxes have been domesticated, and we continue to learn significant lessons from them about the genetic and behavioral evolution of domesticated animals. How to Tame a Fox offers an incredible tale of scientists at work, while also celebrating the deep attachments that have brought humans and animals together throughout time.
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.
From the grey wolf to the dingo, the South American bush dog to the whistling hunter, wild dogs have been free spirits on every continent except Antarctica and have thrived in all environments. This is an up-to-date and highly readable account of the skills, personalities and lifestyles of these dogs.
In The Behaviour of Wolves, Dogs and Related Canids, Dr. Michael W. Fox, presented in 1971some of the first scientific research in the field which lay the ground work for the studies in more recent years by such luminaries as Ray Coppinger.