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National Audubon Society Field Guides
National Audubon Society Guide to Marine Mammals of the World
Written by a team of experts and featuring hundreds of illustrations, photographs, and maps, the most authoritative, up-to-date, and accessible information on marine mammals--perfect for your outdoor excursions or your home library.
The National Audubon Society Guide to Marine Mammals of the World describes in fascinating detail all 120 species of the world's whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea lions, manatees, Marine and Sea Otters, and the Polar Bear. Organized by the four major groups of marine mammals—marine fissipeds, pinnipeds, cetaceans, and sirenians—the species descriptions
Full-color paintings, color photographs showing appearance in the wild and illustrating typical behaviors, life history data, range and habitat text and a full-color range map based on the most current information. Facts about social organization, surface behaviors, swimming, and diving. Information on mating behavior, breeding, and the rearing of young. Details about food items and foraging techniques. Estimates of population in the wild, plus current and historic threats.
A general introduction outlines the evolution and taxonomy of marine mammals, distribution, migration, watching guidelines, identification techniques, organizations and laws that protect marine mammals, and more.
Introductions to groups include comparative size illustrations, discussion of behaviors particular to the group, and other unique features.
A useful illustrated glossary of terms and an index of species names complete the guide.
The National Audubon Society Guide to Marine Mammals of the World describes in fascinating detail all 120 species of the world's whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea lions, manatees, Marine and Sea Otters, and the Polar Bear. Organized by the four major groups of marine mammals—marine fissipeds, pinnipeds, cetaceans, and sirenians—the species descriptions
Full-color paintings, color photographs showing appearance in the wild and illustrating typical behaviors, life history data, range and habitat text and a full-color range map based on the most current information. Facts about social organization, surface behaviors, swimming, and diving. Information on mating behavior, breeding, and the rearing of young. Details about food items and foraging techniques. Estimates of population in the wild, plus current and historic threats.
A general introduction outlines the evolution and taxonomy of marine mammals, distribution, migration, watching guidelines, identification techniques, organizations and laws that protect marine mammals, and more.
Introductions to groups include comparative size illustrations, discussion of behaviors particular to the group, and other unique features.
A useful illustrated glossary of terms and an index of species names complete the guide.
528 pages, Paperback
First published April 2, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 16, 2010
This book is astounding. I usually refer to this as "my Bible", because of how much I reference it. As a cetacean stranding response volunteer, this book comes in handy more than I would like to admit. Its wonderful, anatomically correct illustrations have helped me identify some of the rarer species of cetacea, specifically the Ziphiidae family. It also includes specific lengths/weights, ranges, and behaviors of [most] species of marine mammal, which is very helpful at the necropsy lab, unless we send the animal off for DNA sampling. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in observing any marine mammals in the wild, and/or to people who have a strong passion/interest in them.
As a side note, this book is also very hardy (I personally have the softcover version) and I have had mine for over five years. It is still in great condition, even though I have tabbed and referenced the crap out of it.
As a side note, this book is also very hardy (I personally have the softcover version) and I have had mine for over five years. It is still in great condition, even though I have tabbed and referenced the crap out of it.
May 27, 2009
This is THE book if you want to be a marine bioligist. It is so full of information that it may get me through college.
June 14, 2021
I did not read this book cover to cover. I focused mostly on reading about the specific mammals I liked, or wanted to learn more about.
The sections on the whale and dolphins were, to me, some of the most interesting material in this book. Learning about their habitats, ranges, characteristics, social organization and more. This book also included maps showing the habitat of each animal.
The illustrations ranged from drawn, color, depictions of each mammal talked about, to photos. The detail in the drawings was extraordinary. Really bringing the creatures to life, and highlighting their features.
The text was very scientific, and at times could be dry, but overall I found this to be a fascinating book.
The sections on the whale and dolphins were, to me, some of the most interesting material in this book. Learning about their habitats, ranges, characteristics, social organization and more. This book also included maps showing the habitat of each animal.
The illustrations ranged from drawn, color, depictions of each mammal talked about, to photos. The detail in the drawings was extraordinary. Really bringing the creatures to life, and highlighting their features.
The text was very scientific, and at times could be dry, but overall I found this to be a fascinating book.
December 28, 2017
This is a fantastic guide and is illustrated perfectly. I read it even when I'm not trying to ID something.
August 4, 2019
Wonderful illustrative work to match the profiles of each species. A book I always return to when I want to marvel at some of the natural biological miracles in the world.
February 21, 2022
Easy to read
Good for children also
Good for children also
February 3, 2025
A lot of now dated info taxonomically speaking, but otherwise a great guide!
April 22, 2025
Who knew there were so many kinds of seals
June 10, 2026
Fantastic reference!
February 7, 2025
A wonderful overview over a variety of marine mammals. Though some sections per animal can be longer than others, and you're not going to get anything too terribly in-depth.
Currently Reading
January 18, 2011It's amazing how many different species of dolphins, whales, seals, and other marine mammals there are. I'm reading this book because i simply want to know more about the ocean deep.
August 2, 2011
Excellent guide to all marine mammals. Includes otters, polar bears, pinnipeds and cetaceans.
October 5, 2008
This is so good! (if you like animals)
June 13, 2011
It is an excellent reference work for marine mammals.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews