The wild cat book /

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Bibliographic Details
Author / Creator:Sunquist, Fiona, author.
Imprint:Chicago ; London : University of Chicago Press, 2014.
©2014
Description:1 online resource
Language:English
Subject:
Format: E-Resource Book
URL for this record:http://pi.lib.uchicago.edu/1001/cat/bib/11236274
Hidden Bibliographic Details
Other authors / contributors:Sunquist, Melvin E., author.
Whittaker, Terry (Photographer), illustrator.
ISBN:9780226145761
022614576X
9781322168074
1322168075
9780226780269
0226780260
Notes:Includes bibliographical references and index.
Print version record.
Summary:"From the ancient Egyptian cat goddess, Bastet, to the prophet Muhammad's favorite cat, Muezza, and our contemporary obsession with online cat videos, felines have long held a place of honor in their human counterparts' homes and cultures. But the domestic cat is just one of many feline species, and in The Wild Cat Book cat experts Fiona and Mel Sunquist introduce us to the full panoply of the purring, roaring feline tribe. Illustrated throughout with Terry Whittaker's spectacular color photographs as well as unique photos from biologists in the field--some the highest quality images ever captured of exceptionally rare species--The Wild Cat Book not only tantalizes with the beauty of cats, but also serves as a valuable and accessible reference on cat behavior and conservation. Comprehensive entries for each of the thirty-seven cat species include color distribution maps and up-to-date information related to the species' IUCN conservation and management statuses, while informative sidebars reveal why male lions have manes (and why dark manes are sexiest), how cats see with their whiskers, the truth behind our obsession with white lions and tigers, and why cats can't be vegetarians. The Wild Cat Book also highlights the grave threats faced by the world's wild cats--from habitat destruction to human persecution. From the extraordinary acrobatics of the arboreal margay--able to cling to a tree branch by a single paw thanks to its unusually flexible ankles--to modern declines in African lion populations, The Wild Cat Book is an instructive and revealing ode to felines of every size and color. Combining science, behavioral observations, and stunning photography, this book will captivate cat fanciers the world over."
Other form:Print version: Sunquist, Fiona. Wild cat book 9780226780269
Standard no.:40024116368
Review by Choice Review

Fiona Sunquist (science writer) and Mel Sunquist (emer., wildlife ecology and conservation, Univ. of Florida, Gainesville) have written a definitive reference on the 36 species of wild cats of the world, some of which will be unfamiliar to many readers. The accounts of each species, accompanied by outstanding photographs and large distribution maps, are arranged in eight groups, from the largest cats in the oldest lineage, Panthera, through bay cat, caracal, ocelot, lynx, puma, leopard, and the most recent, the domestic cat lineages. Each account includes physical characteristics, range, habitat, social and hunting behavior, and other fascinating information not easily accessed elsewhere. Side boxes provide interesting insights into feline natural history outside of what is presented in the species accounts. An extensive bibliography for each species provides sources of additional information for interested readers. The clearly written text and attractive layout of photographs make this book a valuable resource for both academic and public libraries. See also the Sunquists' earlier work, Wild Cats of the World (CH, Mar'03, 40-4020). Summing Up: Highly recommended. All students and general readers. --Robert L. Smith, West Virginia University

Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review