The Wild Cat Book
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Cats
With Photographs by Terry Whittaker
280 pages
|
137 color plates, 34 halftones
|
8 x 10
|
© 2014
- Contents
- Review Quotes
Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction
Panthera Lineage
Lion
Jaguar
Tiger
Snow Leopard
Leopard
Clouded Leopard
Bay Cat Lineage
Bay Cat
Marbled Cat
Asiatic Golden Cat
Caracal Lineage
Serval
Caracal
African Golden Cat
Ocelot Lineage
Ocelot
Margay
Geoffroy’s Cat
Guiña
Andean Cat
Oncilla
Pampas Cat
Lynx Lineage
Eurasian Lynx
Iberian Lynx
Canada Lynx
Bobcat
Puma Lineage
Cheetah
Puma
Jaguarundi
Leopard Cat Lineage
Pallas’s Cat
Fishing Cat
Leopard Cat
Flat-Headed Cat
Rusty-Spotted Cat
Domestic Cat Lineage
Domestic Cat
Black-Footed Cat
Wildcats
Sand Cat
Jungle Cat
Acknowledgments
Bibliography
Additional Readings
Illustration Credits
Index
Review Quotes
BBC Focus
“The cat family tree, DNA studies have shown, contains a total of thirty-seven species in eight related groups. All thirty-seven species are included here, complete with photos and maps showing the location of their natural habitats. Bizarrely, though, there’s no mention of lolcats. . .”
R. L. Smith, West Virginia University | Choice
“A definitive reference on the thirty-six 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. . . . Highly recommended.”
John L. Koprowski, University of Arizona | Quarterly Review of Biology
“The authors use a hyperabundance of color photographs to punctuate the pages of The Wild Cat Book. The images are bold, colorful, and large in size that result in a unique experience for readers and distinguish this volume from other treatments of the felids. The images are often incorporated into informational boxes within the account that address key topics, behaviors, or unique features of the species. For instance, the authors explore the significance of white tigers, why cats are obligate carnivores, the status of the jaguar in North America, and the use of livestock guard dogs to conserve cats. These half- to full-page insets explore an extremely diverse array of topics and provide great depth to the book and keep readers turning pages to see what topic will be included in the next species account. The Wild Cat Book appears at first glance to be a routine taxon-oriented treatment, but upon opening the volume, one is pleasantly surprised to find that it is more than a compilation of species accounts that serves solely as reference material. The text provides insight into what makes the Felidae unique and helps to explain our inordinate fondness with members of the family.”
Hannah Holt | Lightbulb Books
“After reading dozens of books about these powerful predators over the last six months, my children have finally discovered the Bible of wild cats. Gorgeous photos accompany this 280 page in-depth discussion of these fascinating creatures. If you have a child who is ready to make the jump from wild cat fan to major enthusiast, this is the book.”
George B. Schaller, Panthera and the Wildlife Conservation Society | author of "The Serengeti Lion: A Study of Predator-Prey Relations"
“Domestic cats are family members in millions of homes. To what extent do they still reflect their wild ancestors, species that range in size from the majestic tiger to the diminutive sand cat? Read The Wild Cat Book and find out. It is the most authoritative source on every kind of cat.”
Alan Rabinowitz, CEO of Panthera | author of "Life in the Valley of Death: The Fight to Save Tigers in a Land of Guns, Gold, and Greed"
"A beautifully illustrated and eminently readable book, The Wild Cat Book by Fiona and Mel Sunquist is the best primer out there to delve into the evolution, survival, and status of the world’s wild cats. Presenting the species according to their ancestral history, or lineages, the Sunquists share their extensive knowledge and experience to open up the remarkable and diverse world of cats in an interesting yet substantive manner. It is the rare book that could be used both as bedtime reading for a child, as well as a reference volume for a college student. This is such a book.”
Carole Baskin | CEO of Big Cat Rescue
“Wild Cats of the World had been the sanctuary’s favorite resource book for all things feline, but after reading The Wild Cat Book by Fiona and Mel Sunquist, I know we have a new favorite resource. The images are so stunning that it was hard to put the book down, but where it really stands out, from all other books about exotic cat species, is in the depth of research and thought that went into covering such issues as white lions, white tigers, ligers, and hybrids. This is a book that we will use and enjoy for years to come.”
Simon King (www.simonkingwildlife.com) | naturalist, broadcaster, and author
“The cats of the world are among the most captivating and charismatic of all creatures. From the mighty lion to the diminutive sand cat, each possesses the feline attributes of stealth, grace, and beauty. This marvelous book showcases the world’s cats in all their compelling diversity.”
James G. Sanderson, Small Wild Cat Conservation Foundation | coauthor of "Small Wild Cats: The Animal Answer Guide"
"While there are many books about cats, none are like this book. The Wild Cat Book is a pleasure to read. The authors’ enthusiasm and passion for cats comes through in almost every paragraph, and the book should appeal to the largest possible cross section of people. Enhanced with geographic distribution maps and many photographs, The Wild Cat Book is a comprehensive, interesting, enjoyable, and current review of all that we know about members of the great family of cats, the Felidae.”
For more information, or to order this book, please visit https://www.press.uchicago.edu
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Biological Sciences: Behavioral Biology | Conservation | Evolutionary Biology
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