Part H Is for Hawk, part The Soul of an Octopus, The Book of Eels is both a meditation on the world's most elusive fish--the eel--and a reflection on the human condition

Remarkably little is known about the European eel, Anguilla anguilla. So little, in fact, that scientists and philosophers have, for centuries, been obsessed with what has become known as the eel question Where do eels come from? What are they? Are they fish or some other kind of creature altogether? Even today, in an age of advanced science, no one has ever seen eels mating or giving birth, and we still don't understand what drives them, after living for decades in freshwater, to swim great distances back to the ocean at the end of their lives. They remain a mystery.

Drawing on a breadth of research about eels in literature, history, and modern marine biology, as well as his own experience fishing for eels with his father, Patrik Svensson crafts a mesmerizing portrait of an unusual, utterly misunderstood, and completely captivating animal. In The Book of Eels, we meet renowned historical thinkers, from Aristotle to Sigmund Freud to Rachel Carson, for whom the eel was a singular obsession. And we meet the scientists who spearheaded the search for the eel's point of origin, including Danish marine biologist Johannes Schmidt, who led research efforts in the early twentieth century, catching thousands upon thousands of eels, in the hopes of proving their birthing grounds in the Sargasso Sea.

Blending memoir and nature writing at its best, Svensson's journey to understand the eel becomes an exploration of the human condition that delves into overarching issues about our roots and destiny, both as humans and as animals, and, ultimately, how to handle the biggest question of all: death. The result is a gripping and slippery narrative that will surprise and enchant.

A fun, pocket-size A-Z treasury about sharks, featuring fascinating, little-known facts and captivating illustrations

Sharkpedia is an entertaining and enlightening celebration of sharks featuring close to 100 entries, based on the latest knowledge and enriched by original illustrations. Avoiding tired factoids, shark authority Daniel Abel gives new bite to essential information about sharks, including their adaptations as top predators, 450-million-year evolution, behavioral complexity, ecological importance, existential threats, and often sensationalized appearances in popular culture, from Jaws to Shark Week.

The notion that sharks are insatiable killing machines is a toothless myth--yet the fear of shark attacks still holds on to many people like a set of locked jaws. Sharkpedia reveals that sharks are much less to be feared--and much more interesting, complicated, and important--than many realize. Filled with compelling stories, Sharkpedia debunks shark myths (for example, that sharks are large and coastal when in fact most are small and inhabit the deep sea), describes their lives (where and how long they live, how many offspring they have, what they eat, and how their bodies function), introduces a variety of iconic and obscure species (such as the Happy Eddie Shyshark), explores our love/hate relationship with sharks, and much more.

With charming drawings by leading shark artist Marc Dando, Sharkpedia is a scientific and cultural treasure trove that will leave you with new insights about these remarkable animals. Dive in!

• Features a cloth cover with an elaborate foil-stamped design

Lost Frogs and Hot Snakes reveals the thrills and travails that herpetologists experience when working with amphibians and reptiles in the wild. With essays from fifty field biologists, this volume, edited by Martha L. Crump, presents a multifaceted yet intimate look at life in pursuit of knowledge about the natural world.

From the beaches of Peru to the mountains of China, the stories in this collection place readers in the boots of field biologists as they watch, count, experiment, and survey. Some recall mishaps and misadventures--contending with leeches, dangling off a precipice while in a truck. Others tell of once-in-a-lifetime encounters--discovering a new frog species, spotting a rare snake. Together, these stories offer an understanding of what field biology is, what field biologists do, and how they go about doing it.

Written with candor, warmth, and a dash of humor, the stories in Lost Frogs and Hot Snakes will encourage readers to appreciate the value of engaging with nature and of the amphibians and reptiles so critical to the vitality of our planet.

Pacific salmon are of immense cultural, ecological and economic importance to the west coast of North America. They are the most commonly seen fish on the western side of North America but identifying among the seven species is difficult for most of their life stages. Two salmon researchers have worked extensively in the field with this iconic group of fish and have developed the first comprehensive field identification guide for Pacific salmon in a functional format. This guide presents information and identifying characteristics for the seven Pacific salmon species--sockeye, coho, Chinook, pink, chum, steelhead and coastal cutthroat--across five life stages, with strong emphasis on detailed and intuitive illustrations. This guide is an identification resource that includes natural history, life stage descriptions and conservation status of Pacific salmon and how to observe these fish in the wild. The identification portions are organized into five life stages: fry, smolt, post smolt, ocean adult and spawner. The many scientific illustrations for each species are drawn from real specimens representative of their species and life stage. Joseph Tomelleri, who drew all the brilliant illustrations in this book, painstakingly measured every part of each fish, counting every fin ray and row of scales while layering colour upon colour. In addition, dozens of photos show these fish in incredible detail.

Dangerous Snakes of Australia is an indispensable field guide to all 141 identified species of venomous elapid snakes on the continent. Through detailed species accounts, Mike Swan introduces readers to the physical features, habitat, behavior, and other distinctive characteristics of some of the most charismatic--and deadly--snakes in the world. The book additionally aims to further conservation efforts through providing important conservation information.

This easy-to-use volume features:
- Over 350 color photos, drawings, and range maps
- Coverage of both terrestrial and marine snakes
- Up-to-date descriptions of morphological features, habitats, behavior, and other natural history information
- Information on lethality, antivenoms, and the first aid treatment of snake bites
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ratings

Comprehensive and definitive, Dangerous Snakes of Australia is essential for both snake enthusiasts and professionals who are looking to learn more about and help protect these fascinating creatures.

With over 7,000 known species, frogs display a stunning array of forms and behaviors. A single gram of the toxin produced by the skin of the Golden Poison Frog can kill 100,000 people. Male Darwin's Frogs carry their tadpoles in their vocal sacs for sixty days before coughing them out into the world. The Wood Frogs of North America freeze every winter, reanimating in the spring from the glucose and urea that prevent cell collapse.

The Book of Frogs commemorates the diversity and magnificence of all of these creatures, and many more. Six hundred of nature's most fascinating frog species are displayed, with each entry including a distribution map, sketches of the frogs, species identification, natural history, and conservation status. Life-size color photos show the frogs at their actual size--including the colossal seven-pound Goliath Frog. Accessibly written by expert Tim Halliday and containing the most up-to-date information, The Book of Frogs will captivate both veteran researchers and amateur herpetologists.

As frogs increasingly make headlines for their troubling worldwide decline, the importance of these fascinating creatures to their ecosystems remains underappreciated. The Book of Frogs brings readers face to face with six hundred astonishingly unique and irreplaceable species that display a diverse array of adaptations to habitats that are under threat of destruction throughout the world.

Pocket Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Costa Rica introduces readers to all 470 amphibian and reptile species currently known to occur in the country. Drawing on thirty years of research and field study, Twan Leenders walks readers through the rich diversity of the country's herpetofauna--salamanders, frogs, crocodilians, turtles, lizards, snakes, and even the elusive, rarely seen caecilians. Numerous illustrations coupled with key field marks and copious pointers on how to distinguish similar looking species enable quick identification in the field.

This pocket guide features:
- 136 color plates and more than 700 photographs
- 48 black-and-white scientific illustrations
- Up-to-date species accounts and color-coded range maps
- ID boxes to help place individual species their appropriate category

Compact, richly illustrated, and written in a highly accessible manner, Pocket Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Costa Rica is a must-have reference for those familiar with or new to the world of tropical herpetology.

Herping is the observation of amphibians and reptiles for recreation or for the production of citizen science--the cold-blooded equivalent of birding. The Field Herping Guide: Finding Amphibians and Reptiles in the Wild is the first book to explore the fun and fascinating world of observing herpetofauna across North America. The natural world holds an amazing diversity of herps, some as close as our own backyards. This guidebook is geared toward new field herpers and uses proven methods from professional herpetologists Mike Pingleton and Joshua Holbrook.

The guide addresses basic questions new field herpers have about amphibians and reptiles: What do I need to know about their biology? Where do I look for them, and when? These topics are covered in a straightforward manner, with images, a glossary of essential terms, personal anecdotes, and informational vignettes that support the subject material.

TOPICS COVERED INCLUDE:
Getting Started
Understanding Herp Behavior
Finding Herps
Catching and Handling Herps
Safety in the Field
Ethics and Etiquette, Rights and Responsibilities
Classification, Taxonomy, and Species Identification
Citizen Science and Data Collection
Herp Photography
Social Aspects of Field Herping
A History of Field Herping

This profusely illustrated comprehensive key for identifying amphibians and reptiles from the continental United States and Canada incorporates a wealth of scientific findings.

Since the first edition was published in 1998 and the second in 2012, the number of currently recognized species of native amphibians and reptiles in the area covered by this key has increased from 545 to 634 to 685, and the number of established non-native species has increased from 39 to 58 to 67. The increase in native taxa reflects the dynamic nature of modern systematics and the use of new (especially molecular) techniques to elucidate relationships and redefine species boundaries. The increase in non-native species reflects the porosity of the North American borders when it comes to controlling animal imports.

The key is easy to use and illustrated with outstanding line drawings that show details of color patterns and structures used for identification. To accommodate the additional taxa, the number of line drawings in this third edition has increased from 257 to 279 to 295. In addition, nine maps illustrate the distributions of species that have been recognized since the publication of maps in the most recent editions of the Peterson Field Guides to the reptiles and amphibians of eastern, central, and western North America. A large number of annotations detail current taxonomic ambiguities or disagreements and the literature cited has been expanded. Collectively these features enhance opportunities to teach and learn the classification and identification of amphibians and reptiles in the continental United States and Canada.

First published in 1842, this vintage book contains part five of Charles Darwin's The Zoology of The Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, a fascinating and detailed account of the research he did whilst aboard the HMS Beagle between 1832 and 1836-work that played a key role in the conception of his scientific theories on evolution and natural selection. This part concentrates on the reptiles and amphibians that he encountered and studied around the world. Contents include: Alsodes Monticola, Amblyrynchus Cristatus, Ameiva Longicauda, Borborocaetes Bibronii, Bufo Chilensis, Centrura Flagellifer, Cyclodus Casuarinae, Cystignathus Georgianus, Diplolaemus Bibronii, etc. Charles Robert Darwin (1809 - 1882) was an English geologist, naturalist, and biologist most famous for his contributions to the science of evolution and his book On the Origin of Species (1859). Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with the original text and artwork.

Fish Physiology, Volume 40B recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary. The editors of the series have produced a total of 47 books (several volumes have two books) that contain almost 500 chapters since the inaugural volume published in 1969. Initial volumes were devoted to understanding the basic mechanisms and principles of fish physiology, with a focus on a few model species and some application to natural environmental conditions. Then, as the field better understood mechanisms, the approach was broadened to not only delve deeper into system physiology (e.g., chapters in early volumes were expanded to become books), but also interspecific differences in physiology.

Finally, as interspecific physiological mechanisms were further resolved, it became possible to discuss physiology in light of a changing world. Thus, physiology can now inform on conservation, sustainability and management, as exemplified with the most recent volumes. This anniversary issue celebrates the series by highlighting some of the very important early work in the field that was published in the series.

New Mexico is home to 165 species and subspecies of snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, toads, and salamanders. Some are ubiquitous and others are localized. If you want basic and reliable information on the lizard in your backyard or the snake you encountered on a hike in the mountains, this handy field guide is invaluable. Both complete and concise, it includes species accounts, maps, photographs, and black-and-white drawings to help you identify the species you have encountered. In addition to basic taxonomy and a glossary, the authors have included suggestions on field protocol and legalities, as well as useful information about the various herpetofauna habitats in the state.

The first book dedicated entirely to the fascinating ecology of the world's tortoises.

Tortoises of the World is the only book to offer a comprehensive exploration of the biology, natural history, and conservation of the fascinating family Testudinidae. Renowned reptile scientist George R. Zug and acclaimed science writer Devin A. Reese bring a wealth of research to life in this beautifully illustrated volume, the first dedicated wholly to tortoises.

Focusing on the diversity of the 47 known tortoise species and their evolution from ancestral turtles, this approachable and informative work explores:

- Tortoise adaptations, their unique body plan, and their behavioral ecology
- The odd anatomy and physiology that enables tortoises' life in shells
- Their resilience to extreme temperatures and aridity
- Tortoises' role as ecosystem engineers in the diverse habitats they occupy
- Their intricate life cycle, from mating rituals and nesting to the tenuous survival of eggs and hatchlings

Zug and Reese also examine the challenging nature of interactions between tortoises and humans while highlighting ongoing conservation efforts to secure their futures.

Absolutely captivating creatures, seahorses seem like a product of myth and imagination rather than of nature. They are small, elusive, and are named for their heads, which are shaped like miniature ponies with tiny snouts. They swim slowly upright by rapidly fanning their delicate dorsal fin, coil their tails to anchor themselves in a drift, and spend days in a dancing courtship. Afterward, it is the male who carries the female's eggs in his pouch and hatches the young. Seahorses are found worldwide, and they are highly sensitive to environmental destruction and disturbance, making them the flagship species for shallow-water habitat conservation. They are as ecologically important as they are beautiful.

Seahorses celebrates the remarkable variety of seahorse species as well as their exquisiteness. 57 species, including seadragons and pipefish, are presented in lush, life-size photographs alongside descriptive drawings, and each entry includes detailed and up-to-date information on natural history and conservation. Sara Lourie, a foremost expert on seahorse taxonomy, presents captivating stories of species that range from less than an inch to over a foot in height, while highlighting recent discoveries and ecological concerns. Accessibly written, but comprehensive in scope, this book will be a stunning and invaluable reference on seahorse evolution, biology, habitat, and behavior.

Masters of camouflage and rarely seen, seahorses continue to be a fascinating subject of active research. This visually rich and informative book is certain to become the authoritative guide to these charming and unusual wonders of the sea, beloved at aquariums the world over.

In this groundbreaking work Anthonie Cornelis Oudemans, explores the mysterious and elusive creature known as the great sea-serpent. Originally published in 1892, this book remains one of the most comprehensive and well-researched studies of sea serpents to date. Oudemans became immensely fascinated by this often enormous creature, and spent three years of intensive research before publishing his work.

He argues for the existence of a sea-serpent that can grow up to 60 feet long, which, according to the many recorded sightings, often resembles a prehistoric Plesiosaur. Oudemans relied on nearly 200 eyewitness accounts and many publications, and named the creature Megophias Megophias in Latin, in accordance with scientific convention. However, Oudemans' colleagues did not approve of his work on sea monsters, as they believed such creatures could not exist. Despite this, his work gained recognition posthumously. In the 1950s, Belgian biologist Bernard Heuvelmans rediscovered Oudemans' work and found in his sea-serpent the missing link in cryptozoology.

This new revised edition features a clear distinction between Oudemans' ongoing text and the many included eyewitness accounts, as well as all original images that have been cleaned up for clarity. Additionally, readers will find a Post Scriptum containing biographical information about the author and - as a bonus - the first English translation of Oudemans' original 1934 Dutch-language essay on the Loch Ness Monster.

WITH 82 ILLUSTRATIONS

En este libro, podemos comprender que una mascota es m s que un animal de compa a, la autora, Rosana lvarez, veterinaria especialista en etolog a cl nica, nos ense a que un gato es un ser que tiene su especial lenguaje para comunicarse, tambi n para manifestar sus necesidades, o reclamar determinadas situaciones. Tanto veterinarios, como propietarios de mascotas, se relacionan de forma habitual con los gatos, en unos casos cuando son llevados a la cl nica para cumplir con su calendario de vacunaci n, u otras necesidades veterinarias. Y en el caso de los propietarios, enfrent ndose al d a a d a. Como en toda convivencia, en ocasiones con los gatos, aparecen peque os problemas generados por una falta de comunicaci n y entendimiento entre las partes, es decir, entre los humanos y los gatos.Para ayudar a todos aquellos que se relacionan con los gatos nace este libro con el objetivo de mejorar la comunicaci n, y los cuidados en situaciones cotidianas con ese animal especial. La autora Rosana lvarez, especialista en medicina del comportamiento, dirige Etolia, un centro dedicado a la etolog a canina y felina. En este libro nos muestra la praxis para mejorar muchos tipos de situaciones habituales con los gatos. La ciencia de la Etolog a aparece como la herramienta que nos ayuda a comprender a nuestra mascota, ya se trate de un perro o un gato, y a entender cu l es el origen de su comportamiento, las causas que crean esa situaci n y las acciones que debemos emprender para ponerle fin de manera que podamos disfrutar mucho m s de ellos, y de nuestra vida en com n.

Advances in Agronomy, Volume 190, the latest release in this leading reference on agronomy, contains a variety of updates and highlights new advances in the field, each written by an international board of authors.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Raise Your Fish till Maturity

• Are you uncertain about why tilapia rearing is a worthwhile endeavor?
• Are you struggling to choose the right tilapia species for your setup?
• Are you finding it challenging to set up and manage a proper tilapia habitat?
• Are you confused about how to maintain optimal water quality and management for tilapia?
• Are you unsure how to properly feed and nurture your tilapia for their best growth?
• Are you dealing with issues related to tilapia health and disease management?
• Are you having trouble understanding and managing stress in your tilapia?
• Are you concerned about the economic and sustainable aspects of tilapia farming?
• Are you interested in learning about the latest trends and innovations in tilapia farming?

If so, then this book is for you.

Unlock the secrets to successful tilapia farming with Dr. Spencer Sean's comprehensive guide. The Ultimate Guide to Tilapia Farming is your essential resource for mastering every aspect of tilapia care, from initial setup to ensuring lifelong well-being. This meticulously crafted guide offers practical, step-by-step instructions on raising tilapia to maturity, making it perfect for both novice and experienced fish farmers.

In this all-encompassing manual, you'll discover:

• Detailed Breeding Techniques: Learn effective methods for breeding tilapia, maximizing your yield and enhancing fish quality.
• Nutritional Guidance: Ensure optimal growth and health with expert advice on feeding and nutrition.
• Health Management: Identify and manage common health issues to keep your fish thriving.
• Behavioral Insights: Understand tilapia behavior to improve their living conditions and productivity.
• Comprehensive Care Instructions: Benefit from practical tips on daily care and long-term maintenance for robust and resilient fish.

Whether you're starting a tilapia farming venture or seeking to optimize an existing one, this guide is an indispensable tool for achieving success. Don't miss out on the opportunity to elevate your tilapia farming practices and ensure a bountiful and sustainable operation.

Get your copy today and transform your tilapia farming journey with expert knowledge and actionable strategies!

Thought provoking, yet fun! Ideal for lovers of herpetofauna and the natural world. Think, play, relax and immerse!

• 8.5 x 11 with Large Print for Adults
• Original Puzzles Not found in Any Other Books
• Over 1,500 Herper Terms to Test Your Science Cred.
• Old School Illustrations to a Inspire Naturalist's Soul
• Not Too Easy, Not Too Hard

Each word list was curated by Author/Zoologist Nola Lee Kelsey with an eye to creating puzzles that are fun, educational and captivating for those with a passion for natural history. Zoology puzzles make a great supplement, reinforcing taxonomy and additional terminology, for those studying life science or a great gift for animal addicts in general.

First published in 1842, this vintage book contains part five of Charles Darwin's The Zoology of The Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle, a fascinating and detailed account of the research he did whilst aboard the HMS Beagle between 1832 and 1836-work that played a key role in the conception of his scientific theories on evolution and natural selection. This part concentrates on the reptiles and amphibians that he encountered and studied around the world. Contents include: Alsodes Monticola, Amblyrynchus Cristatus, Ameiva Longicauda, Borborocaetes Bibronii, Bufo Chilensis, Centrura Flagellifer, Cyclodus Casuarinae, Cystignathus Georgianus, Diplolaemus Bibronii, etc. Charles Robert Darwin (1809 - 1882) was an English geologist, naturalist, and biologist most famous for his contributions to the science of evolution and his book On the Origin of Species (1859). Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with the original text and artwork.