Mammals Of California

From river otters and minks to bobcats, pikas, and flying squirrels, California boasts a diverse and intriguing fauna. But many of these animals can be secretive, shy, and nocturnal and observing them in the wild can be difficult. During the past two decades, the first edition of this popular guide introduced thousands to California's mammals by describing techniques for recognizing their presence, and when possible, methods for watching them in their natural habitats. Mammals of California is now completely revised and updated throughout, making it an ideal companion in the field or classroom.

* Includes 144 line drawings, 143 range maps, and 18 illustrated color plates

* Gives valuable overviews of mammal evolution, biology and anatomy, natural history, and conservation

* Features an expanded and updated section on diseases harbored by wild mammals that can affect humansand#151;including Lyme disease and Hanta virus

The most up to date, compact guide to California mammals. Illustrated in both black and white and color, Mammals of California is an essential companion for the outdoor enthusiast and professional scientist.

"Much information has accumulated about California mammals in the past decade, making a second edition of Mammals of California both timely and valuable. The volume serves an important and singular niche, given the growth in knowledge about the critters presented, as well as the increasingly negative impact habitat change is having on them. The text will be readily understandable by the amateur yet not condescending to the professional."and#151;James Patton, Professor of Zoology and Curator of Mammals, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California, Berkeley

E.W. Jameson, Jr., is Professor Emeritus of Zoology at the University of California, Davis, and author of Vertebrate Reproduction (1988) and Patterns of Vertebrate Biology (1981). Hans J. Peeters is Professor Emeritus of Biology and Zoology at Chabot College. His illustrations have appeared in Birds of North America (1997) as well as in several other bird guides, and he is author and illustrator of the forthcoming title Raptors of California (2005).

Acknowledgments

Maps

MAMMAL ECOLOGY

Introduction

Studying Mammals

Origins of Mammals

Reproduction

Social Groups

Population Fluctuations

Thermoregulation

Seasonal Dormancy

Senses

Migration and Movements

Mammals and California Society

Food of Mammals

Identification of Mammals

SPECIES ACCOUNTS

Marsupialia

Opossums (Didelphidae)

Insectivora

Shrews (Soricidae)

Moles (Talpidae)

Chiroptera

Flight

Echolocation

Reproduction

Leaf-nosed Bats (Phyllostomidae)

Vesper Bats (Vespertilionidae)

Free-tailed Bats (Molossidae)

Carnivora

Dogs, Foxes, and Allies (Canidae)

Bears (Ursidae)

Raccoons and Ringtails (Procyonidae)

Weasels, Marten, Skunks, and Allies (Mustelidae)

Cats (Felidae)

Pinnipeds (Pinnipedia)

Sea Lions or Eared Seals (Otariidae)

Seals (Phocidae)

Cetacea

Sperm Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises (Odontoceti)

Dolphins and Allies (Delphinidae)

Porpoises (Phocoenidae)

Sperm Whales (Physeteridae)

Beaked Whales (Ziphiidae)

Whalebone Whales or Baleen Whales (Mysticeti)

Gray Whale (Eschrichtidae)

Rorquals (Balaenopteridae)

Right Whales (Balaenidae)

Perissodactyla

Horses (Equidae)

Artiodactyla

Pigs (Suidae)

Deer (Cervidae)

Sheep, Goats, and Cattle (Bovidae)

Rodentia

Porcupine (Erethizontidae)

Mountain Beaver (Aplodontidae)

Squirrels (Sciuridae)

Beavers (Castoridae)

Jumping Mice (Dipodidae)

Pocket Gophers, Kangaroo Rats, Kangaroo Mice, and Pocket Mice (Geomyidae)

Rats, Mice, Voles, and Allies (Muridae)

Lagomorpha

Pikas (Ochotonidae)

Rabbits and Hares (Leporidae)

Glossary

References

Index