Dogs have become an integral part of the lives of millions of people around the world - as working animals or simply as domestic pets - but their wild relatives are being pushed ever closer to extinction. The ancestor of the domestic dog, the grey wolf, has been eliminated from most of Europe and, in the USA, the red wolf's plight is such that it is currently the subject of an intensive captive-breeding and reintroduction program.
This book examines all members of the Canidae, showing where the existing 34 species are distributed, and how they have been affected by human pressures. David Alderton describes fully the form, function, reproduction, lifestyles and distribution of the wild canids. The text is illustrated throughout by superb color photographs, specially taken for this book. There are also clear distribution maps for every species, and a full checklist of the Canidae.
It is the ultimate irony that though we have accepted the domestic dog into our homes, we still generally perceive its ancestor as an evil killer. Such a lack of understanding is probably the greatest barrier to the effective conservation of wolves and other wild canids. Foxes, Wolves and Wild Dogs of the World breaks down these popular misconceptions and shows that positive action is needed to safeguard the future of wild canids.
The latest in the Of the World series (
Whales of the World, etc.), this book's first five chapters describe the physiology, reproduction, and evolution of the Canid family, which includes wolves, foxes, and dogs. The narrative is scholarly but understandable. Each time an animal is mentioned by its popular name, the scientific name follows in parentheses. Measurements are given first in metric, then in British Imperial units. Chapters 6-9 describe individual species by area of territory: Holarctic, including North America and Europe; Africa and the Middle East; Southern Asia and Australia; and South America. The range of a species is illustrated on a map. The narrative then describes the animal's distribution and habits. The text is beautifully illustrated with color photographs, often two on a two-page spread. They are placed appropriately and captioned.
The small type and scientific vocabulary mean this book is not suitable for elementary school children. The photographs represent only half of the species mentioned in the text. There should have been one photograph of each species described. A few of the pictures are blurry. This American edition keeps the original British spelling. There are no charts. Since the authors mention endangered species, conservation, and the CITES Treaty, charts of populations and changes would have been useful. But on the whole, this is an excellent volume and should be considered for purchase by most libraries, though for the circulating collection, rather than reference.
