Ecology and Conservation of the Sirenia

'... this book is a synthesis and communication tool for the ongoing work of hundreds of people, from field researchers in Florida or students in Australia to villagers in Senegal.' Oryx 'This volume will be a welcome addition to any reference library and particularly is recommended for the library of all conservation-minded students interested in this unique group of mammals.' Ecology 'At last we have a scholarly guide to the literature for 'the other marine mammals', the Sirenia ... This book provides an excellent summary of what we know, what is needed and what still needs to be learned. Hopefully it will help to prevent other sirenians from following Steller's sea cow ... to extinction. The value of the book is further enhanced by online appendices containing supplementary material in extensive tables, for example on food plants eaten and parasites hosted.' Marine Biology Research 'This is an essential reference for all serious workers on sirenians, as well as marine mammalogists and biologists in general who need authoritative, detailed, current, digestible information on this group of endangered species. It will stand for years to come as the definitive textbook on sirenians.' Journal of Mammalogy 'It is clear that this volume was a labor of love, and the result of substantial feedback from colleagues across many disciplines, over many years. The result is an accessible and rich summary that is worthwhile for anyone interested in the ecological history and fate of marine mammals.' The Quarterly Review of Biology 'This volume is the most complete single scholarly source on the subject of sirenian ecology and conservation, and is likely to be so for some time. It is an essential book for all professionals engaged in sirenian conservation or research activities, and will also be a welcome addition to the libraries of other marine mammalogists ... The efforts of sirenian researchers, managers, and conservationists will be greatly aided by the wealth of knowledge and wisdom contained in this volume.' Roger Reep, Marine Mammal Science '... provides pertinent and updated data ... will be an important reference in initiating further conservation efforts.' Mammalia '... both topical and timely..this book is eminently readable ... meets a high scientific standard, is clearly written, and is well illustrated ... It is suitable for a wide audience including researchers, resource managers, and policymakers, and will also appeal to the serious graduate student with an interest in marine mammal biology, conservation and management.' Stephen Benjamins, Biological Conservation 'It is evident from the size of the tome that they have provided detail for the reader that will exceed the greatest expectations. Not surprisingly, after reading this fascinating and comprehensively clear book, I am duly impressed, as you likely will be ... this book adds to a wealth of previous works in animal conservation, behaviour, ecology, effects of human impacts, genetics and population biology. This volume will be a welcome addition to any reference library and particularly is recommended for the library of al conservation-minded students interested in this unique group of mammals.' The Ecological Society of Americas ... this book is a synthesis and communication tool for the ongoing work of hundreds of people, from field researchers in Florida or students in Australia to villagers in Senegal. The aim is to provide a creative and practical way to sustain a healthy environment for these unique aquatic mammals, and for us all. Edita Magileviciute, Oryx Drs Helene Marsh, Thomas O'Shea, and John Reynolds represent over 100 years of research legacy through their commitment and dedication to advancing the understanding of these once little known representatives of a unique order of mammals. It is evident from the size of the tome that they have provided detail for the reader that will exceed the greatest expectations. Not surprisingly, after reading this fascinating and comprehensively clear book, I am duly impressed , as you will likely be. Robert Bonde, Ecology ... a most worth addition to the set. This book provides an excellent summary of what we know, what is needed and what still needs to be learned. Lawrence M. Dill, Marine Biology Research Helene Marsh, Tom O'Shea, and John Reynolds all stand in the 1st rank amoung the scores of workers who have contributed to our knowledge of the living sirenians during the past 35 years ... Each is distinguished by the quantity and quality of his or her original research and conservation efforts regarding these endangered marine mammals. No one alive or dead would be better qualified to synthesize the present state of that knowledge - especially because they are jointly responsbile for so much of it. We are fortunate to have from their hands this magisterial digest of what is known about the ecology and conservation of the sirenians. If the answer to your question on these topics isn't here, it probably isn't in the primary literature either. Daryl Domning, Journal of Mammalogy This volume is the most complete single scholarly source on the subject of sirenian ecology and conservation, and is likely to be so for some time. It is an essential book for all professionals engaged in sirenian conservation or research activities, and will also be a welcome addition to the libraries of other marine mammalogists. Roger Reep, Marine Mammal Science ... both topical and timely..this book is eminently readable ... meets a high scientific standard, is clearly written, and is well illustrated ... It is suitable for a wide audience including researchers, resource managers, and policymakers, and will also appeal to the serious graduate student with an interest in marine mammal biology, conservation and management. Stephen Benjamins, Biological Conservation It is evident from the size of the tome that they have provided detail for the reader that will exceed the greatest expectations. Not surprisingly, after reading this fascinating and comprehensively clear book, I am duly impressed, as you likely will be ... this book adds to a wealth of previous works in animal conservation, behaviour, ecology, effects of human impacts, genetics and population biology. This volume will be a welcome addition to any reference library and particularly is recommended for the library of al conservation-minded students interested in this unique group of mammals. The Ecological Society of Americas