Madagascar is home to one of the most remarkable assemblages of mammals on earth. Millions of years of isolation has resulted in the evolution of a suite of species that are exceptional for two major reasons. Firstly, every native non-volant species (approximately 210 species) is endemic. No other island or place on earth boasts such a combination of species richness and endemism. And secondly, these mammals have evolved an extraordinary diversity of body forms and lifestyles often displaying significant convergence with forms elsewhere but also at times evolving utterly unique features.
The Handbook of the Mammals of Madagascar describes all 217 native species, including bats, tenres, mice and lemurs, and a small number of introduced, non-native species. Species accounts are subdivided into sections covering description and identification, habitat and distribution (including distribution maps), behaviour and where to see. Over the past 15 years, major advances in research have been made into the island’s mammal fauna and species accounts include all the latest information.
Supporting chapters cover the island’s regions and habitats, threats to mammals, conservation and important mammal watching sites. There is also a section covering the bizarre extinct mammal fauna.
Throughout, the book is illustrated with exceptionally high-quality photographs, often of species rarely photographed previously.
By:
Nick Garbutt
Imprint: Bloomsbury Wildlife
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
ISBN: 9781472985934
ISBN 10: 1472985931
Pages: 448
Publication Date: 02 May 2023
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Acknowledgements Introduction How to Use the Handbook Biogeography How Did Mammals Arrive in Madagascar? Regions and Habitats of Madagascar Lowland Rainforest and Littoral Forest Mid-Elevation Montane Rainforest High-Elevation Montane Rainforest Sclerophyllous Forest and High Mountain Thicket Seasonal Humid Forest (Sambirano) Dry Deciduous Forest Subarid Thorn Scrub or Spiny Forest Mangroves Grasslands and Palm Savannahs THE MAMMALS OF MADAGASCAR Overview Taxonomy The Species Conundrum Classification of the Extant Mammals of Madagascar Tenrecs, Order Afrosoricida Family Tenrecidae Subfamily Tenrecinae Subfamily Geogalinae Subfamily Oryzorictinae Bats, Order Chiroptera Suborder Pteropodiformes (Yinpterochiroptera) Family Pteropodidae Family Rhinonycteridae Family Hipposideridae Suborder Vespertilioniformes (Yangoterochiroptera) Family Emballonuridae Family Nycteridae Family Myzopodidae Family Molossidae Family Miniopteridae Family Vespertilionidae Lemurs, Order Primates Infraorder Lemuriformes Family Cheirogaleidae Family Lepilemuridae Family Lemuridae Family Indriidae Infraorder Chiromyiformes Family Daubentoniidae Malagasy Carnivorans, Order Carnivora Family Eupleridae Subfamily Eupleriinae Subfamily Galidiinae Rodents, Order Rodentia Family Nesomyidae Subfamily Nesomyinae Non-Native Mammals Non-Native Rodents Old World Rats and Mice Non-Native Carnivorans True Civets Domestic Dogs Feral Cats Non-Native Insectivores Shrews Hoofed Mammals Wild Pigs Domestic Stock Deer Threats to Madagascar’s Mammals Habitat Loss and Fragmentation Habitat Degradation Mining Operations Hunting and Bushment The Illegal Pet Trade Intrusion by Non-Native Species Conservation and the Island’s Protected Areas Parks and Reserves Important Mammal Watching Sites Rainforest Areas Deciduous Forest Areas Spiny Forest Areas The Extinct Mammal Fauna Middle Jurassic Mammals Late Cretaceous Mammals Quaternary Mammals Order Bibymalagasia Order Afrosoricida Order Chiroptera Order Primates Infraorder Lemuriformes Order Carnivora Order Artiodactyla Order Rodentia Classification of Extinct Subfossil Mammals Glossary Species Checklists General Bibliography Photo Credits Index
Nick Garbutt is a well known authority on Madagascar's wildlife. He has observed the majority of the island's mammals in the wild - a claim only a handful of others can make. He is an award-winning wildlife photographer and talented artists, and contributes articles and photos to many publications including National Geographic, Africa Geographic and BBC Wildlife.
Reviews for Handbook of Mammals of Madagascar
Truly spectacular, an immense achievement. The photos are awesome and it's rare to see a guide book that is also so meticulous in providing available information on life history and biology. -- Dr PJ Stephenson A fascinating and beautifully illustrated book. A cherished resource. -- Dr David Krause
