Manatees and Dugongs of the World (Worldlife Discovery Guides) [Hardcover]

Jeff Ripple (Author)

Book Description

Series: Worldlife Discovery Guides | Publication Date: January 2, 2000

Details the natural history of the four living species of sirenian, plus the extinct Stellar's Sea cow. Also devotes chapters to sirens in myth and tradition and to the protection of the sirenian.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The sirenians, as scientists call them, are familiar denizens of the world's subtropical waters, well known to visitors to the Red Sea, the Florida keys, and Australia. In ancient times, around the world, these creatures, the manatees and dugongs, were thought to bear a magical kinship to humans, giving rise to stories of mermaids and sirens. Surprisingly, writes marine biologist Jeff Ripple, little was known about the sirenians until the late 1940s, when Florida-based scientists began to study them closely. His book, well illustrated with large-format photographs by Doug Perrine, interprets these scientists' findings for a general audience. Ripple offers accounts of the behavior and life ways of the Trichechidae, the family that embraces the West Indian, Amazonian, and West African manatees, and of the Dugongidae, which includes the dugong and the now-extinct Steller's sea cow. He also describes conservation efforts that have been undertaken in recent years, with mixed results as populations of wild animals continue to decline around the world. To protect the remaining sirenians, Ripple writes, will require controversial measures, including restrictions on the development of waterfront land and on boating in manatee and dugong habitat. The time for such measures, he adds, is growing ever shorter. --Gregory McNamee

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up-Ripple's text is clear, readable, and packed with enough scientific data and conservation information to satisfy the needs of even insatiable fact collectors. Liberally enhanced by large, clear, full-color photos, the book is an excellent introduction to the four living types of sirenians, and also includes what information is known about the extinct Steller's sea cow. Subjects include the evolution of these specialized mammals, their habitats, social behavior, anatomy, diet, communication, and the pressures of human activities on their very existence. Ponderous, placid, and homely, sirenians have neither the charm of dolphins, nor the stately enormousness of whales, but are in as much danger of extinction as other aquatic mammals. The author covers measures being taken to protect these fragile populations. Range maps are included, as are guidelines for protecting these creatures, addresses of organizations involved in their conservation, and an extensive bibliography of scientific reports and journal articles. A useful, attractive volume on a timely topic.
Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Voyageur Press (January 2, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0896583937
• ISBN-13: 978-0896583931
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #876,284 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning and Comprehensive Guide to Mysterious Manatees, January 29, 2000

By 

Gay Courter (Crystal River, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Manatees and Dugongs of the World (Worldlife Discovery Guides) (Hardcover)

This is probably the most extensive work on the subject that will satisfy any level of interest from the browser to the academic. Not only are the photographs of luminous clarity, they capture defining moments in the manatees' life cycle. Even more unusual are the photographs of all the dugong species around the world, not only the ones found along the Florida coast. It is both a satisfying picture book for all ages as well as a useful reference work for anyone interested in this endangered marine mammal.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most comprehensive book for the public, December 9, 2004

By 

Caryn "Dr. C" (Fredericksburg, VA, United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Manatees and Dugongs of the World (Paperback)

As a manatee scientist and co-founder of Sirenian International, Inc. (http://www.sirenian.org), I would rate this beautifully illustrated introduction to manatees and dugongs of the world as "the best choice" for all reading levels at or above high school. I have purchased the hardback edition and also sell the softcover edition in our giftshop. Although the book has full color, absolutely georgeous images on almost every page, it is also a comprehensive and complete introduction to the Order Sirenia, which is comprised on only 4 extant, and endangered species around the world.

5.0 out of 5 stars great book!, January 3, 2007

By 

R. Davenport "Fiction fan" (Chugiak, Alaska) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Manatees and Dugongs of the World (Paperback)

This book has great pictures, good narrative and everything you would want in an educational book about manatees. It would be an excellent school or student resource, and is packed with lots of information and interesting facts. I recommend it for kids 8 and up to adults.