This book explores the history of carnivores by focusing on today's descendants and their early ancestors. There are more than 200 species of carnivore in existence which are more diverse than any other living group of vertebrates. The one feature which distinguishes carnivores from all other mammals is the carnassial tooth, designed for shearing meat, although, ironically, their survival has often depended on their ability to survive on diets other than meat. Nearly 40 million years ago the ancestors of two great dynasties of modern predators became divided. In a world dominated by forests the ancestors of the cat remained in the trees, and animals like the sabre-toothed tiger evolved into refined killers. The ancestors of the dog descended to the ground to feed in the clearings and later, with the opening up of the grassy plains and the prey available on these, the dog established its hunting terrain. The book helps to explain the extraordinary myths surrounding the hyena and its peculiar sexuality. It explores how bears, racoons and pandas as a group of carnivores have a truly omnivorous existence, addressing the question - can the vegetarian panda still be classified as a carnivore? The author also looks at the smaller carnivores of the mustella family with their incredible variation in size and lifestyle. They have developed to become both predators and prey and some, such as the skunk, have evolved elaborate defence mechanisms to deter predators. The various species of carnivore depend on each other for their survival, and it is an ironical fact that many skilled and powerful carnivores are more vulnerable than the prey they hunt - resulting in the establishment of intricate carnivore societies, like that of the meerkat.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Their teeth--specifically, a set of scissor-like back teeth, the carnassials--define the carnivores, all descended from one common ancestor. Today there are 236 species in eight families: cat, dog, bear, weasel, civet, raccoon, hyena and mongoose. Macdonald ( The Encyclopedia of Mammals ) escorts us through 60 million years of evolution to show how feeding habits and ecological circumstances have shaped the social behavior and adaptation of these animals. He treats each family separately, from the fossil records to the present, complete with family tree. The material is smoothly written and holds one's interest. A final chapter notes the vulnerability of the top predators due to shrinking habitat, loss of genetic variability and bad luck (fires, earthquakes). Macdonald believes that 17% of the carnivores are at risk of extinction.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
The Velvet Claw was written to accompany Macdonald's BBC television documentary by the same name. Containing stunning, full-color frames from the seven-part series, the book is a comprehensive yet readable history of the carnivores today and of those that roamed the earth before the advent of humans. Today's carnivores all descend along the cat and dog (or viverravine and vulpavine) branches of the carnivore family tree. So, much of the book is devoted to the evolution and modern social and diet practices of the two branches, from the tiger and lion to the two-pound black-footed cat, and from the gray wolf, coyote, and hyena to bears. Why the Giant Panda is a carnivore is clearly explained in the opening discussion of what classifies an animal as a carnivore--possession of scissorlike back teeth that slice through flesh. The interesting information on the diets and lifestyles of carnivores and their ancestors will be of great use in any library with a comprehensive animal collection. Caroline Paulison
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Absorbing drama of survival,
By
This review is from: The Velvet Claw: A Natural History of the Carnivores (Hardcover)
Dr. David MacDonald's "The Velvet Claw" is a well-organized, well-written, beautifully illustrated synthesis of the author's 20 years of professional involvement with carnivores.
Head of Oxford University's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, MacDonald begins with an overview of the carnivore's evolutionary rise then devotes a chapter to each of the eight families: civets and genets, cats, dogs, hyaenas, bears, raccoons and coatis, weasels and skunks, and mongooses. He traces the rise and fall of species (often by their teeth) and explores the drama of survival. When possible, MacDonald refers to anecdotal research from studies worldwide to illuminate behavior patterns, feeding and mating habits. His narrative style is engaging and informative and enhanced by the moments of high action captured in the color illustrations and photographs.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An elegant and enjoyable reading on carnivore evolution,
By A Customer
This review is from: The Velvet Claw: A Natural History of the Carnivores (Hardcover)
This is a very elegant and pleasant book about the ecology and evolution of this magnificent group of animals. Extraordinarily well based on scientific researches, it is written in an impeccable style, that resembles much more a capturing novel than the sometimes boring or elitist scientific literature. The author, one of the scientific leaders in carnivore research in the world, present us with this book a nice example on how to write and present science and its findings as the truly passionate activity that in fact it is. Do not hesitate in obtain a copy of this book if you can find one. It should be considered the possibility of asking the author and the editorial for a reprint.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Velvet Claw Rips,
This review is from: The Velvet Claw: A Natural History of the Carnivores (Hardcover)
Best little book on the natural history of carnivores I've read. I'm recommending it to my college professor for his Mammalogy class.
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