Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises [Flexibound]

Mark Carwardine (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2002

This Gem explores and explains the world of whales and dolphins. Over 50 species of whale, dolphin and porpoise are illustrated with the author's own photographs. Aspects covered include: evolution; identification; biology; zoological categorization; feeding habits; and predators. The book answers commonly-asked questions, such as "how intelligent are dolphins?" and "should whales be kept in captivity?", and discusses the sensitive subject of whale conservation.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mark Cawardine is a zoologist, writer, photographer, consultant and broadcaster with a special interest in marine wildlife. He has written more than 40 books, including several bestsellers, and presents Nature and a wide variety of other natural history programmes on BBC Radio 4. A keen diver for many years, he leads shark and whale-watching holidays to many parts of the world and is an ardent supporter of several wildlife conservation organisations. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Flexibound: 256 pages
• Publisher: DK ADULT (May 15, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789489902
• ISBN-13: 978-0789489906
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #144,951 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #64 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Animals > Marine Life
  • #93 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Animals > Mammals

More About the Author

Mark Carwardine is a zoologist, writer, photographer, consultant and broadcaster with a special interest in marine wildlife. He has written more than 40 books, including several bestsellers, and presents a wide variety of natural history programmes on BBC Radio 4. A keen diver for many years, he leads shark and whale-watching holidays to many parts of the world and is an ardent supporter of several wildlife conservation organisations.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A WONDERFUL ADDITION FOR ANY NATURE REFERENCE LIBRARY, July 9, 2005

By 

One Tree in the Forest (Del Rio, Tennessee, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises (Flexibound)

This book is breathtaking. I had no idea there were 80 or more species of Cetaceans! While I may never have the opportunity to see any of these wonderful animals alive except in captivity, this book is a wonderful addition to my nature reference library. It is fascinating to read, and even scientists have not seen all of these cetaceans alive (some have been named by skeletal remains), or if they have reported seeing them alive, have possible doubts about the exact species observed. I will read this book over and over just because it is so fascinating. Beautifully illustrated, including maps of the individual species ranges. It also has an exact format, page to page, with clear, concise identification keys. Population numbers are shown where known, threats, habits, diet and habitat are also in a keyed format for each species represented. A wonderful book for anyone nature lovers, and especially good for children because so much information is provided about dwindling populations due to various types of assaults made on either the animals or their habitats by people. Even children who may not be able to clearly understand all of the text will find the pictures and the text that they can understand to be very enjoyable and educational. It is a book that most anyone will reach for again and again through the years!

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The field bible on marine mammals, July 2, 2004

By 

Bill Fulton (Sydney Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Whales & Dolphins (Collins Gem) (Paperback)

This book is universally recognised in the whale conservation world as the best of all field guides to whales, dolphins and porpoises. It has no peer for accuracy of information, and the drawings of species are the most reliable you can find. The organisation I am with, the Whale and Seal Foundation, gives a copy to every student in our marine mammal rescue workshop where we train government agencies and carer groups in whale rescue including species identification.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great book from Carwardine, December 27, 2000

By 

Darren Wong (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Whales & Dolphins (Collins Gem) (Paperback)

The amount of information packed into such a compact format is just amazing. There are chapters on whale biology, evolution, species identification (all 81 species listed) and even a mini guide to whale and dolphin watching around the globe! This is the book I carry with me whenever I go on a field trip (other than the DK guidebook which is not nearly as portable). Its small size means that it fits snugly in my cargo pockets. You might also like to know that this book features information found in DK's "Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises" and Nature Company's "Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises" guidebooks.