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Whales, Dolphins And Seals
Mammal completism
The publisher claims that Whales, Dolphins And Seals is the first complete field guide to the world's marine mammals and I have no reason to doubt it. 'Field guide' means a book with a robust cover and sized to fit in a biggish pocket. Then it's always available just in case you see so many different mammals each day that you're in danger of getting confused.
In reality most of us would consider ourselves lucky to see one or two such species on a trip, usually from a boat, but you can be sure that whatever it is you see, from Arctocephalus australis (fur seal) to Zalophus californianus (sea-lion), you'll find it here. Then you can whip out your field guide and share all the many details with your companions on the boat!
This is a beautifully produced book, lavishly illustrated with nearly 1000 well-annotated drawings, colour photographs and maps.
It's heartening in a way to see that there are still so many species out there (129 in all), even though so many populations have dwindled.
If you're into marine mammals, you'll enjoy this whether out in the field or in front of the fire.
Steve Weinman
Whales, Dolphins And Seals by Hadoram Shirihai & Brett Jarrett (A&C Black. ISBN 9780713670370 (Softback, 384pp, ?12.99)
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