What if you could peer into the hidden lives of animals with the guidance of some of the world's most passionate and knowledgeable experts? Fauna, the living tapestry of animal life, holds mysteries that challenge how we see our planet and ourselves. Now, more than ever, understanding these creatures is vital—not just for science but for our shared future.
Figures like Emma Watson, known for her advocacy in animal welfare, and Jane Goodall, whose lifetime primate research revolutionized conservation, have championed books that reveal the intricate lives of our fellow Earth inhabitants. Their endorsements underscore the importance of stories that blend rigorous science with profound empathy, like Carl Safina’s Beyond Words which explores the emotional worlds of animals.
While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks for comprehending fauna, you might also consider creating a personalized Fauna book tailored to your interests, experience level, and goals. This approach builds on foundational insights to deliver precisely the knowledge you need about animal life and ecology.
Jane Goodall, renowned primatologist and conservationist, praises this book as one of the most scientifically important and artistically brilliant works on animal diversity. She highlights how Joel Sartore’s portraits captivate and inspire urgent action to protect endangered species. Her endorsement underscores the book’s power to move anyone deeply concerned about wildlife preservation. Alongside her, author David Quammen reflects on the emotional impact of Sartore’s photography, describing it as an experience of "deep heart and beauty" that compels us to face the realities animals endure on our changing planet.
“This is one of the most scientifically important—and artistically brilliant—books ever. You cannot see these sensitive portraits of the diversity of animals living on Planet Earth and not be entranced. Joel Sartore is an ambassador extraordinaire for the beleaguered animals of our planet and should receive a Nobel Prize.”
by Joel Sartore, Douglas Chadwick, Harrison Ford··You?
About the Author
Joel Sartore is a renowned photographer and a 30-year contributor to National Geographic magazine whose life mission is to create portraits of all animal species in human care; he has so far documented more than 16,000 species. His books include Photo Ark Vanishing, Photo Ark Wonders, Birds of the Photo Ark, and Photo Ark Insects. Sartore and his work have appeared on CBS Sunday Morning, the NBC Nightly News, NPR's Weekend Edition, as well as in a three-part PBS Nova documentary. He lives in Lincoln, Nebraska.
When Joel Sartore first embarked on his Photo Ark project, he set out to create intimate portraits of every animal species in human care, emphasizing those facing extinction. This book offers you a vivid visual journey through more than 6,000 species, accompanied by Douglas Chadwick's thoughtful narratives and Harrison Ford's inspiring foreword. You’ll gain insight into the diversity and fragility of life on Earth, seeing animals from the Florida grasshopper sparrow to the one-horned rhinoceros in a new light. It’s a compelling resource if you want to deepen your understanding of conservation challenges and the urgent need to preserve biodiversity. However, if you're seeking detailed scientific data or habitat-focused studies, this book leans more on photography and awareness than technical analysis.
Emma Watson, known for her activism and advocacy, highlights this book as a profound look into animal thoughts and feelings, reflecting her commitment to ethical treatment of animals. The author, Carl Safina, brings unmatched ecological expertise and a poetic voice to explore how animals experience emotions and social bonds. His background as a MacArthur Fellow and ecologist who spent years studying seabirds and wildlife policy informs the book’s rich narrative, making it a thoughtful examination of humanity's place among fauna.
Carl Safina’s lyrical non-fiction writing explores how humans are changing the living world, and what the changes mean for non-human beings and for us all. His work fuses scientific understanding, emotional connection, and a moral call to action. His writing has won a MacArthur “genius” prize; Pew, Guggenheim, and National Science Foundation Fellowships; book awards from Lannan Foundation, Orion Magazine, and the National Academies; and the John Burroughs, James Beard, and George Rabb medals. He grew up raising pigeons, training hawks and owls, and spending as many days and nights in the woods and on the water as he could. Safina’s studies of seabirds earned him a PhD in ecology from Rutgers University. He then spent a decade working to ban high-seas drift nets and to overhaul U.S. fishing policy before focusing mainly on writing. His writing appears in The New York Times, TIME, The Guardian, Audubon, Yale e360, and National Geographic, and online at Huffington Post, CNN, Medium, and elsewhere. His books include the classic, "Song for the Blue Ocean," and "Beyond Words; What Animals Think and Feel." Beyond Words has been adapted into a 2-volume young-reader's edition. Carl also has an illustrated children's book, "Nina Delmar and The Great Whale Rescue." His 2023 book is, "Alfie and Me: What Owls Know, What Humans Believe." Safina is now the first Endowed Professor for Nature and Humanity at Stony Brook University and is founding president of the not-for-profit Safina Center. He hosted the PBS series Saving the Ocean, which can be viewed free online. Carl lives on Long Island, New York with his wife Patricia and their dogs and feathered friends.
Carl Safina’s decades of ecological research and firsthand wildlife experiences shape this nuanced exploration of animal minds. Beyond Words invites you to witness the emotional lives of elephants in Kenya, wolves in Yellowstone, and killer whales in the Pacific Northwest, blending rigorous science with vivid storytelling. You’ll gain insight into animal consciousness, empathy, and social complexity, challenging traditional divides between humans and other species. This book suits anyone curious about animal psychology and the ethical implications of our relationship with fauna, offering rich examples like elephant family dynamics and orca social behaviors that reveal profound emotional depth.
This AI-created book on fauna is tailored to your unique interests and existing knowledge about animal life. By sharing your background, skill level, and specific fauna topics you want to explore, you receive a customized guide that matches your goals and curiosity. Personalizing your learning path through this book helps you grasp complex animal behaviors and ecological relationships more effectively. It’s like having a guided tour through the animal kingdom designed just for you.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
This tailored fauna book explores the vast diversity of animal life, focusing on your unique interests and knowledge level. It examines fundamental concepts of animal biology, behavior, and ecology while delving into specialized topics you choose, creating a learning journey that matches your background. By synthesizing global expert knowledge, this personalized guide reveals the intricate connections between species and their environments, making complex ecological interactions accessible and engaging. This book’s tailored approach ensures you engage deeply with fauna topics that matter most to you, enriching your understanding and appreciation of wildlife. Whether your focus is conservation, behavior, or species diversity, this book meets your goals with clarity and enthusiasm.
Publisher's Weekly, a leading voice in book reviews, praises this as a "gorgeous coffee table book of animal life across the planet" and calls it "a perfect reference guide, a delight to page through." Their endorsement carries weight given their expertise in evaluating nonfiction works, making this a compelling choice for anyone captivated by the animal kingdom. Their appreciation highlights how the book’s rich visuals and accessible facts transform it into more than just a picture book—it becomes an engaging educational tool. Booklist also notes its striking photography, confirming its appeal to both casual nature lovers and serious students alike.
by DK, Don E. Wilson, Smithsonian Institution··You?
About the Author
DK Publishing was founded in London in 1974 and is now the world's leading illustrated reference publisher and part of Penguin Random House, formed on July 1, 2013. DK publishes highly visual, photographic nonfiction for adults and children, and produces content for consumers in more than 87 countries and 62 languages, with offices in Delhi, London, Melbourne, Munich, New York, and Toronto. DK's aim is to inform, enrich, and entertain readers of all ages, and everything DK publishes, whether print or digital, embodies the unique DK design approach. DK brings unrivaled clarity to a wide range of topics with a unique combination of words and pictures, put together to spectacular effect. It has a reputation for innovation in design for both print and digital products. DK's adult range spans travel—including the award-winning DK Eyewitness Travel Guides—history, science, nature, sport, gardening, cookery, and parenting. DK's extensive children's list showcases a fantastic store of information for children, toddlers, and babies. DK covers everything from animals and the human body, to homework help and craft activities, together with an impressive list of licensing titles, including the bestselling LEGObooks.
DK Publishing, known for its visual nonfiction, teamed with Don E. Wilson and the Smithsonian Institution to create this expansive wildlife encyclopedia. You’ll gain detailed insights into animal species across continents, from Australia’s deserts to South America’s rainforests, supported by striking photography and accessible maps. Chapters offer profiles and ecological context, helping you understand biodiversity and animal behavior in various habitats. This book suits nature enthusiasts, biology students, and anyone curious about global fauna, providing a vivid exploration but not a deep scientific treatise for specialists.
Jared Diamond, a professor of geography at UCLA known for his work on evolution and human ecology, calls this handbook his go-to reference for bird biology. He appreciates how it offers a crystal-clear introduction to every aspect of birds, useful whether you’re a casual backyard watcher or a professional ornithologist. His endorsement reflects the book’s ability to bridge detailed science with accessible knowledge, making ornithology approachable. Alongside him, Scott Edwards, a Harvard zoology professor and curator of ornithology, highlights the book’s vivid color photos and up-to-date research insights, praising its balance between technical depth and readable presentation.
“This wonderful handbook provides a crystal-clear introduction to every fascinating aspect of bird biology. It will now be my own first reference source about birds, and it should be yours, too - regardless of whether you are a backyard bird watcher, a hard-core birder, or a professional ornithologist.”
Irby Lovette is the Fuller Professor of Ornithology at Cornell University, Associate Director for Academic Affairs at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Director of the Lab's Fuller Evolutionary Biology Program, and Curator of Genomics at the Cornell Museum of Vertebrates. He has authored more than 130 scientific publications on topics related to avian evolution, ecology, behavior, and conservation, along with numerous articles for the general public.
Irby J. Lovette and John W. Fitzpatrick bring decades of ornithological expertise from Cornell University to this extensive guide on bird biology. You’ll explore avian diversity, behavior, ecology, evolution, physiology, and conservation through richly illustrated chapters featuring species from around the world. The book unpacks complex scientific findings, like evolutionary adaptations and migratory patterns, in a way that suits both casual bird watchers and seasoned ornithologists. For example, the chapter on bird communication offers insights into calls and songs that can deepen your understanding during field observations. If you’re passionate about birds or working in ecology or conservation, this handbook equips you with knowledge to appreciate and protect avian life.
Selected by Forbes.com as one of 12 best bird books in 2016
Quentin Hardy, Head of Editorial at Google Cloud and former journalist for The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, discovered this book amid his deep interest in extinct species. He highlights the author's compelling argument that birds are not just descended from dinosaurs but are themselves dinosaurs, a shift that reshaped his understanding of evolution. Hardy tweeted, "The new extinct guys are really great. I loved this book: One of the author's great points: Birds are not descended from dinosaurs: They ARE dinosaurs, full of dinosaur features." This perspective enriches the way you view modern fauna and deepens appreciation for evolutionary links. Following Hardy's lead, The Washington Times also praised the book, comparing Brusatte's impact on dinosaur knowledge to iconic figures in other scientific fields.
Head of Editorial, Google Cloud, former journalist
“@kfury The new extinct guys are really great. I loved this book: One of the author's great points: Birds are not descended from dinosaurs: They ARE dinosaurs, full of dinosaur features.” (from X)
Steve Brusatte is a paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh and a specialist on the evolution of dinosaurs. He has traveled the world digging up dinosaurs, named over 15 new species (including the tyrannosaur 'Pinocchio rex'), and published ground-breaking studies on the origin and extinction of dinosaurs. He has a Bachelor's from the University of Chicago, a Master's from the University of Bristol, and a PhD from Columbia University. He appears frequently on television and his work is covered often by the popular press. He has written several books for children and the leading textbook Dinosaur Paleobiology. The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs is his first full-length book for adults. A native of Ottawa, Illinois, he now lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Steve Brusatte, a paleontologist with extensive field experience and over fifteen new dinosaur species discoveries, offers a vivid account of dinosaur evolution from their modest beginnings to their dominance and eventual extinction. You gain insight into their diversity, behaviors, and the latest scientific findings, such as feathered raptors and the link between dinosaurs and birds, illustrated through his engaging personal expedition stories. Chapters detail key periods like the Triassic dawn and the catastrophic end of the Cretaceous, grounding you in both the science and adventure of paleontology. This book suits anyone fascinated by prehistoric life or seeking a scientifically grounded narrative of Earth's ancient fauna.
This AI-created book on fauna conservation is tailored to your experience level and specific interests. You share your background, what aspects of fauna study you want to focus on, and your goals, and the book is crafted to help you develop practical skills and deep understanding. Because fauna study is wide-ranging and complex, having a tailored guide focuses your learning on what matters most to you, making progress more efficient and engaging. This personalized approach ensures you get exactly the knowledge and actions you need for real-world impact.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
This tailored book dives into the world of fauna study and conservation through a step-by-step, personalized approach that matches your unique background and goals. It explores essential concepts about animal behavior, habitats, and conservation challenges, while guiding you through practical actions to deepen your expertise rapidly. By focusing on your interests, this book reveals how to engage effectively with field research, species identification, and ecological impact assessment. It combines a rich synthesis of expert knowledge with a clear, customized pathway to help you accelerate your learning and make meaningful contributions to fauna conservation. This personalized guide is designed to transform your understanding and skills in just 30 days.
Marc Bekoff, a University of Colorado professor and expert in animal behavior, praises this book for its engaging presentation of cephalopods. His endorsement highlights the book's combination of scientific rigor and accessible storytelling. "Beautifully written and illustrated," Bekoff notes, reflecting how the book deepened his appreciation for these marine creatures. His expertise lends weight to the book's value for anyone curious about the complexities of ocean life and animal intelligence.
Danna Staaf is a science writer and educator with a PhD in marine biology. She spent six years studying Humboldt squid at Stanford University, and her first book, Squid Empire: The Rise and Fall of the Cephalopods, was named one of the best science books of the year by National Public Radio’s Science Friday.
Unlike most fauna books that focus broadly on marine animals, Danna Staaf offers a deep dive into cephalopods, revealing their surprising intelligence and ecological roles. Drawing on her marine biology PhD and six years studying Humboldt squid, Staaf organizes the book by marine habitats, presenting vivid profiles and stunning visuals that bring these creatures to life. You’ll gain insights into their behavior, adaptations, and life cycles, with chapters exploring everything from octopus camouflage to nautilus biology. This book suits anyone fascinated by marine ecosystems or looking to understand these enigmatic animals beyond surface-level facts.
Nature, a leading science publication, highlights this book’s blend of succinct scientific explanation and stunning imagery. Their vivid description captures the surreal beauty of jellyfish species like Desmonema glaciale and Physalia, emphasizing how Lisa-ann Gershwin’s expertise brings these marine drifters to life. This detailed natural history offers you a chance to see jellyfish beyond their common reputation and gain a fresh perspective on their evolutionary and ecological significance.
“One resembles an exquisitely ruffled and pleated confection of pale silk chiffon; another, a tangle of bioluminescent necklaces cascading from a bauble. Both marine drifters (Desmonema glaciale and Physalia) feature in jellyfish expert Gershwin’s absorbing coffee-table book on this transparent group with three evolutionary lineages. Succinct science is intercut with surreal portraiture — from the twinkling Santa's hat jellyfish (Periphylla periphylla) to the delicate blue by-the-wind sailor (Velella velella).”
Lisa-Ann Gershwin is director of the Australian Marine Stinger Advisory Services. She was awarded a Fulbright in 1998 for her studies on jellyfish blooms and evolution, and she has discovered over two hundred new species—including at least sixteen types of jellyfish that are highly dangerous, as well as a new species of dolphin.
When Lisa-ann Gershwin first began cataloging jellyfish, her deep expertise as director of the Australian Marine Stinger Advisory Services shaped a richly detailed portrait of these enigmatic creatures. You’ll uncover the biology, natural history, and ecological roles of fifty distinct species, illuminated by vivid photographs and up-to-date scientific insights. The book explores fascinating phenomena like the immortal jellyfish’s life cycle and the camouflage tactics of others, while also addressing how jellyfish populations signal broader oceanic changes. If you’re curious about marine life or environmental science, this book offers a precise, accessible dive into the world of jellyfish and their significance in our oceans.
Elizabeth Kolbert, Pulitzer Prize–winning author renowned for her work on environmental crises, highlights how this book deepens understanding of insects' pervasive role in human history. She notes, "Insects turn up everywhere, including throughout human history. Lively and engrossing, Edward Melillo's The Butterfly Effect shows that bugs matter every bit as much as generals and emperors." This perspective shifted her appreciation for the subtle but profound ways these creatures influence our world. Similarly, Charles Mann, correspondent for The Atlantic and Science, praises the book’s detailed exploration of insects’ impact on empires and art, emphasizing the surprising depth of their historical footprint.
Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Sixth Extinction
“Insects turn up everywhere, including throughout human history. Lively and engrossing, Edward Melillo's The Butterfly Effect shows that bugs matter every bit as much as generals and emperors.”
Edward D. Melillo is professor of history and environmental studies at Amherst College. He is the author of Strangers on Familiar Soil: Rediscovering the Chile-California Connection (2015), which won the Western History Association's 2016 Caughey Prize for the most distinguished book on the American West. He was awarded the Mellon New Directions Fellowship in 2017. He received his PhD and his MPhil from Yale University and his BA from Swarthmore College. He grew up in Falmouth, Massachusetts, and now lives in South Hadley, Massachusetts.
What happens when a historian skilled in environmental studies turns his gaze to insects? Edward D. Melillo, a professor at Amherst College, uncovers the surprising and often overlooked ways insects shape human civilization. You’ll discover how everyday items—from apples to violins—owe their existence to insect activity, and how these creatures underpin industries like fashion and medicine. Chapter by chapter, Melillo reveals how insects have influenced everything from agriculture to art, offering you a new perspective on their vital role. This book suits anyone fascinated by the hidden connections between nature and modern life, though those seeking a purely scientific entomology guide may find it less detailed.
The Daily Telegraph (London), a respected UK publication known for its authoritative wildlife coverage, highlights this memoir as "an enchanting memoir... Sheldrick and her pioneering game warden husband David have often been ahead of science in their understanding of African wildlife." Their endorsement reflects decades of observation and study, emphasizing how Daphne Sheldrick’s work reshaped approaches to elephant conservation. Smithsonian, a leading research institution, praises the author’s lifesaving efforts for orphaned elephants, acknowledging the deep commitment behind the story. These expert perspectives underscore the book’s blend of heartfelt narrative and conservation insight.
“An enchanting memoir...Sheldrick and her pioneering game warden husband David have often been ahead of science in their understanding of African wildlife. Five stars.”
Dame Daphne Sheldrick is a renowned conservationist and the founder of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants and rhinos. With a career spanning over six decades, she has been instrumental in wildlife conservation in Kenya, particularly in the Tsavo region. Her work has garnered international recognition, and she has authored several books detailing her experiences and the challenges faced in wildlife conservation. Daphne's passion for animals and her commitment to preserving their habitats have made her a leading figure in the field of conservation.
Daphne Sheldrick’s decades of hands-on experience in Kenya’s wildlife conservation shine through this memoir, blending heartfelt personal stories with practical insights into animal rehabilitation. You learn how she pioneered techniques for hand-rearing orphaned elephants and other wildlife, from developing specialized milk formulas to nurturing bonds that enable successful reintegration into the wild. The book offers vivid portraits of individual animals alongside Sheldrick’s efforts to combat poaching and preserve habitats, making it especially valuable for conservationists, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone interested in natural history. While it captures the emotional depth of these relationships, it also reveals the critical challenges of conservation work in Africa’s changing landscape.
Library Journal, a respected authority in literature reviews, highlights Julia Rothman's fifth 'Anatomy Series' title as a captivating exploration of wildlife anatomy. Their recommendation reflects the book's ability to draw readers back repeatedly, revealing new insights about wild animals with every visit. This endorsement underscores Rothman's skill in combining visual art with scientific detail, making the book a valuable resource for anyone fascinated by the natural world and animal biology.
“In her fifth 'Anatomy Series' title (after Ocean Anatomy), popular illustrator, author and columnist Rothman provides attractive, interest-pulling samples of information on many living things and aspects of their anatomy...This book, more than many like it, will entice readers to consult it over and over, consistently finding new information each time they do. Highly recommended for all libraries.”
Julia Rothman is a highly acclaimed contemporary illustrator and author of many best-selling books, including Nature Anatomy, Farm Anatomy, Ocean Anatomy, Food Anatomy, Nature Anatomy Notebook, and Wildlife Anatomy. Her illustrated column, Scratch, is featured biweekly in the Sunday New York Times. Julia has created illustrations and designs for L.L.Bean, MTA Arts & Design, Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel and more. She lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.
Julia Rothman, a Brooklyn-based illustrator known for her engaging visual storytelling, takes you on a journey through the unique anatomical features of wild animals across diverse habitats. You’ll learn to identify subtle distinctions, such as the difference between a panther and other big cats, and explore detailed breakdowns of creatures from lions to flying squirrels. The book’s rich illustrations paired with intriguing facts invite you to appreciate animal biology beyond textbooks, making it especially rewarding if you’re curious about zoology or wildlife art. Whether you’re an educator, artist, or wildlife enthusiast, this book offers fresh perspectives on animal anatomy that encourage repeated exploration.
Publisher's Weekly, a leading book review publication, highlights this book's inspirational accounts of conservation success, reflecting its deep expertise in evaluating meaningful environmental works. Their endorsement underscores how Jane Goodall’s narratives offer hope through tangible examples of species recovery. This perspective helps frame the book as both a scientific and emotional journey. Similarly, Booklist praises the blend of personal experience and research, emphasizing how the writing draws you into each story, enriching your understanding of animal conservation.
Jane Goodall's decades of hands-on research and conservation work led her to craft this engaging exploration of endangered species recovery. You learn vivid stories behind species like the California Condor and Black-Footed Ferret, gaining insight into both scientific efforts and habitat preservation challenges. The book’s blend of personal field experiences and scientific analysis offers a nuanced view of conservation’s complexities. If you're passionate about wildlife or involved in environmental science, this book provides both inspiration and a grounded understanding of how species can be saved from extinction.
Daniell W. Gotshall brings his 34 years of marine biology research and underwater photography experience to this guide, drawing on work with the California Department of Fish and Game and a deep passion for Pacific Coast marine ecosystems. His extensive scientific reports and photographic expertise underpin this concise yet rich reference to fishes and invertebrates of the Sea of Cortez. This book reflects decades of hands-on study and offers readers an authoritative lens into the region’s marine biodiversity.
Daniell W. Gotshall is a marine biologist with 34 years of research experience with The California Department of Fish and Game. He retired from the department in 1988. During his career, he conducted research on sport fishing, rockfish life history, shrimp, crabs, and baseline ecological underwater and intertidal communities. He is also a professional underwater photographer; his photos have appeared in numerous books, magazines, and newspapers, and have also been in displays at aquariums and museums. In 2007, he retired from diving and underwater photography. His publications include over 50 scientific reports on Pacific Coast fishes and invertebrates. He has also authored and co-authored eight books. Dan and his wife, Ann, for thirty years were co-owners of the publishing company Sea Challengers, Inc., which was based in Monterey, California.
What happens when decades of marine biology expertise meets the vibrant waters of the Sea of Cortez? Daniell W. Gotshall, a seasoned marine biologist with 34 years of research at the California Department of Fish and Game, developed this guide to capture the diversity of marine life from Baja California to Panama. You’ll find detailed descriptions and color photos of 189 fish species and 65 invertebrates, covering identification, habitat, and natural history notes that bring each creature to life. This book suits anyone eager to deepen their understanding of marine fauna, whether you’re a diver, snorkeler, or marine enthusiast looking to connect with underwater ecosystems.
Marc Bekoff, a respected expert on animal behavior at the University of Colorado, praises this book as a source of awe and joy, highlighting its ability to connect viewers of all ages with wild places through stunning photography. He reflects on how Mangelsen’s images invite you to imagine being present in these vanishing landscapes, delivering a powerful lesson about what "wild" truly means. The National Outdoor Book Awards also commend the volume’s exquisite quality and its role as a virtual gallery showcasing four decades of Mangelsen’s dedication to capturing nature’s beauty across continents.
“The Last Great Wild Places: Rewilding through photographs. When I look at the images it makes me feel good, and it's difficult to imagine that others will not share the same experience of awe and magnificence. While we won't be able to get back what we've lost, there still are plenty of awe-inspiring landscapes and animals who can fill our hearts and heads with joy. I hope The Last Great Wild Places enjoys a broad and global readership. It is perfect for people of all ages including youngsters. And, what's great about this book is that all one needs to do is look at and marvel at the photographs and imagine what it would be like to be there, as was Mr. Mangelsen. It also would be a valuable lesson to imagine what a tragedy it would be if, in the future, assembling a book like this would be impossible to do because the use of the word "wild" would be utterly and singularly misleading.”
by Thomas D. Mangelsen, Jane Goodall, Todd Wilkinson··You?
About the Author
Thomas D. Mangelsen is among the most distinguished natural history photographers in the world, and his honors include being named Conservation Photographer of the Year by Nature’s Best Photography. His work has been published widely, including in National Geographic and American Photo, as well as exhibited in museums and galleries. Todd Wilkinson is a professional journalist and the author of several books, including Last Stand: Ted Turner’s Quest to Save a Troubled Planet, and the critically acclaimed Science Under Siege: The Politicians’ War on Nature and Truth. Jane Goodall, known for her landmark chimpanzee study, is the most recognizable figure in conservation today.
When Thomas D. Mangelsen first set out to capture the wild, he aimed to preserve fleeting moments of nature’s raw beauty as climate change threatens these habitats. This volume chronicles his four decades photographing animals across seven continents, giving you intimate glimpses of elephants, polar bears, and more in their natural environments. You’ll gain insight not just into wildlife photography techniques but also the urgency of conservation through Mangelsen’s combined artistry and advocacy. Readers with a passion for nature and visual storytelling will find this book both inspiring and sobering, especially chapters featuring Arctic and African landscapes that highlight the planet’s fragility.
2015 National Outdoor Book Award Winner: Design & Artistic Merit
Best for primatology and scientific biography fans
Kirkus Reviews, a respected literary authority, highlights this book as "An accessible introduction to Goodall's, Fossey's and Galdikas' lives and work." Their endorsement carries weight for anyone serious about fauna and primatology because Kirkus consistently evaluates scientific literature with rigor. This graphic novel helped them see these primatologists not just as researchers but as passionate individuals whose work reshaped our understanding of primates. Following closely is Booklist, which praises the portrayal of these women as both dedicated and iconoclastic, noting the author's skill in sparking curiosity. Together, these voices underscore the book’s ability to engage and educate readers about primate science through vivid storytelling.
Jim Ottaviani has written fifteen (and counting) graphic novels about scientists. His books include Naturalist (with E.O. Wilson), Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier, Hawking, The Imitation Game, a biography of Alan Turing, Primates, about Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas; and Feynman, about the Nobel-prize winning physicist, artist, and raconteur. His books are New York Times bestsellers, have been translated into a dozen languages, and have received praise from publications ranging from Nature and Physics World to Entertainment Weekly and Variety. Jim lives in Michigan and comes to comics via careers in nuclear engineering and librarianship.
2013·144 pages·Primatology, Fauna, Field Research, Animal Behavior, Women In Science
What if everything you knew about primatology was filtered through the lens of three pioneering women scientists? Jim Ottaviani, drawing from his extensive background writing science graphic novels, brings you an engaging narrative of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas. You'll explore not only their groundbreaking fieldwork in primate behavior but also the personal challenges and scientific breakthroughs that shaped their careers, including Goodall's transformative observations of chimpanzees and Fossey's passionate defense of mountain gorillas. This book suits anyone curious about animal behavior, scientific discovery, or women's role in science history, offering both accessible storytelling and thoughtful detail.
Stephen A. Marshall is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Guelph with a prolific record of discovering hundreds of new insect taxa and more than 200 scientific publications. His expertise and extensive work at Canada's oldest insect collection uniquely position him to author this detailed guide on Hymenoptera. Living near the Grand River in Ontario, Marshall combines his academic rigor with a passion for field photography, resulting in a richly illustrated and authoritative volume that invites you into the fascinating world of wasps, bees, and ants.
Stephen A. Marshall is a Professor Emeritus at University of Guelph, Ontario. He has discovered hundreds of taxa new to science and published over 200 papers on insect systematics and biodiversity. When he is not working at the University of Guelph Insect Collection (Canada's oldest insect collection), he can usually be found in his bug-rich backyard on the banks of the Grand River near his hometown of Fergus, Ontario.
Stephen A. Marshall's decades of entomological research and fieldwork culminate in this expansive exploration of wasps, bees, and ants. You’ll find richly detailed photographic keys alongside thousands of vibrant images, mostly taken in the wild, that help identify and explain the lives of these insects. The book breaks down complex topics like kleptoparasitism and Hymenoptera’s interactions with plants, making them accessible whether you're a naturalist, student, or professional entomologist. With chapters devoted to the diversity of families and their behaviors, this work offers a deep dive into one of the largest orders of living creatures, blending scientific rigor with engaging storytelling.
Publisher's Weekly, a leading voice in literary critique, highlights Robert M. Sapolsky’s journey from a New York City boy fascinated by primates to a dedicated field scientist studying baboons in Kenya. Their review captures the humor and hardship Sapolsky faced, noting how this memoir mixes scientific observation with raw, personal experience. They describe his vivid encounters with baboons and African culture, sharing how the book deepened their appreciation for the complexities of primate behavior. "Few would relish a job requiring proficiency with a blowgun as well as a willingness to put up with parching heat, low pay and copious amounts of baboon shit," they write, underscoring the authentic, unfiltered nature of Sapolsky’s work.
“Few would relish a job requiring proficiency with a blowgun as well as a willingness to put up with parching heat, low pay and copious amounts of baboon shit. But for Sapolsky (The Trouble with Testosterone), a Stanford professor and MacArthur grant recipient, it was literally a dream come true. As a boy in New York City, he'd wanted to live in one of the African dioramas at the Museum of Natural History. One week after graduating from Harvard in the mid-1970s, he got his chance: he went to Kenya to study social behavior in baboons. Hilariously unprepared for the challenges of living in the bush, the naïve grad student learned to deal with supply and transportation snafus, army ants and giant cockroaches, safari tourists, dinners of canned spaghetti coated with a mixture of sugar and rancid camel's milk, and surreal government bureaucracies. He developed great fondness for 'his' baboons, whose behavior seemed uncannily like that of a bunch of quarrelsome human adolescents, and discovered that their interactions didn't necessarily conform to accepted theories. While Sapolsky's primate observations are always fascinating, his thoughts on Africa and Africans are even more compelling. As funny and irreverent as a good ol' boy regaling his friends with vacation-from-hell stories, Sapolsky can also be disarmingly emotional as in his clear-headed tribute to late gorilla researcher Dian Fossey, and his final chapters, which reveal his rage and impotence as he watched his baboons succumb to a horrific plague. Filled with cynicism and awe, passion and humor, this memoir is both an absorbing account of a young man's growing maturity and a tribute to the continent that, despite its troubles and extremes, held him in its thrall.”
Robert M. Sapolsky is a renowned biologist and author, known for his work in neuroscience and primatology. He has spent over three decades studying baboons in the Serengeti, blending scientific research with personal anecdotes. His engaging writing style and ability to convey complex scientific concepts have made him a prominent figure in popular science literature.
What started as a youthful fascination with primates led Robert M. Sapolsky to immerse himself in the harsh realities of African savanna life, blending rigorous scientific inquiry with vivid storytelling. You gain an insider's view of baboon social behavior through Sapolsky's firsthand experiences, including the challenges of fieldwork like navigating supply issues and unexpected dangers. Chapters recounting interactions with the Masai people and reflections on primate stress physiology enrich your understanding beyond typical animal behavior narratives. This memoir suits anyone intrigued by primatology, animal behavior, or those curious about the intersection of science and human-like social complexity in wildlife.
John Vaillant is the author of The Golden Spruce and a contributor to The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and National Geographic. Living in Vancouver, British Columbia, he draws on his extensive experience to illuminate the fierce and fragile relationship between humans and the Siberian tiger. His background in narrative nonfiction equips him to bring this remote wilderness and its inhabitants to life, providing you with a gripping and thoughtful look at survival in one of the world's most challenging environments.
John Vaillant is the author of The Golden Spruce and has written for The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and National Geographic. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.
What happens when meticulous storytelling meets the wild Siberian taiga? John Vaillant, an accomplished journalist familiar with natural narratives, crafts a tense, vivid account of a man-eating tiger’s rampage in 1997 Russia. You’ll gain insight into the delicate balance between humans and apex predators, exploring native tribal traditions, the impact of poaching, and evolutionary theories about coexistence. The book navigates through raw tracking expeditions and cultural history alike, offering a nuanced perspective on survival and nature’s complex web. It suits anyone curious about wildlife behavior, environmental challenges, or gripping true-life suspense in an unforgiving setting.
Joel Sartore is a photographer and author with three decades at National Geographic and was named 2018 National Geographic Explorer of the Year. Driven by his mission to photograph every animal species under human care, his Photo Ark project sheds light on creatures at risk of extinction. Sartore's deep expertise and commitment offer you a rare window into the lives of endangered animals through vivid portraits and compelling stories of conservation.
Joel Sartore is a photographer, author, and 30-year contributor to National Geographic magazine, named 2018 National Geographic Explorer of the Year. Through his National Geographic Photo Ark project, he plans to photograph every species of animal under human care, an estimated 12,000. A three-part PBS/Nova special, 'Rare,' featured his project in 2017. His 'Fundamentals of Photography' is the best-selling offering of all The Great Courses, and he is a frequent guest on CBS Sunday Morning.
Joel Sartore's decades of experience as a National Geographic photographer culminate in this striking volume capturing the world's most vulnerable animals. You encounter species teetering on extinction, immortalized through Sartore's intimate portraits that reveal both the fragility and resilience of these creatures. Chapters highlight animals like the Sumatran rhinoceros and Salt Creek tiger beetle, offering insights into conservation efforts and the human dedication behind their survival. This book suits anyone passionate about wildlife preservation, photography, or natural history, providing a visual and factual journey into endangered fauna you won't find elsewhere.
Named 2018 National Geographic Explorer of the Year
Featured in PBS/Nova special 'Rare'
Best-selling author of Fundamentals of Photography
Toni K. Ruth is Executive Director of Salmon Valley Stewardship in Salmon, Idaho, whose extensive 28-year career as a wildlife research scientist includes pivotal studies on cougar populations across the American West. Her work with the Selway Institute, Hornocker Wildlife Institute, and the Wildlife Conservation Society laid the foundation for this in-depth exploration of cougar ecology during wolf restoration in Yellowstone. This book reflects her unique qualifications and decades of field research, providing an authoritative perspective on carnivore interactions and conservation challenges in large national parks and beyond.
by Toni K. Ruth, Polly C. Buotte, Maurice G. Hornocker, L. David Mech··You?
About the Author
Toni K. Ruth is Executive Director of Salmon Valley Stewardship in Salmon, Idaho. She worked as a Wildlife Research Scientist with the Selway Institute, Hornocker Wildlife Institute, and the Wildlife Conservation Society, which supported the fifteen-year Yellowstone cougar work. During a twenty-eight-year research career, she studied cougar populations in Texas, New Mexico, Montana, and Idaho.
Drawing from a rich background as a wildlife research scientist and executive director at Salmon Valley Stewardship, Toni K. Ruth brings unparalleled expertise to the study of cougars in Yellowstone. This book delves into the intricate relationships between cougars and wolves, exploring how wolf restoration has reshaped cougar ecology in one of America's vast national parks. You’ll gain detailed insights into carnivore competition, population dynamics, and ecosystem management, especially through chapters analyzing multi-species interactions and conservation strategies. If you're involved in wildlife management or conservation, this is a focused resource for understanding predator coexistence in human-impacted landscapes.
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Conclusion
This carefully chosen collection of 19 books reveals the many facets of fauna—from the vivid portraits of endangered species in National Geographic The Photo Ark to the detailed study of bird biology in Cornell’s Handbook of Bird Biology. Across these pages, themes of conservation urgency, scientific discovery, and the emotional depth of animal lives emerge strongly.
If you’re just beginning your journey into fauna, start with accessible guides like Wildlife of the World or Primates to build a broad understanding. For focused expertise or rapid application, pairing Hope for Animals and Their World with Wildlife Anatomy offers both conservation inspiration and biological detail. Those seeking immersive storytelling will find A Primate's Memoir and The Tiger compelling narratives that bring animal behavior to life.
Alternatively, you can create a personalized Fauna book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. Whether your passion lies in marine life, insects, or mammals, these books can help you accelerate your learning journey and deepen your connection with the natural world.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with Wildlife of the World for a broad overview, or Handbook of Bird Biology if birds interest you. These provide solid foundations before diving into specialized topics.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to Fauna?
Many books like Primates and Love, Life, and Elephants are approachable for newcomers, blending storytelling with science to engage readers at all levels.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with general guides, then explore specialized subjects. For example, follow National Geographic The Photo Ark with Beyond Words to deepen your understanding of animal behavior.
Should I start with the newest book or a classic?
A mix works best. Newer titles like The Lives of Octopuses and Their Relatives offer fresh insights, while classics like Hope for Animals and Their World provide timeless conservation lessons.
Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?
Choose based on interest and goals. Each book offers unique value—picking a few that resonate will still enrich your fauna knowledge significantly.
How can I get fauna knowledge tailored to my specific interests and background?
Personalized books complement expert titles by focusing precisely on your needs and goals, bridging broad knowledge with your unique context. Explore creating a personalized Fauna book for a custom approach.
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