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The essential illustrated guide to the ingenious techniques that insects use to design and construct an astounding array of natural structures, from nests to shelters to trapsInsect Architecture takes you inside the amazing structures that insects build, from the paper galleries of yellowjacket wasps to elaborate termite mounds complete with royal chambers and air-conditioning systems. Each chapter focuses on a group of insect architects, describing the materials and methods they use while exploring the structures themselves in detail. Blending spectacular illustrations with illuminating case studies of representative species from around the world, this is the ultimate guide to insect artistry, innovation, and design.Features a wealth of color photos, explanatory diagrams and blueprints, step-by-step sequences, and visual spreadsCovers all major groups of insect architects and the broad array of structures they buildExplains how anatomy, life cycle, and habitat are the ingredients to extraordinary creationsProfiles the insect world’s most accomplished builders—from beetles, bees, and cicadas to moths, wasps, ants, and termitesDiscusses the ecological impacts of insect architectureReveals how insect builders have inspired human design innovations

The first photographic field guide to present the moths of western North America as they are found in nature, making it easy to use for novices and experts alikeWestern North America is home to a surprising array of moth species that come in a variety of colors and sizes. This richly illustrated field guide covers 1,900 of the most commonly occurring species in the region, from the United States–Mexico border north to Edmonton, Alberta, and central British Columbia. Images on the full-color plates are marked with arrows to help users quickly know the most important features to look for, while facing-page species accounts highlight these features and, when applicable, how they differ from those of similar species. Whether you are a beginning moth enthusiast or a seasoned observer in the field, Moths of Western North America is the ultimate photographic guide to these marvelous insects.Covers 1,900 of the most common species in western North AmericaFeatures more than 2,000 spectacular color photos of live specimens, at rest, including examples of variations and sexual dimorphism where presentSpecies accounts describe key identification features and include information on caterpillar host plants, the time of year in which adults may be found, and the probability of encountering each speciesIncludes a range map for each speciesProvides invaluable tips for newcomers on how to get started observing moths

The ultimate illustrated guide to elephants and their prehistoric relativesToday, only three species of elephants survive—the African savanna elephant, the African forest elephant, and Asian elephants. Yet the true scale of the proboscidean order, which includes living elephants and their extinct relatives, is far more expansive, spanning 60 million years of evolution and five continents. This book provides a comprehensive look at proboscidean biology and evolutionary history, describing the characteristics of every known species and revealing an incredible array of adaptations, from variations in tusks and trunks to specialized teeth. With stunning illustrations by Shu-yu Hsu, Elephants and Their Fossil Relatives is the essential reference guide to the most remarkable animals ever to walk the earth.Brings together all known elephant species and their fossil relatives in a single volumeCovers more than 230 extinct species ranging in size from creatures no larger than a chihuahua to colossal giants weighing up to three times the mass of modern elephantsFeatures hundreds of stunning full-color illustrations and cutting-edge 3D reconstructions—many restored for the first timeDelves into the biology and behavior of modern elephants, answering key questions about their anatomy, behavior, and profound impact on human cultureDraws on groundbreaking studies of ancient proteins, isotopes, and DNAA must-have for elephant lovers everywhere

Once common across most of the country, beavers were hunted to extinction in the sixteenth century, but have gradually been returning to Scottish waters. In this deeply personal account, Argaty's Tom Bowser tells of his attempts to save these incredible animals, and the gains that beavers ultimately brought to his family farm.

Recovering from surgery, Paul Clements and his wife, Felicity, spent a year in a remote cottage in the woodlands of Montalto Estate, Co. Down. Through the lens of a curious observer and a budding bird watcher, Clements describes in exquisite detail his discovery of the restorative power of nature. Beautifully written, A Year in the Woods is a fusion of social and cultural history, nature writing and memoir. Reflecting back on this magical year spent in the woods through the journal he kept, Clements describes his awakening to the wonder of the woodland and developing his deep connection to nature. Peppered with fascinating folklore and history, Clements celebrates the changing seasons, from harsh winter storms to dry languid summer evenings. Clements is a gifted writer, but it is his detailed and often humorous descriptions of the complexities of nature at his doorstep from the foibles and idiosyncrasies of various fauna, to his awe of nature's resilience to ever-changing weather conditions that ultimately captivates the reader.

THE NO. 1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING SERIESCANON DANIEL CLEMENT IS BACK...In the spring of 1990, we return to Champton, where the characters we've come to love are all aflutter as a glamorous movie set takes over the village. As the actors don their bonnets, gowns and crowns, a murder interrupts filming on set - and it's an ingenious murder . . . Can Daniel solve the mystery with help from his sidekick Detective Sergeant Neil Vanloo - even when things are so sticky between them?

Cats have a rich history throughout humankind and folklore is rife with examples of cat cunning and compassion. This gorgeously illustrated deck and guidebook brings the ancient practice of cat-worship to the hugely popular oracle deck and mysticism category following in the footsteps of Cat Tarot, Cats Rule the Earth Tarot, and Woodland Wardens.

Nature artist Jane Smith has been fascinated by wildlife communities and ecosystems her whole adult life. Starting from Argyll, she travels from the towering cliffs of St Kilda and the peatlands of Lewis to the Solway estuary and the urban sprawl of Glasgow - to explore the interaction of people and wildlife in a variety of diverse settings.

The best of contemporary nature writing from the winners of the second international Nature Chronicles Prize. Founded in 2020 to mark the global pandemic and serve those who witnessed it, The Nature Chronicles Prize is an international, English-language, biennial literary award for unique, essay-length non-fiction that responds to the time we are in and the natural world as it is. The prize is also a memorial to Prudence Scott, a lifelong nature diarist who died in 2019. Contained within this volume are the outstanding shortlisted entries for the second iteration of the prize. These winning works address the feelings of responsibility, anxiety and hope that come with living at this time on this planet, and celebrate the species we share the earth with - from insects to blue whales. Together, the essays represent the freshest, most exciting contemporary nature writing by emerging and established authors. The anthology is introduced by nature writer Marchelle Farrell, winner of the 2021 Nan Shepherd prize for nature writing.

Longlisted for the Wainwright Prize 2024 for Nature Writing????? The Telegraph'One of the most remarkable figures in British conservation.' The Observer'There have been several books on the fate of British wolves, but this is the best.' The Spectator'Beautifully crafted, fascinating and unbearably poignant, I totally loved this book.' Isabella Tree, author of Wilding'A dazzling romp through the turbulent history of wolves in Britain.' Lee Schofield, author of Wild Fell'Gow's anecdotes will leave you howling - and his historical detective work to track down the shadow of the wolf is as gripping as any thriller.' Guy Shrubsole, author of The Lost Rainforests of Britain'Gow reinvents what it means to be a guardian of the countryside.' GuardianAuthor of Bringing Back the Beaver and Britain's favourite maverick rewilder Derek Gow embarks on an adventure to uncover the mythology, mystery and history of wolves in Britain. Derek Gow's dream is that one day we will see the return of the wolf to Britain. Wolf rewilding projects have been successfully implemented across the world - so what is holding us back in the UK?Hunt for the Shadow Wolf is Derek's quest to uncover the true nature of this magnificent creature. As Derek worked to reintroduce the beaver, he began to hear stories of the wolf, both real and mythical, and his fascination with it grew. He pieced together fragments of information, stories and artefacts to reveal a shadowy creature that first walked proud through these lands and then was hunted to extinction. What Derek came to realise was that the underlying motives behind our hatred were actually rooted in power and profit. We turned the wolf into a savage beast and saw its extirpation as a civilising mission. But the wolf endured and Derek tells of his sightings through folklore and mythology, the records of grand estates and parish churches as well as wolf heads, both real and recreated. With bitingly funny but also tender stories, Hunt for the Shadow Wolf makes clear why we must reconcile our relationship with this majestic animal before we can begin to bring it back to these lands. 'Gow has a fire in his belly. We need more like him.' BBC Wildlife Magazine

The Merlin Falco columbarius is Europe's smallest falcon, and its breeding presence is often regarded as a key indicator of a healthy natural environment. A highly adaptable species, it displays a variety of intriguing and contrasting behaviours across its extensive Northern Hemisphere range. Frank Rennie has spent many years observing and researching the characteristics of this important raptor. His landmark volume brings together for the first time many important sources of information from Europe, Asia and North America to better explain the complex and adaptive nature of the Merlin, which make it such a fascinating bird to observe. The book provides in-depth coverage of the complex origins and behaviours of the Merlin, from its obscure fossil ancestors through to the contemporary challenges it faces from habitat destruction, environmental pollution and climate change. Close investigation of its hunting methods, habitat selection and breeding activities reveals some surprising regional differences that offer a new understanding of this critically important, elusive and quietly majestic indicator species.

"An immersive travelogue that crosses 46 North American territories to uncover the secrets of 7 magnificent shorebirds, the world's greatest nonstop travelers"--

Spaniels are some of the most popular dog breeds, fulfilling working and companion roles in society. While spaniels are typically sociable, outgoing, optimistic and friendly, they have retained many traits reflective of their working gundog origins, such as hunting, retrieving, speed and stamina. These remain essential for working Spaniels, but for Spaniels and their caregivers who find themselves in a more domestic situation, these traits can sometimes prove challenging. This book is an essential guide for anyone who lives with or is thinking about living with spaniels and wants to understand them more. Written by a canine scientist with decades of experience with cocker spaniels, this book explores the origin, care, management and training of spaniels. It considers how to develop a responsive and supportive relationship with your spaniel, and examines practical and fair training approaches to support health, welfare and behaviour in a clear and accessible way.

Brown bears are powerful symbols of wilderness, thriving in the vast, untamed ecosystems of Alaska's remote national parks. Brown Bears in Alaska's National Parks is a unique and thorough exploration of the conservation, ecology, and management of brown bears in these parks, including examinations of bear biology, human-bear interactions, population estimation methods, and the effects of climate change on bear populations.

An updated edition of the popular RSPB guide to interpreting the signs that animals leave behind.

Containing more than 1,600 photos and drawings, this magnificent handbook is the definitive guide to the tracks and signs of European animals.

Every day in my consulting room with a dog at my feet I have seen the very best that humanity has to offer and often in the very worst of circumstances.No matter where a family comes from, whether prince or pauper, when they come through the door, every single person has three things in common.   One, they love their dogs beyond anything that can be described in words. Two, they will do whatever it takes to help their friend.And three, they have all come to me for one thing and one thing only: hope. Dogs don’t care where we come from, and neither do I. My room is the great leveller.    From the sublime to the ridiculous, Professor Noel Fitzpatrick has seen it all in his veterinary practice. Dogs (and their humans): stories of healing and hope from the Supervet’s surgery is a funny, uplifting and at times heartbreaking celebration of our connection with our loyal canine friends.  Dogs allow us to be the very best we can be.

Over a year of walks through the fields, woods and wetlands near her home, Octavie Wolters shares her thoughts and worries with blackbirds and magpies, swallows and oystercatchers, and receives their wisdom in return. This Will Last Forever is a gorgeously illustrated memoir of a year in nature, a journey through the seasons and a reminder that comfort and enlightenment can be found in the everyday wonder of the wild world.