Reviews
The result is a lovely book that sounds as though it would appeal primarily to scientists, but which offers inviting color photos and history that make it accessible to lay audiences both within Florida and outside the state.
Perusal of the numerous photographs located throughout the book is an enjoyable pastime. However, to do so, to treat this simply as a coffee-table book, would be a mistake; the photographs are striking and attractive, but the text relays interesting information about manatees and their management, an aspect of the book that should not be ignored.
With its large format and high-quality paper, allowing Wayne Lynch’s gorgeous images to shine, one could be forgiven for assuming this was a mere coffee table book – but that would be to do the excellent text a disservice.
If the image on the cover does not entice the reader, a look at page 50 surely will: it shows a manatee hugging a human diver. The book focuses on the beauty, grace and vulnerability of these herbivores, but it also covers other sea mammals and their habitats.
This book makes a valuable contribution to awareness of manatees and will be of interest to curious nature lovers, natural science students, and young scientists taking their first steps on their scientific career path.
This book is an indispensable resource for anyone desiring a general overview of the species as well as a future reference on protection measures for the group. Easily digestible for nonspecialists, this book is an excellent way to gain an accurate and updated picture of the current status of a charismatic species, the Florida manatee.
Book Details
1. From a Bluff on Guadeloupe
2. A Hodge-Podge of Adaptations
3. Evolution
4. The Stuff of Myths and Legends
5. Behavior and Ecology
6. Reproduction and Life History
7. Habitat Protection
8. Conservation
1. From a Bluff on Guadeloupe
2. A Hodge-Podge of Adaptations
3. Evolution
4. The Stuff of Myths and Legends
5. Behavior and Ecology
6. Reproduction and Life History
7. Habitat Protection
8. Conservation Threats
9. Conservation Solutions
Epilogue
Selected References and Further Reading
Index