Abstract
This is an essential read for anyone who works with wild felids or even just has a fascination with them. Contributors include researchers, biologists, veterinarians and conservationists from around the world who have dedicated their lives to projects such as sequencing the feline genome and saving a species from extinction. Together, these people have brought us much of what we know about wild felids today. This enlightening, entertaining and informative volume is full of pictures of felids seen only in the wild, as many species are not even found in zoos.
The book is divided into three sections. The first section contains what the editors call ‘reviews’ — chapters that discuss matters such as what defines wild felids, evolution, genetic applications, ways of studying wild felids and diseases. In this section, all 36 species of wild felids are discussed briefly. Names, descriptions, geographical location and habitat are given. Many species are also represented with pictures. Evolutionary trees, even the relationship between spots, blotches and stripes, are explained. Adaptive hunting characteristics are discussed and related to domestic cats and humans. Diseases that are most commonly found in wild felids are described. The impact of disease on conservation and management strategies in wild populations is an especially interesting chapter for veterinarians, as there are many correlations to our own domestic practices, yet so many other issues, factors and diseases are described to make it captivating.
The second section consists of case studies. Each chapter details how a species has survived, been managed or has a unique situation. Some of these include problems between a species population and humans, a disease outbreak in a population, how similar species co-exist in the same area and future challenges for species. Each chapter is a story that makes the reader realize why so many of these species are endangered, as well as the planning and efforts that go into trying to manage and save these populations.
The final section is a conservation perspective — how people from different disciplines can, and do, work together and how it currently operates. Several conservation projects, such as the Jaguar Corridor Initiative, are covered in very basic detail. The difficulties experienced with restoring populations, educating people and long-standing traditions are discussed.
This is an easy-to-read book and fascinating for anyone with an interest in wild felids. Of particular usefulness to any veterinarian who deals with domestic cats is the section on functional morphology, hunting and feeding adaptations, and behaviors. For, if we do not understand how felids are designed then how are we to serve them as our patients?