Luigi Boitani

This guide consists mostly of annotated color pictures (over 500) with indications for each mammal of classification, description (including coloring differentials among young and adults), distribution, habitat, and behavior.

An introduction provides background on the origin and evolution of mammals, and general characteristics, as well as details about skin and hair, bone structure, teeth, digestive system, circulation and respiration, reproduction, the senses, and nervous system. The orders or mammals are given - mammals living today can be divided into 20 of them, and each is briefly discussed.

Then the actual “guide” begins, divided into five broad categories: Egg-layers, Marsupials, Insectivores, Flying Lemurs, Bats; Primates, Xenarthrans, Pangolins, Aardvark; Rabbits and Hares, Rodents; Whales and Dolphins, Carnivores including Seals; and Elephants, Hyraxes, Dugong and Manatee, Ungulates.

Finally, there is a glossary and bibliography.

This is a handy guide if not necessarily full of much detail.… (meer)