New Titles

                                                                              
1) Altringham, John D.. Bats: From Evolution to Conservation (2nd edition). 2011. Oxford University Press. Paperback: 324 pages. Price: $58.50 U.S.

SUMMARY: Bats are highly charismatic and popular animals that are not only fascinating in their own right, but illustrate most of the topical and important concepts and issues in mammalian biology. This book covers the key aspects of bat biology, including evolution, flight, echolocation, hibernation, reproduction, feeding and roosting ecology, social behaviour, migration, population and community ecology, biogeography, and conservation.
     This new edition is fully updated and greatly expanded throughout, maintaining the depth and scientific rigour of the first edition. It is written with infectious enthusiasm, and beautifully illustrated with drawings and colour photographs. This book features:

*Written in an accessible style by an authority in the field
*Builds on the reputation of the first edition, providing a fully revised, comprehensive, and affordable successor
*Incorporates recent advances in the application of molecular research in ecology, behaviour, evolution, and population genetics
*Includes a major new chapter on conservation
*Puts bat studies into the wider context of mammalian evolution, diversity, ecology, and conservation
*Includes a set of stunning colour plates of photographs of bats from around the world, and numerous   attractive and detailed drawings
*Updated throughout - 60% of the text is new and 35% of the illustrations
*New chapters reflect major developments in the use of genetics, and major advances in our understanding of social behaviour, community ecology, macroecology, biogeography, and conservation
*Includes a new 8 page colour plate section, with stunning photographs of bat species from around the world

RECOMMENDATION: A must have for bat biologists!

                                                                               
2) Arlott, Norman. Birds of North America and Greenland. 2011. Princeton University Press. Paperback: 239 pages. Price: 15.95 U.S.

SUMMARY: The Nearctic region, which spans most of North America, including Canada and Greenland, is home to an incredibly rich diversity of birdlife. This illustrated guide covers more than 900 bird species yet is succinct, compact, and easy to use, making it the essential companion for birders and travelers alike.

     Birds of North America and Greenland features 102 stunning color plates that depict every species and every type of plumage in males, females, and juveniles. Concise species accounts describe key identification features, with information on habitat, songs, and calls. This field-ready guide also includes color distribution maps. This book features:

*Covers more than 900 bird species found in the Nearctic region
*Features 102 stunning color plates that depict every species
*Includes concise species accounts and color distribution maps
*Succinct, compact, and easy to use

RECOMMENDATION: Best for casual birders.