New Titles

 

1) Puan, Chong Leong et al.. Birds of Malaysia. 2020. Lynx/Birdlife International. Flexibound: 416 pages. Price: about $53.00 U.S.

PUBLISHER’S SUMMARY: Complementing the plates, maps and species texts, the book’s introduction describes the region’s landscapes, habitats and climate, and provides tips on birding in Malaysia and Singapore, along with brief details of 50 of the best sites to visit. Whether you are planning a comprehensive birding tour of the Peninsula and/or northern Borneo, or only to ‘escape’ for a few days while in Singapore, this new guide covers it all! This book also has over 1825 illustrations covering all species and distinctive subspecies, etc. Plus more than 775 full color range maps.

RECOMMENDATION: A must have for anyone birding Malaysia and Singapore!

2) Elliott, Andrew et al. (compilers). Mammals of South Asia. 2020. Lynx. Paperback: 173 pages. Price: about $33.00 U.S.

PUBLISHER’S SUMMARY: “Mammals of South Asia” covers Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, a region of tremendously diverse habitats and rich in large mammalian species. Whether you are planning a trip to the area or simply want to quickly learn about the 540 species that occur in the zone, this is the book for you!

RECOMMENDATION: A must have for anyone with an interest in the mammals of the region!

 

 

3) Seng, Lim Kim et al.. Birds of Malaysia and Singapore. 2020. Princeton University Press. Paperback: 396 pages. Price: $35.00 U.S.

PUBLISHER’S SUMMARY: This comprehensive field guide looks at all 829 officially recorded bird species of Malaysia and Singapore. More than 165 detailed color plates show plumage variation and identifying features, and for each species, key facts examine size, voice, range and status, habitat, specific country, and breeding. This book also includes information on taxonomy and nomenclature, an overview of geography and major habitats, key birdwatching sites with maps, and easy-to-use graphic indexes. This guide is essential for any naturalist interested in this region of the world.

• Features all 829 bird species of Malaysia and Singapore
• Includes 165 unique color plates
• Highlights facts on size, voice, range, status, habitat, country, and breeding
• Looks at taxonomy and nomenclature, geography, and key birding sites

RECOMMENDATION: When compared with the Lynx title above, this book is a little thicker but smaller, has 396 vs 416 pages respectively, and lacks range maps.

 

 

 

4) Castelló, José R. Felids and Hyenas of the World: Wildcats, Panthers, Lynx, Pumas, Ocelots, Caracals, and Relatives. 2020. Princeton University Press. Paperback: 280 pages. Price: $29.95 U.S.

PUBLISHER’S SUMMARY: From the Leopard Cat of Asia, the Black-footed Cat of Africa, and the Amur Tiger of Siberia to South America’s Ocelots and North America’s Bobcats, the wildcats known as felids are among the most fascinating and spectacular of all animals. This stunningly illustrated book is the most comprehensive and user-friendly guide to the world’s felids and their often misunderstood relative, the hyenas. Covering and illustrating every species and subspecies, the guide features more than 150 superb full-color plates that incorporate more than 600 photographs and show species in similar poses for quick and easy comparison. Drawing on the latest taxonomy and research, the facing-page species accounts provide distribution maps, common and scientific names, and detailed information on key identification features, distribution, behavior, reproduction, similar species, habitat, conservation status, and where to observe each species. An ideal field companion for use anywhere in the world, the book will appeal to both casual nature enthusiasts and seasoned professionals.

• Covers 41 felids and 4 hyenas―every species and subspecies in the world
• Features more than 150 color plates incorporating more than 600 photos
• Depicts species in similar poses for quick and easy comparisons
• Provides key identification information in detailed, facing-page species accounts
• Uses the latest taxonomy
• Includes easy-to-read distribution maps and tips on where to observe each species

RECOMMENDATION: A must have for anyone with an interest in wildcats and/or hyenas!

 

 

 

5) Kirkconnell, Arturo et al.. Photographic Guide to the Birds of Cuba. 2020. Comstock. Paperback: 384 pages. Price: $32.95 U.S.

PUBLISHER’S SUMMARY: Containing hundreds of stunning photographs by Yves-Jacques Rey-Millet, A Photographic Guide to the Birds of the Cuba provides full photographic coverage of every species on the Cuban list. Concise text for each species includes identification, similar species, voice, habitats and behavior, status and distribution, along with a map.

This guide is an essential companion for any birder or naturalist visiting this beautiful and bird-rich island. Cuba is now one of the most popular birding destinations in the world. Its rich avifauna includes 25 endemic species, and the island is also home to a range of regional scarcities and an important stopping point for migrants as they cross the Caribbean.

RECOMMENDATION: A must have for anyone birding Cuba!