Mammalian predators are keystone species in any ecosystem. But many are elusive by nature and have territories that cover large areas of land, which makes them challenging to monitor. When tracks and signs prove difficult to interpret or are non-existent, hair samples recovered from the field offer a fantastic resource - one that is often ......
This book describes the natural and cultural history of an iconic and unusual woodpecker - a species that nests in tree cavities but which forages mostly on the ground. The Green Woodpecker, known in folk English as the Yaffle, is afforded comprehensive coverage in this work, with information on its origins, taxonomy, anatomy, appearance, moult, ......
The almost unnaturally bright light of the Glow-worm has puzzled, charmed and fascinated generations of poets, artists, scientists and nature lovers. But now, this enigmatic species is in decline and under threat. This book describes the life of Lampyris noctiluca, how it feeds, grows, defends itself and breeds; its natural enemies, its ......
Why is life so diverse? Why are there so many different species? This book explores the origins of biodiversity, its evolution and its continuation, as well as the impact that humans are having on this natural heritage. Richly illustrated, accessible and engaging, The Game of Species is structured like the instruction manual for a board game ......
Beavers are widely recognised as a keystone species which play a pivotal role in riparian ecology. Their tree felling and dam building behaviours coupled with a suite of other activities create a wealth of living opportunities that are exploited by a range of other species. Numerous scientific studies demonstrate that beaver-generated living ......
Beavers are widely recognised as a keystone species which play a pivotal role in riparian ecology. Their tree felling and dam building behaviours coupled with a suite of other activities create a wealth of living opportunities that are exploited by a range of other species. Numerous scientific studies demonstrate that beaver-generated living ......
The Eurasian beaver was near extinction at the start of the twentieth century, hunted across Europe for its fur, meat and castoreum. But now the beaver is on the brink of a comeback, with wild beaver populations, licensed and unlicensed, emerging all over Britain. As a keystone species, the beaver plays a vital role in the creation of ......
New species of animal and plant are being discovered all the time. When this happens, the new species has to be given a scientific, Latin name in addition to any common, vernacular name. In either case the species may be named after a person, often the discoverer but sometimes an individual they wished to honour or perhaps were staying with at the ......
The Effective Ecologist covers the stuff that no-one told you about at university - how to develop your office-related and business skills to succeed in your career as a professional ecologist. This book shows you how to be more effective in your role, providing you with the skills and effective behaviours within the workplace that will enable ......
