From the ancient Egyptian cat goddess, Bastet, to the prophet Muhammad's
favorite cat, Muezza, and our contemporary obsession with online cat
videos, felines have long held a place of honor in their human
counterparts' homes and cultures. But the domestic cat is just one of
many feline species, and in The Wild Cat Book cat experts Fiona and
Mel Sunquist introduce us to the full panoply of the purring, roaring
feline tribe.
Illustrated throughout with Terry Whittaker's spectacular color
photographs as well as unique photos from biologists in the field--some
the highest quality images ever captured of exceptionally rare
species--The Wild Cat Book not only tantalizes with the beauty of
cats, but also serves as a valuable and accessible reference on cat
behavior and conservation. Comprehensive entries for each of the
thirty-seven cat species include color distribution maps and up-to-date
information related to the species' IUCN conservation and management
statuses, while informative sidebars reveal why male lions have manes
(and why dark manes are sexiest), how cats see with their whiskers, the
truth behind our obsession with white lions and tigers, and why cats
can't be vegetarians. The Wild Cat Book also highlights the grave
threats faced by the world's wild cats--from habitat destruction to
human persecution.
From the extraordinary acrobatics of the arboreal margay--able to cling
to a tree branch by a single paw thanks to its unusually flexible
ankles--to modern declines in African lion populations, The Wild Cat
Book is an instructive and revealing ode to felines of every size and
color. Combining science, behavioral observations, and stunning
photography, this book will captivate cat fanciers the world over.
