Written by a team of experts and featuring hundreds of illustrations, photographs, and maps, the most authoritative, up-to-date, and accessible information on marine mammals–perfect for your outdoor excursions or your home library.

The National Audubon Society Guide to Marine Mammals of the World describes in fascinating
detail all 120 species of the world’s whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and sea
lions, manatees, Marine and Sea Otters, and the Polar Bear. Organized by the four major groups
of marine mammals-marine fissipeds, pinnipeds, cetaceans, and sirenians-the species
descriptions include:

Full-color paintings, color photographs showing appearance in the wild
and illustrating typical behaviors, life history data, range and habitat text and a full-color range
map based on the most current information. Facts about social organization, surface
behaviors, swimming, and diving. Information on mating behavior, breeding, and the
rearing of young. Details about food items and foraging techniques. Estimates of
population in the wild, plus current and historic threats.

A general introduction
outlines the evolution and taxonomy of marine mammals, distribution, migration, watching
guidelines, identification techniques, organizations and laws that protect marine
mammals, and more.

Introductions to groups include comparative size illustrations,
discussion of behaviors particular to the group, and other unique features.

A useful
illustrated glossary of terms and an index of species names complete the guide.