Field Guide to Mammals of Australia

by Peter Menkhorst, Frank Knight

This fully revised and updated edition of A Field Guide to the Mammals of Australia is the only comprehensive guide to identifying all 383 species of mammals known in Australia. This book provides concise and accurate details of the appearance, diagnostic features, distribution, habitat, and key behavioral characteristics of all mammals known to have occurred in Australia or its waters since the time of European settlement. Each double-page spread provides all the information needed to identify an animal, a full-color illustration of the entire animal, a smaller diagram of diagnostic features, a distribution map, and species description and measurements, including details of how to differentiate between similar species. Identification keys are provided for groups that are difficult to identify to species level, including keys to the genera of small marsupials, rodents, and bats, and all marine mammals likely to be washed on to an Australian beach: whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and the Dugong.

Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Animals, Australia, Natural History, Science, Reference

274 pages, Paperback

First published December 6, 2001

Reviews

[Scott Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, Frank Knight's illustrations in this guide are incredible! The cover drawing looks like a photograph, it is so realistic. The species accounts and "similar species" notes are quite helpful, and the range maps are indispensable for identifying similar species. The only reason why I gave this review four stars is because the overall introduction was sparse (in-depth sections on traps and how to make measurements) and no introduction to mammal families. Introductions are my favorite part to field guides. Also, I would have loved to learn why marsupials are so well-represented in Australia. However, this is an incredibly well-illustrated and helpful guide for field use.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

In preparation to a trip to Australia.....................................

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are beyond wonderful! Can't wait to encounter many of these strange and wonderful animals.

[Jessie Tanner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really nice. Distinguishing characteristics are useful and paintings are nice.