Mammals of California

From river otters and minks to bobcats, pikas, and flying squirrels, California boasts a diverse and intriguing fauna. But many of these animals can be secretive, shy, and nocturnal and observing them in the wild can be difficult. During the past two decades, the first edition of this popular guide introduced thousands to California's mammals by describing techniques for recognizing their presence, and when possible, methods for watching them in their natural habitats. Mammals of California is now completely revised and updated throughout, making it an ideal companion in the field or classroom.

* Includes 144 line drawings, 143 range maps, and 18 illustrated color plates

* Gives valuable overviews of mammal evolution, biology and anatomy, natural history, and conservation

* Features an expanded and updated section on diseases harbored by wild mammals that can affect humans—including Lyme disease and Hanta virus

E.W. Jameson, Jr., is Professor Emeritus of Zoology at the University of California, Davis, and author of Vertebrate Reproduction (1988) and Patterns of Vertebrate Biology (1981). Hans J. Peeters is Professor Emeritus of Biology and Zoology at Chabot College. His illustrations have appeared in Birds of North America (1997) as well as in several other bird guides, and he is author and illustrator of the forthcoming title Raptors of California (2005).

Acknowledgments
Maps

MAMMAL ECOLOGY
Introduction
Studying Mammals
Origins of Mammals
Reproduction
Social Groups
Population Fluctuations
Thermoregulation
Seasonal Dormancy
Senses
Migration and Movements
Mammals and California Society
Food of Mammals
Identification of Mammals

SPECIES ACCOUNTS
Marsupialia
Opossums (Didelphidae)

Insectivora
Shrews (Soricidae)
Moles (Talpidae)

Chiroptera
Flight
Echolocation
Reproduction
Leaf-nosed Bats (Phyllostomidae)
Vesper Bats (Vespertilionidae)
Free-tailed Bats (Molossidae)

Carnivora
Dogs, Foxes, and Allies (Canidae)
Bears (Ursidae)
Raccoons and Ringtails (Procyonidae)
Weasels, Marten, Skunks, and Allies (Mustelidae)
Cats (Felidae)
Pinnipeds (Pinnipedia)
Sea Lions or Eared Seals (Otariidae)
Seals (Phocidae)

Cetacea
Sperm Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises (Odontoceti)
Dolphins and Allies (Delphinidae)
Porpoises (Phocoenidae)
Sperm Whales (Physeteridae)
Beaked Whales (Ziphiidae)
Whalebone Whales or Baleen Whales (Mysticeti)
Gray Whale (Eschrichtidae)
Rorquals (Balaenopteridae)
Right Whales (Balaenidae)

Perissodactyla
Horses (Equidae)

Artiodactyla
Pigs (Suidae)
Deer (Cervidae)
Sheep, Goats, and Cattle (Bovidae)

Rodentia
Porcupine (Erethizontidae)
Mountain Beaver (Aplodontidae)
Squirrels (Sciuridae)
Beavers (Castoridae)
Jumping Mice (Dipodidae)
Pocket Gophers, Kangaroo Rats, Kangaroo Mice, and Pocket Mice (Geomyidae)
Rats, Mice, Voles, and Allies (Muridae)

Lagomorpha
Pikas (Ochotonidae)
Rabbits and Hares (Leporidae)

Glossary
References
Index