This book provides a general introduction to the biology of marine mammals, and an overview of the adaptations that have permitted mammals to succeed in the marine environment. Each chapter, written by experts in their field, will provide an up-to-date review and present the major discoveries and innovations in the field. Important technical advances such as satellite telemetry and time-depth-recorders will be described in boxes.

About the Author

Rus Hoelzel is a molecular ecologist who has studies marine mammal populations for over 20 years, including work in the field with various species in North America, South America, Europe, Africa and the South Atlantic. Currently at the University of Durham, he has also worked at Cambridge University, Imperial College and the US National Cancer Institute. He has edited four other books and is editor-in-chief of the journal Conservation Genetics. His research interests include conservation and population genetics, evolution, behavioural ecology and feeding ecology. His work with marine mammals has included studies on vocal behaviour, feeding ecology, reproductive strategy, population genetic structure and the impact of population bottlenecks on genetic diversity.

Reviews
"This book represents an authoritative and up to date account of our understanding of the biology of marine mammals. Although it does include quite a bit of technical detail, the inclusion of simple chapter summaries and numerous explanatory boxes, ensure that it will be accessible to a range of readers from undergraduate biology students to professional marine mammal biologists. If I taught an undergraduate course in marine mammal biology, I would make it my recommended text. As a marine mammal biologist, I know that I will be reaching for it often over the next few years." Marine Mammal Science

"This is a very well illustrated text dealing with a fascinating groups of animals. Although it is an advanced text (the 'introductory' nature alluded to being best for those with some biological training) there is much to gained for the beginner. There is a wealth of detail which could be used in many educational contexts making this book more of a reference aid than straight textbook. It provides information on mammal biology helpful in discussions about broader ecological aspects which cannot easily be found elsewhere." TEGNews

"In 14 chapters, some 27 specialists have captured the essence of all asepcts of life forms - behavioural characteristics, ecology and conservation needs - of 121 species of marine mammals occupying three taxonomic orders... A must for college and universities that have storng biology, ecology, or marine biology programs, as well as for larger public libraries." CHOICE

"This book, intended for students of marine biology, ecology, or evolution, presents a broad spectrum of topics in remarkable detail." Northeastern Naturalist

"This book successfully surveys the whole of marine mammal biology. Previous attempts are dated or less sweeping and so I recommend that all marine mammalogists own or at least have access to this book." Trends in Ecology and Evolution

"I think Hoelzel has timed this quite nicely as there is definitely a demand for such a book, and there have been a number of scientific breakthroughs in the last 10-15 years that have revolutionised our understanding of this subject." Dr Rob Harcourt, Macquarie University, Australia

"This is an exciting proposal, describing a book that is long overdue. Hoelzel is an innovative and productive scientist with a flare for writing, and he is as well placed as any to steer a volume of this scope and complexity to a successful conclusion." Dr Tony Martin, British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge

Book Information
ISBN 9780632052325
Author A. Rus Hoelzel
Format Paperback
Page Count 448
Imprint Wiley-Blackwell
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 1052g
Dimensions(mm) 247mm * 191mm * 23mm