Field Guide to Marine Mammals of the Pacific Coast : Baja, California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia / Sarah G. Allen, Joe Mortenson ; illustrated by Sophie Webb.

Cover image for Field Guide to Marine Mammals of the Pacific Coast : Baja, California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia / Sarah G. Allen, Joe Mortenson ; illustrated by Sophie Webb.

ISBN:

9780520947313

9781283277259

Title:

Field Guide to Marine Mammals of the Pacific Coast : Baja, California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia / Sarah G. Allen, Joe Mortenson ; illustrated by Sophie Webb.

Author:

Allen, Sarah G.

Personal Author:

Allen, Sarah G.

Publication Information:

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xiii, 569 pages) : illustrations (chiefly color), color maps.

Series:

California natural history guides ; no. 100

Contents:

Cover; Title; Copyright; Contents; Acknowledgments; MARINE HABITAT PLATES; INTRODUCTION; SPECIES PLATES; CETACEANS; CARNIVORES; Glossary; References and Further Reading; Art Credits; Index; Additional Captions.

Subject Term:

Marine mammals -- Pacific Coast (North America)

Marine mammals -- Pacific Coast (North America) -- Identification.

Added Author:

Mortenson, Joseph.

Webb, Sophie.

Format:

Electronic Resources

Electronic Access:

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Publication Date:

2011

Publication Information:

Available:*

Shelf Number	Material Type	Copy	Shelf Location	Status
599.50979 22	1:E-BOOK	1	1:ONLINE	Searching... Unknown

Bound With These Titles

On Order

Summary

From gray whales giving birth in the lagoons of Baja California to sea otters nestled in kelp beds off California to killer whales living around Vancouver Island--this spectacular stretch of the Pacific Coast boasts one of the most abundant populations of sea mammals on earth. This handy interpretive field guide describes the 45 whales, dolphins, seals, and otters that are resident in, migrate through, or forage from Baja in Mexico to British Columbia in Canada. The guide's rich species accounts provide details on identification, natural history, distribution, and conservation. They also tell where and how these fascinating animals can best be viewed. Introductory chapters give general information on the ecology, evolution, and taxonomy of marine mammals; on the Pacific Coast's unique environment; and on the relationship between marine mammals and humans from native cultures to today. Featuring many color illustrations, photographs, drawings, and maps, this up-to-date guide illuminates a fascinating group of animals and reveals much about their mysterious lives in the ocean.

Author Notes

Allen Sarah G. :

Sarah G. Allen , a scientist with a federal environmental agency, has studied marine birds and mammals from the Gulf of the Farallones, California, to Antarctica. Joe Mortenson, formerly of the Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association, is the author of Animal Behavior: Theory and Research and Whale Songs and Wasp Maps . Sophie Webb, a director of Oikonos, is the illustrator of several field guides including A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America.

Reviews (1)

Choice Review

This hefty, richly illustrated work, a valuable addition to the publisher's excellent series of books on natural history, covers the 45 species of marine mammals found in nearshore and offshore waters from British Columbia south to Baja California. Allen and Mortenson as well as illustrator/wildlife painter Sophie Webb are all experienced field biologists. Their comprehensive introduction covers the evolution of marine mammals, their ecology, the ocean ecosystems that influence them, and the interrelationships of humans with these animals. Individual species descriptions occupy nearly 400 pages, accompanied by 19 species plates, 107 figures, and numerous photographs. The wealth of information includes taxonomy, similar species, field marks, geographic distribution (with maps for each species), habitat, food habits, reproduction, mortality, and the best places to view the animals--all standard in most field guides. As a bonus, the authors provide natural history, population, and conservation status for each mammal. The volume also contains a glossary and a 30-page list of citations and resources for further research. Like an expert, chatty companion at one's elbow, this is a splendid guide to the subject for both amateurs and professionals. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries. K. B. Sterling formerly, Pace University