The Illinois Wildlife Encyclopedia

Illinois’s wildlife has always played an important role in the history of human beings inhabiting the state. Native Americans depended on birds, mammals, and fish for sustenance and the state’s first Europeans came in search of Beaver and buckskins. Although the state’s wildlife is still an important resource for human consumption, wildlife is also increasingly important in today’s culture for its intrinsic, aesthetic value. For many Illinoisans, the age-old traditions of hunting and fishing have been replaced by a desire to simply observe wildlife and experience nature. But most Illinoisans are largely unaware of the diversity of species inhabiting their state. This volume is intended to provide an introduction to the state’s fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. In The Illinois Wildlife Encyclopedia, nationally known naturalist Scott Shupe has collected information on all the wildlife that reside in the Prairie State. The fourth volume in a series of state wildlife encyclopedias, this book will be a handy, usable, layman’s guide to Illinois’ wildlife. Included are over 800 color photographs, depicting the different species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and fish, while also offering over 600 range maps to show their territory. Along with basic information for the biology of each animal, Shupe includes the size, habitat, and abundance of each species located in the state. Whether you’re a lover of the outdoors, photography, or are looking to learn more about your state, this comprehensive guide will teach you about the wonderful wildlife that covers the water, earth, and skies of Illinois.

Here, naturalist Scott Shupe offers detailed information on all the wildlife that resides in the Prairie State. Included are over 800 color photographs, depicting the different species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and fish, while also offering over 600 range maps to show their territory Illinois’s wildlife has always played an important role in the history of human beings inhabiting the state. Native Americans depended on birds, mammals, and fish for sustenance and the state’s first Europeans came in search of Beaver and buckskins. Although the state’s wildlife is still an important resource for human consumption, wildlife is also increasingly important in today’s culture for its intrinsic, aesthetic value. For many Illinoisans, the age-old traditions of hunting and fishing have been replaced by a desire to simply observe wildlife and experience nature. But most Illinoisans are largely unaware of the diversity of species inhabiting their state. This volume is intended to provide an introduction to the state’s fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Along with basic information for the biology of each animal, Shupe includes the size, habitat, and abundance of each species located in the state. Whether you’re a lover of the outdoors, photography, or are looking to learn more about your state, this comprehensive guide will teach you about the wonderful wildlife that covers the water, earth, and skies of Illinois.

From the earliest European exploration and settlement of Kentucky, the state’s wildlife has played an important role. Men like the legendary Daniel Boone were in part lured to Kentucky by the opportunity to hunt Whitetail Deer, Bison, and Elk; and the Native Americans living in the region sustained themselves largely by harvesting mammals, birds, and fish. While the state’s wildlife is still an important resource for trappers, hunters, and fishermen, wildlife is also increasingly important for its intrinsic, aesthetic value. In Kentucky Wildlife Encyclopedia, nationally known naturalist Scott Shupe has collected information on all the wildlife that reside in the Bluegrass State. The first in a series of state wildlife encyclopedias, this book will be a handy, usable, layman’s guide to Kentucky’s wildlife. Included are over 800 color photographs, depicting the different species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and fish, while also offering over 600 range maps to show their territory. Along with basic information for the biology of each animal, Shupe includes the size, habitat, and abundance of each species located in the state. Whether you’re a lover of the outdoors, photography, or are looking to learn more about your state, this comprehensive guide will teach you about the wonderful wildlife that covers the water, earth, and skies of Kentucky.

Human beings' responsibility to and for their fellow animals has become an increasingly controversial subject. This book provides a provocative overview of the many different perspectives on the issues of animal rights and animal welfare in an easy-to-use encyclopedic format. Original contributions, from over 125 well-known philosophers, biologists, and psychologists in this field, create a well-balanced and multi-disciplinary work. Users will be able to examine critically the varied angles and arguments and gain a better understanding of the history and development of animal rights and animal protectionist movements around the world. Outstanding Reference Source Best Reference Source

In The Black-Tailed Prairie Dog, John L. Hoogland draws on sixteen years of research at Wind Cave National Park, South Dakota, in the United States to provide this account of prairie dog social behavior. Through comparisons with more than 300 other animal species, he offers new insights into basic theory in behavioral ecology and sociobiology. Hoogland documents interactions within and among families of prairie dogs to examine the advantages and disadvantages of coloniality. By addressing such topics as male and female reproductive success, inbreeding, kin recognition, and infanticide, Hoogland offers a broad view of conflict and cooperation. Among his surprising findings is that prairie dog females sometimes suckle, and at other times kill, the offspring of close kin. Enhanced by more than 100 photographs, this book illuminates the social organization of a burrowing mammal and raises fundamental questions about current theory. As the most detailed long-term study of any social rodent, The Black-Tailed Prairie Dog will interest not only mammalogists and other vertebrate biologists, but also students of behavioral and evolutionary ecology.

Humans have always relied heavily on animals. We have worshipped them, befriended them, sacrificed them, domesticated them, eaten them, hunted them, drawn them, and written about them. We have come to appreciate them, especially in their natural habitats, as an essential part of our world. They are creatures that deserve our respect and reward our curiosity. As intrinsic as they are to the ecological balance of our world, animals are under threat from their human admirers, and in dire need of our help. Habitat destruction spells disaster for many species, leaving them teetering on the brink of extinction. Only through a greater understanding of the fragile balance that exists between species and their habitats will it become possible for us to ensure the survival of our precious wildlife heritage. This comprehensive encyclopedia presents a wide-ranging survey of four major groups of living things: mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The text is written by a team of international experts in the zoological sciences. It is carefully constructed to be read and appreciated by everyone with an interest in natural history. Complemented by superb full-color photographs by the world's leading wildlife photographers, and specially commissioned illustrations, maps, and diagrams, this stunning volume gives an up-to-date overview of nature's most enthralling creatures. A team of internationally renowned authorities has provided the text for this publication. The photographs have been provided by some of the world's leading wildlife photographers. The original illustrations are by specialist wildlife artist Dr David Kirshner. Book jacket.

A supersized natural history book packed with fantastic facts and detailed pictures, perfect for sharing.

Learn to identify Illinois trees with this handy field guide, organized by leaf type and attachment. With this famous field guide by award-winning author and naturalist Stan Tekiela, you can make tree identification simple, informative, and productive. There's no need to look through dozens of photos of trees that don't grow in Illinois. Learn about 124 species found in the state (every native tree plus common non-natives), organized by leaf type and attachment. Just look at a tree's leaves, then go to the correct section to learn what it is. Fact-filled information contains the particulars that you want to know, while full-page photographs provide the visual detail needed for accurate identification. Book Features 124 species: Every native tree plus common non-natives Easy to use: Thumb tabs show leaf type and attachment Compare feature: Decide between look-alikes Stan's Notes: Naturalist tidbits and facts Professional photos: Crisp, stunning full-page images This new edition includes updated photographs; expanded information; a Quick Compare section for leaves, needles, and silhouettes; and even more of Stan's expert insights. So grab the Trees of Illinois Field Guide for your next outing--to help ensure that you positively identify the trees that you see.

Loaded with full color photographs and evocative descriptions, Exploring Nature in Illinois provides a panorama of the state's overlooked natural diversity. Naturalists Michael Jeffords and Susan Post explore fifty preserves, forests, restoration areas, and parks, bringing an expert view to wildlife and landscapes and looking beyond the obvious to uncover the unexpected beauty of Illinois's wild places. From the colorful variety of birds at War Bluff Valley Audubon Sanctuary to the exposed bedrock and cliff faces of Apple River Canyon, Exploring Nature in Illinois will inspire readers to explore wonders hidden from urban sprawl and cultivated farmland. Maps and descriptions help travelers access even hard-to-find sites while a wealth of detail and photography offers nature-lovers insights into the flora, fauna, and other aspects of vibrant settings and ecosystems. The authors also include diary entries describing their own impressions of and engagement with the sites. A unique and much-needed reference, Exploring Nature in Illinois will entertain and enlighten hikers, cyclers, students and scouts, morning walkers, weekend drivers, and anyone else seeking to get back to nature in the Prairie State.

Rattlesnake? Copperhead? Cottonmouth? When to stay and when to run from nature s coolest...