The Wild Mammals of Missouri

By Charles Walsh Schwartz

Book Overview

Prepared by two of Missouri's most distinguished conservationists, The Wild Mammals of Missouri has been the definitive guide to mammals of this state for over forty years. Now the University of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0826203248
• ISBN13: 9780826203243
• Release Date: January 1981
• Publisher: Univ of Missouri Pr
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 3.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 11.5" x 9.0" x 1.3"

Customer Reviews

Essential Reading on Midwestern Mammals

This book has been a valued, detailed reference on Midwestern mammals since its first edition in 1959. Many, many people own the revised edition, which came out in 1981, but this second revision, published in 2001, is well worth purchasing, for it provides important updates on population levels, management strategies, and economic importance, as well as revised taxonomies (skunks, for instance, are now in their own family and no longer grouped with the weasels). Additionally, this revision includes species that are now found in the state (most notably the armadillo--absent in the state when the 1981 version of this book was prepared, but now quite common in the state and thus included in this edition). The previous edition was the "bible" of Midwestern mammals; and this is its update. Of course, the best reason to purchase this book is the wealth of information the Schwartzes provide, in organized, incredibly detailed text. This is no cursory examination of the species, pared down to fit the constraints of an ADD culture; in complete sentences, it includes descriptions of the animals' gaits, daily and seasonal routines, modes of foraging and feeding, preferred foods during various seasons, details of reproduction and development . . . and much, much more. It also includes North American range maps for each species. Visually, the book is an absolute treasure, because of Charles Schwartz's illustrations. Each species includes a formal portrait including detailed drawings of front and rear feet and various views of the skull (important for serious mammalogists). But that is just the tip of the iceberg. Each species also includes several additional drawings that convey an amazing amount of instructive information, while also providing a sense of the "character" of the animals. Indeed, if you search the Internet on these various species, you routinely find illustrations (such as track patterns and the many brilliant, detailed vignettes) that have been lifted, outright, from this publication, with or without appropriate citation. Let me stress again: the illustrations provide serious information, but throughout, you can sense Schwartz's deep affection and respect for the mammals he depicts. I should also point out that although this book is about Missouri's mammals, other states in the region clearly benefit from the Schwartzes' masterpiece, too. Yes, it's expensive, and unfortunately only available in paperback, but it's a book you ought to have on your shelf--it's basically an encyclopedia of Midwestern mammals containing all the information you could possibly want to know. You'll find yourself consulting it often.