Books in WorldLife Library series

Millions of sea turtles once roamed the earth’s oceans. Within the past five centuries, trade in sea turtle meat, eggs, shells, oil, and leather has driven almost every species to the brink of extinction. Explore the world of the sea turtle in this engaging book. Learn their general characteristics, how they navigate underwater, who their predators are, what human threats exist, and where conservation efforts are being made worldwide. Jeff Ripple profiles every species of sea turtle from the loggerhead to the leatherback. More than 60 breath-taking photographs capture these fascinating creatures underwater and on land.

Hippos live in the wild in more than 29 African countries, where they have existed for 20 million years. The second-largest land mammal, after the elephant, they weigh around 4,400 pounds and are at home in a multitude of habitats and ecosystems.Hippos provides an informative and entertaining overview of this wonderful yet enigmatic species. The book explores the hippo's evolutionary origins, social structure, behavior, and role in the environment, as well as the latest population concerns and conservation activities. This book is intended for all readers interested in learning more about a recognizable yet seldom-studied species that continuously offers researchers fascinating surprises. The unique photographs come from author Glenn Feldhake's conservation work in Africa.

The millions of buffalo that once roamed across the North American continent were vitally important to the Native Americans, who relied on them for everything from food to spiritual beliefs. This book traces the cultural and natural history of the North American Bison, origins, life cycle, and folklore. It also describes the successful effort to save the buffalo in the twentieth century, and the place of the buffalo in North America today. “Buffalo” is a must-have for nature enthusiasts, environmentalists, and animal lovers. An excellent general introduction, it is full of fascinating facts and fabulous four-color photographs. Scientific insights and information are presented in a readable and highly enjoyable way for a popular audience. About the Author: Dr. Harold Picton, who recently retired from the faculty of Montana State University, received his B.S. in Fish and Wildlife Management from Montana State University in 1954, a M.S. in Fish and Wildlife Management from Montana State University in 1959, and a Ph.D. in Physiology from Northwestern University in 1964. His collaboration with colleagues in Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Park Service was the enabling force for many cooperative wildlife projects. Dr. Picton was honored by the Montana chapter of the Wildlife Society with the Distinguished Service Award for this outstanding work in the field of wildlife biology and management.

Sea otters are one of the most charismatic marine mammals. Capable of living their entire lives free of contact with land, they eat, sleep, and give birth at sea. Hunted relentlessly for centuries, these appealing creatures were brought back from the brink of extinction in the twentieth century: an achievement that is being championed as one of the great success stories in marine conservation. Glenn VanBlaricom traces the turbulent history of the species and discusses their fascinating behavior. World-class photographers capture the spirit of this most lovable animal.

Right Whales covers the characteristics (life history, group life, reproduction, mortality) and ecology of these creatures. Phil Clapham also discusses the serious threats that right whales face, and informs readers about what can be done to protect them. Right Whales is a must-have for nature enthusiasts, environmentalists, and marine life lovers. This book is an excellent general introduction that’s full of fascinating facts and fabulous four-color photographs. It presents scientific insights and information in a way that is both readable and highly enjoyable for a popular audience.