Publisher's Synopsis
This is a complete, concise list of the living and recently extinct species of mammals of the entire world, based critically on the most up-to-date regional works and research reports. Over 4300 species are listed, with scientific name, English name, distribution, and some of the more frequently used synonyms. An extensive bibliography allows further details of any species in the list to be quickly found. Endangered and threatened species are indicated, and an index of scientific and vernacular names allows rapid reference. The classification of mammals is undergoing extensive re-evaluation in the light of much new data resulting from genetic and biochemical research using techniques such as DNA hybridization. As a result the list has been extensively revised since the second edition in 1986, with the addition of about one hundred species. A further innovation is that each family is illustrated with a pen and ink drawing by Ray Burrows. This is an authoritative reference work accessible to the layman and general zoologist, as well as having great value for the specialist. It will be useful to anyone with an interest in mammals anywhere in the world, whether studying them in the field, zoo, or laboratory, and whether concerned with individuals, populations, or ecology.
