Despite intense interest in this biologically diverse and ecologically important region, the mammals of South America are still not well known. Filling a large gap in the literature, this volume provides a survey and synthesis of current knowledge of the more than 650 species of land and marine mammals found in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.
Third in a series that reviewers have described as "state of the art" (Journal of Biogeography) and "invaluable to anyone interested in the mammalian fauna of the Neotropics" (Quarterly Review of Biology), this volume follows the format of its acclaimed predecessors. Chapters present not only up-to-date taxonomic information but also ecological and behavioral characteristics, conservation status, and distribution maps for most species. Numerous illustrations are provided to assist in field and laboratory identification, including exquisite color and black-and-white plates by Fiona Reid. New to this volume are chapters contributed by experts on the mammalian fossil record of this region and on its current biodiversity and biogeography. An appendix summarizes changes to the nomenclature that have altered the scientific names used in the first two volumes.
Volumes 1 and 2 of Mammals of the Neotropics, which are also available, describe the mammals of Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana (volume 1) and Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay (volume 2). The fourth and final volume of this series will cover the mammals of Mexico and Central America.
Acknowledgments I. Introduction
Part 1 - Mammalian Faunas in the Plio-Pleistocene of Brazil
2. Isolation and Interchange: A Deep History of South American Mammals S. David Webb
3. Fossil Mammals of the Amazon as a Portrait of a Pleistocene Environment Alceu Rancy
4. Pleistocene Mammals of the Cerrado and Caatinga of Brazil Castor Cartelle
Part 2 - The Contemporary Mammalian Fauna
5. The New World Marsupials (Didelphimorpha, Paucituberculata, and Microbiotheria)
6. Order Xenarthra (Edentata)
7. Order Insectivora
8. Order Chiroptera (Bats, Murciélagos, Morcegos)
9. Order Primates
10. Order Carnivora (Fissipedia)
11. Order Carnivora (Pinnipedia): Seals, Seal Lions, and Walruses
12. Order Cetacea (Whales, Dolphins, and Their Allies: Baleias, Botos and Golfinhos)
13. Order Sirenia (Sea Cows)
14. Order Perissodactyla (Odd-toed Ungulates)
15. Order Artiodactyla (Even-toed Ungulates)
16. Order Rodentia (Rodents, Roedores)
17. Order Lagomorpha
Part 3 - Biogeography of Land Mammal Faunas
18. The Galápagos and Other South American Islands
19. Biodiversity Reconsidered John F. Eisenberg
20. Macrogeography of Brazilian Mammals Gustavo A. B. da Fonseca, Gisela Herrmann, and Yuri L. R. Leite
21. The Structure of Nonvolant Mammal Communities in Different Amazonian Forest Types Carlos A. Peres
22. The Contemporary Mammalian Fauna of South America John F. Eisenberg Appendix Index of Scientific Names Index of Common Names
Overview
Despite intense interest in this biologically diverse and ecologically important region, the mammals of South America are still not well known. Filling a large gap in the literature, this volume provides a survey and synthesis of current knowledge of the more than 650 species of land and marine mammals found in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.
Third in a series that reviewers have described as "state of the art" (Journal of Biogeography) and "invaluable to anyone interested ...