A Whale of a Tale!: All About Porpoises, Dolphins, and Whales (Cat in the Hat's Lrning Libry)

Book Description

Onboard a vessel that would make Jacques Cousteau green with envy, the Cat and Co. take to the high seas in search of whales, dolphins, and porpoises—those aquatic mammals known as cetaceans. While learning how cetaceans stay warm without hair, have teeth or baleen, swim in troops, spyhop, spin, breach, and see via ecolocation, kids are introduced to almost 20 different species—including sperm, right, humpback, and blue whales; Gulf, spectacled, and finless porpoise; and boto, common, hourglass, and bottlenose dolphins. A shipshape selection for summer reading!

“The Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library shows young readers that books can be entertaining and educational at the same time. This is a wonderful series!” —Barbara Kiefer, Ph.D., Charlotte S. Huck Professor of Children’s Literature, Ohio State University

Customer Reviews:

great reading!.......2006-11-16

I bought this book for my almost 3 yr old son who we ready this book to almost every night and he loves it. He has almost all the pages memorized.

The Complete Whale-Watching Handbook: A Guide to Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the World

Average customer rating:

Enough insights to allow whale watchers to fully appreciate and anticipate their experience.

The Complete Whale-Watching Handbook: A Guide to Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the World
Ben Wilson , and Angus Wilson
Manufacturer: Voyageur Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Mammals | Field Guides | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Whale Watcher: A Global Guide to Watching Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises in the Wild
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Swimming with Orca: My Life with New Zealand's Killer Whales
Blue Whales (WorldLife Library Series)

ASIN: 0760325677

Book Description

The Complete Whale-Watching Handbook is a spectacular celebration of whales and of the immense diversity of whale-watching opportunities. Once the stuff of fishermens yarns and literary classics, we can all now experience the excitement of an eye-to-eye encounter with a whale.The Complete Whale-Watching Handbook looks at the biology of whales, focusing on the species that can be seen on whale-watching excursions, the behaviors likely to be encountered, and the nature of the industry. There is also a species guide, followed by a comprehensive region-by-region guide to whale-watching opportunities worldwide. Up-to-date listings include contact information and a seasonal analysis of the species that can be expected. There are also sections explaining the study of whales, examining the impact of whale-watching on whale populations, and offering practical advice on how to view, photograph, and enjoy cetaceans in the wild.

Customer Reviews:

Enough insights to allow whale watchers to fully appreciate and anticipate their experience........2006-10-15

THE COMPLETE WHALE-WATCHING HANDBOOK: A GUIDE TO WHALES, DOLPHINS, AND PORPOISES OF THE WORLD blends a focus on the biology of whales and their behaviors with a species guide, a regional guide to whale-watching opportunities around the world, and seasonal analysis of species which can be expected. Much more than just a listing of parks and outfitters, it focuses on the biology and science of the species and provides maps, color photos, and enough insights to allow whale watchers to fully appreciate and anticipate their experience.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises: A World Handbook for Cetacean Habitat Conservation

Average customer rating:

My Bible for MPA for cetacean management!
Recommended reading

Marine Protected Areas for Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises: A World Handbook for Cetacean Habitat Conservation
Erich Hoyt
Manufacturer: Earthscan Publications Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Popular Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Environmental Science | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Conservation | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

General | Conservation | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

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All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Marine Mammal Research: Conservation beyond Crisis
Cetacean Societies: Field Studies of Dolphins and Whales
Sperm Whales: Social Evolution in the Ocean
Whales, Whaling, and Ocean Ecosystems
Entanglements: The Intertwined Fates of Whales and Fishermen

ASIN: 1844070646

Book Description

"The definitive account of the status and protection of cetaceans -- a well-written and interesting work on an important subject, accessible to both experts and general readers." -- Edward O Wilson, Harvard University, and winner of the Pulitzer Prize
'Multiple strategies are needed to reverse the decline of whales and dolphins, and one of these is creating protected areas for them. Renowned writer and leading authority on whale watching Erich Hoyt takes us on a fascinating journey across the complex and uncharted world of protected areas for cetaceans. This highly informative book will become a source of inspiration and understanding for the decision-maker as well as for the layperson, and an exhaustive repository of information and references for the specialist' Giuseppe Notarbartolo di Sciara, IUCN/SSC Cetacean Specialist Group and ICRAM, Rome
This definitive handbook launches a new chapter in cetacean conservation with its investigation into the habitat needs and protection requirements of some 84 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises. This is the first work to bridge the separate disciplines of marine protected areas (MPAs) and cetacean conservation.
The first part of the book outlines the principles for creating the best possible MPAs for cetaceans, stemming from the identification of critical habitat and through an inclusive process involving all stakeholders â€“ local community, NGOs, researchers, the fishing and tourism industries, along with government planners and wildlife managers.
The second part covers each of the 18 marine regions around the world. Included are marine region maps and tables outlining proposed and existing MPAs, detailed checklists for creating and implementing MPAs, an explanation of biosphere reserves, and relevant international legislation. The book also looks at regulation of international trade and hunting, fisheries agreements and promotion of whale watching, ecotourism and other non-consumptive economic policies.

Customer Reviews:

My Bible for MPA for cetacean management!.......2005-03-16

I received this book almost a month ago, and ever since I've been using it to write my paper on MPA. My masters thesis is about marine mammal management in Indonesia, and this book helps me put many things in perspective.

I even recommend this book to my supervisor (she will buy it from Amazon as well!) and the uni library for collection. My friend in the next room is borrowing the book for a while for her thesis as well.

I say Hoyt has done a good job. This might be the first comprehensive book about MPA for cetaceans, and it sure worth 5 stars!

Recommended reading.......2004-11-29

In this excellent and definitive book, the author makes clear that Marine Protected Areas, even in the earliest stages of full evaluation, offer a realistic and informed approach to immediate and future marine conservation. Whilst the science and logisitcs are complex, the theory behind MPAs is simple. Its an holistic approach to conservation in which single factors are considered cumulatively, rather than individually. So for example, the effects of all human activities in one area (say, fishing, recreational boating and waste management) are considered all together, not just for one particular species but on the entire ecosystem in question, from whale to coral reef to microorganism. The emphasis is strongly on the management of human activities. Truly effective MPAs require difficult and unpopular decisions, such as the zoning of areas where human presence is limited and, in some cases, prohibited. We are accustomed to plundering the seas without thought, for economic and recreational benefit. For the world in general to embrace MPAs to their fullest extent will require a huge shift in thinking and greater cooperation between nations and understanding between cultures.
This book cuts through the multiplicity of labels attached to areas of protection for marine life and lays bare the precise meaning of each. Such labels generally make it easy for us to imagine that, in those protected sanctuaries at least, cetaceans are saved. But large whales being protected from commercial hunting in one area does not necessarily mean they will not be killed in the name of science or suffer a fatal strike from a ship, and goes absolutely nowhere towards protecting smaller cetaceans from dying in a fishing net.
Land-based conservation has the advantage of being relatively stable and focused on discreet areas. To paraphrase the author, one can't simply erect a fence at sea and put up a Keep Out sign. Marine protected areas need to be fluid to take into account the fact that critical habitats for cetaceans change with the season, their migratory movements and the dispersal of their prey. Further, our very definition of critical habitat must be questioned and expanded: what good a protected area for calving if there is no safe area for socialising and mating?
This is an exhaustively researched, fascinating, thought-provoking and hugely useful book. It is both reference and reading material in one. For those involved in the conservation of cetaceans it must already be a compulsory handbook and for the layreader it is a revealing and readable account of the considerable progress of our conservation experts and of the huge task still ahead. A massive achievement marking a milestone in marine protection.

Whales, Dolphins & Porpoises (Nature Company Guides)

Average customer rating:

Excellent reference
An outstanding book.
Learn about whales
GREAT REFERENCE FOR SEALIFE
Informative, one of the best on Whales

Whales, Dolphins & Porpoises (Nature Company Guides)

Manufacturer: Time-Life Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Mammals | Field Guides | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Sharks & Rays (Nature Company Guides)
DK Handbooks: Whales Dolphins and Porpoises
To Touch a Wild Dolphin: A Journey of Discovery with the Sea's Most Intelligent Creatures

ASIN: 078355284X

Customer Reviews:

Excellent reference.......2004-12-29

This is the best cetacean book that I currently own. In-depth information on each species, excellent photographs, and good topics on observation in the wild. It also covers threats to cetaceans and conservation. The part I love is the section that outlines every coastal region in the world and the species found there, what time of year to go, etc. Very useful, I would definitely recommend!

An outstanding book........2004-12-08

Once again, reading the list of photo-credits at the back of this book is like reading the index in a "Who's Who in the world of Underwater Photography." This is an exciting book with colour photographs (though occasionally a map or diagram) on every single page and the standard of reproduction is as good as it gets.

As with "Sharks & Rays" (a book in the same series), the content is also as good as it gets and, if you only had room to pack a single book on the subject before setting out to discover some of these excellent creatures, then this book will satisfy all your requirements.

Commencing with their customary "Understanding" Whales Dolphins and Porpoises, the reader is then taken on a journey which provides a complete and wide understanding of these incredible creatures - many species of which remain on the brink of extinction. With sections on hunting, captivity, migration and much more plus a page dedicated to each specific species, this book is as complete as it should be and fully lives up to the promise in the title of being an "Ultimate" guide.

Altogether and excellent book and an essential addition to any scuba diver's library.

NM

Learn about whales.......2002-06-23

Well good book but short information, good for whales amateur, with great pictures inside and pretty explanation in wildlife, if you like sea mammals or thinking a watchwhale tour go outside and buy it

GREAT REFERENCE FOR SEALIFE.......2001-12-17

WE HAVE BEEN SCUBA DIVING NOW FOR THREE YEARS AND BOTH THE "WHALES & DOLPHINS" & "SHARKS AND RAYS" HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY HELPFUL. WE HAVE LOANED OUR BOOKS SO OFTEN THAT WE ARE ORDERING A THIRD SET FOR A NEIGHBOR WHO IS GOING TO BE A MARINE BIOLOGIST. VERY USEFUL FOR IDENTIFICATION WHILE WHALE WATCHING OR SHARK DIVING. GREAT PICTURES, LOTS OF USEFUL INFORMATION AND HISTORY.

Informative, one of the best on Whales.......2001-08-29

I'm a Biology Prof who just got back from a trip to Monterey Bay and had the encounters of a lifetime, both Blue Whales and Humpbacks (also Risso's Dolphins). The trip left me hungry for more, so I hit the local Borders (I can say that now that Borders and Amazon have e-merged right?). There were two books that were a class in themselves ( I can't recall the name of the other book, rats!). In any rate, this book will not leave you short. (I almost said that this was a whale of a book, but thought otherwise).

Whale Watcher: A Global Guide to Watching Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises in the Wild

Average customer rating:

Great Book
Perfect for travel and science reference collections alike!

Whale Watcher: A Global Guide to Watching Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises in the Wild
Trevor Day
Manufacturer: Firefly Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Ecotourism | Specialty Travel | Travel | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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The Complete Whale-Watching Handbook: A Guide to Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the World
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Swimming with Orca: My Life with New Zealand's Killer Whales
Humpback Whales (World Life Library)

ASIN: 155407200X

Book Description

A comprehensive guide to the whales of the world and where to see them.

Every year, more than four million people go whale watching, and the numbers keep growing. This beautifully illustrated guidebook will be the best handy reference for whale watchers.

All recognized species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) are described in this book. Stunning action photography of each is coupled with detailed information on where and when to see each species and how to identify it through behavior and physical characteristics. There are featured spreads on 40 of the most fascinating and frequently watched whales. For quick and easy identification, the families and species are organized in descending order of size, from the blue whale to the tiniest dolphins and porpoises.

The natural history and habitat of each animal is described in detail, along with the latest research on topics such as cetacean communication and social structure. There are also maps, other helpful illustrations and addresses, as well as travel tips on locations for whale watching responsibly. Also included is updated information on endangered species and conservation efforts.

Whale Watcher is the most comprehensive book for anyone planning a safe and successful watching trip.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book.......2007-07-12

I bought this book because my Fiancee and I were going on an Alaskan cruise and a whale watching excursion. I tought it would be a handy reference book, but it is a little bit too big to easily carry around with you. It has great photos and a lot of good information in it to help you identify what you just saw. It is a really nice book and I just like looking through it. The size didn't really matter, because we were too busy oohhing and aahhing when we saw Humpback whales and Pacific White-sided Dolphins to be flipping through the book anyway.

Perfect for travel and science reference collections alike!.......2007-04-11

Dramatic color action photos blend an expert's advice on whale natural history with a travel observer's tips on where to find and how to identify the species. From maps to identification keys, WHALEWATCHER is packed with the latest on not only whales but dolphins and related species, with plenty of color photos throughout: perfect for travel and science reference collections alike!

Average customer rating:

Whales: Dolphins and Porpoises

Manufacturer: Natl Geographic Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Mammals | Field Guides | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0792229525

DK Handbooks: Whales Dolphins and Porpoises

Average customer rating:

whales dolphins and porpoises
An outstanding book.
Outstanding field guide
useful but not perfect
The Ultimate Cetacean Field Guide!

DK Handbooks: Whales Dolphins and Porpoises
DK Publishing
Manufacturer: DK ADULT
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Whales | Animals | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Mammals | Field Guides | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
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Whales & Dolphins (Smithsonian Handbooks)
National Audubon Society Guide to Marine Mammals of the World (National Audubon Society Field Guide Series.)
Whales, Dolphins, and Other Marine Mammals of the World (Princeton Field Guides)
The Best Book of Whales and Dolphins (The Best Book of)
Humpback Whales (World Life Library)

ASIN: 1564586219

Book Description

Annotated illustrations, descriptions, identification checklist, behavior, and sighting tips.

Customer Reviews:

whales dolphins and porpoises.......2007-06-08

the ultimate guide, including all cetacean species known to mna, even the elusive beaked whales. Even inlcudes a species or two that had only been discovered by skulls. The illustrations for those species are the artist's impressions. The artist is the amazing marc carwardine. Excellent guide for cetacean lovers

An outstanding book........2007-05-17

Outstanding field guide.......2002-04-10

This book is extremely useful to both the general reader and to those with a serious interest in cetaceans. The book is well organized for quick reference and beautifully illustrated to aid in species identification in the field. Cetaceans are grouped by family and unique characteristics are clearly defined and illustrated. In addition the book is lightweight and easily carried on a boat trip. Highly recommended.

useful but not perfect.......2001-02-14

My main objections to this field guide were the illustrations. Artistic renderings are often beautiful, but fail to portray the animal in question with accuracy. Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius)is a case in point. Although I have not observed this animal at sea myself, I spoke with a number of fellow fishery biologists who have spent time at sea as marine mammal observers and no one has ever observed a bright yellow Ziphius in the field. All observed a base color of grey with this genus, at least in the northeastern Pacific. The Tasmacetus rendering is most likely based on the J. Mammalogy (1976) paper by Watkins wherein an unidentified ziphiid whale (probable Tasmacetus) was observed from a bluff overlooking the sea in New Zealand. Useful plates were those showing all similar cetaceans together; eg. all oceanic dolphins without prominent beaks, all oceanic dolphins WITH prominent beaks etc. The ziphidae plates show male Mesoplodon characteristics, but that is to be expected since solitary female ziphiid whales, especially Mesoplodon sp., could be virtually impossible to identify. My own field guide preferences use photographs rather than artistic renderings. Other problems: The distribution maps to not reflect the full distribution (extralimital observations/strandings) of many species. An example: Psuedorca is shown as a species with a distribution much further south than observations/stranding records indicate. The text does suggest that 'numerous records' exist outside of the more tropical distribution shown in the map. Note also that many of the dolphin renderings are positioned so that the dorsal fin is right where the pages meet. We did get a chuckle over the photograph showing what you should wear when watching whales, but that can be explained by our 'silly scientist' bias. One note for potential whale-watchers: do not allow your binocular strap to lie right on the skin of your neck while at sea as you can wear painful wounds into your neck through a day of whale-watching. Make sure your shirt collar or other clothing lies under that silly strap! Voice of experience!

The Ultimate Cetacean Field Guide!.......2000-12-28

This book clearly deserves more than five stars for the great joy it will make available to you in the future by encouraging you to do more cetacean watching.

One of my pleasures is planning and taking trips to the various whale, dolphin, and porpoise rich areas in the world. When there, I spend as much time as possible on the water enjoying the views. I was particularly delighted to see that this book opens the doors to locales that I did not know about. As a result, I now have three times as many places to visit as I thought I did. Having seen the unusual species that I have missed, I now see the world much differently. That's a great gift to receive from a field guide.

Most people are unaware of the fascinating and beautiful mammal life in the oceans and rivers (yes, some dolphins live in rivers) around them. Although I live near one of the world's best cetacean watching areas, I would estimate that fewer than five percent of the people I meet have ever gone to observe the wonderful sights that are just a few minutes offshore. This guide can help change all that.

With a heightened sense of our aquatic co-species, I think that all people will have more respect for them and interest in preserving their habitats and populations.

Many people have a chance to go boating on the ocean, and see something that interests them. What is it? How should they approach it? I hope that all ocean-going boaters will buy a copy of this book to address those questions.

This is a beautiful book to hold and behold. The drawings are luscious in their subtlety of color and shape.

As a way to identify cetaceans, I cannot imagine a handbook that could be any better. The book is filled with dozens of clues for each type from length, shape, coloration, presence of typical parasites, behavior, breathing patterns, and other physical characteristics (like the shape of the teeth or baleen, blowholes, tails, heads, etc.). With so many observational points to consider, it would be very unusual to make a mistake. So the casual cetacean watcher can quickly be able to perform like an expert.

After you have finished enjoying this wonderful book, I suggest that you plan your next trip to watch cetaceans. If possible, I suggest going to some location that you have never been to before. Even if formal party boats are not available there, you can go out in the least expensive way and rely on your handbook to guide you into a better understanding of what you are seeing.

Customer Reviews:

An outstanding book........2007-05-17

Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises: of the Eastern North Pacific and Adjacent Arctic Waters, A Guide to Their Identification

Average customer rating:

the BEST field guide for North Pacific cetaceans
An useful guide

Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises: of the Eastern North Pacific and Adjacent Arctic Waters, A Guide to Their Identification
Stephen Leatherwood , and Frances A. Davis
Manufacturer: Dover Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Arctic | Polar Regions | Travel | Subjects | Books

Mammals | Field Guides | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

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Similar Items:

Guide to Marine Mammals of Alaska, Second Edition
National Audubon Society Guide to Marine Mammals of the World (National Audubon Society Field Guide Series.)

ASIN: 0486256510

Book Description

Profusely illustrated guide for the layman covers physical description, common and scientific names, coloration, distinguishing features, distribution, much more. Over 560 photographs of blue whales, humpbacks, killer whales, bottlenose dolphins, Dall's porpoise, dozens of other species, make it easy to identify ocean-going mammals. 563 black-and-white photographs. 17 drawings. Bibliography. Appendixes.

Customer Reviews:

the BEST field guide for North Pacific cetaceans.......2001-02-08

This manual contains the technical information necessary for distinguishing similar species at sea. Numerous black-and-white photos show all important field characteristics. Detailed analysis of the field characteristics separating the various large Balaenopterids is especially useful. Species which have been recorded as accidental are also included. Updating information about the presence of Hyperoodon (or Indopacetus??) in Pacific waters near the equator would be useful, although photos of 'unidentified' Ziphidae are included. This is the only book I take out with me for field cruises.

An useful guide.......2001-01-24

This is an excellent book for those who are looking for a guide for whalewatching. But it is more technical than the average, which is good in some cases. FOr me it was very useful when going to sea, because I wanted detailed information, but other people look only for pictures. Which is the only problem here, because they are all in black and white.

The Whale-Watcher's Handbook: A Field Guide to the Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of North America

Average customer rating:

The Whale-Watcher's Handbook: A Field Guide to the Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of North America
David K. Bulloch
Manufacturer: The Lyons Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Reference | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Discovery Travel Adventure Whale Watching (Discovery Travel Adventures)
The Whale Watcher's Guide: Whale-Watching Trips in North America

ASIN: 1558212329

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