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Lagomorphs: Pikas, Rabbits, and Hares of the World
by Andrew T. Smith; Charlotte H. Johnston; Paulo C. Alves; Klaus HackländerThe definitive guide to all lagomorphs—pikas, rabbits, and hares.Numbering 92 species worldwide, members of the order Lagomorpha are familiar to people throughout the world, and yet their remarkable diversity and ecological importance are often underappreciated. In this book, Andrew T. Smith and his colleagues bring together the world’s lagomorph experts to produce the most comprehensive reference on the order ever published, featuring detailed species accounts, stunning color photos, and up-to-date range maps. Contributors highlight the key ecological roles that lagomorphs play and explain in depth how scientists around the globe are working to save vulnerable populations.Thematic introductory chapters cover a broad spectrum of information about pikas, rabbits, and hares, from evolution and systematics to diseases and conservation. Each animal account begins with the complete scientific and common names for the species, followed by a detailed description of appearance and unique morphological characteristics, including a range of standard measurements of adult specimens. Subsequent sections discuss known paleontological data concerning the species, the current state of its taxonomy, and geographic variation. Each account also includes dedicated sectioins on habitat and diet, reproduction and development, ecology, behavior, and management. The definitive work on lagomorphs, this book is an invaluable reference for naturalists, professional biologists, and students. It will also be beneficial for those conducting biodiversity surveys and conservation throughout the world.
The Lagoon: Encounters with the Whales of San Ignacio
by James Michael DorseyA voyage to a magical marine haven, the San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja, Mexico, where the connection between man and beast is like no other on Earth. Once a killing ground for whalers hunting a leviathan they called the “devilfish,” the San Ignacio Lagoon in Baja, Mexico, is now an environmental and spiritual sanctuary—the only place in the world where animals in their natural aquatic environment routinely seek out human contact. A nursery for the gray whale since before recorded history, the lagoon and its stories, told here by resident naturalist James Michael Dorsey, illuminate the magic of human connection to animals, and what those bonds teach us about ourselves and our purpose on this shared planet. Weaving two decades of San Ignacio adventures in the company of his wife Irene with the fascinating history of the lagoon, Dorsey vividly captures the lively people of Baja, like the mystical godfather of whale-watching, Pachico Mayoral, as well as the whales he’s bonded with over the years, like Slackjaw, Patch, and Dervish—their individual personalities, their epic migration to and from the Pacific Northwest, and the science behind their behavior. Looming over his journeys are the many dangers to the area, from the Mitsubishi Corporation’s attempts to build salt works to plans for resort development on the Baja coast, to pollution and climate change, and even to the orcas who hunt the gray whales. The future of this refuge has never looked more threatened. A tale of wondrous bonds between the intelligent, spirited gray whales and the men, women, and children from around the world who come to this place to touch, kiss, and play with them—The Lagoon is a testament to the importance of preserving these animals and their natural habitats.
The Lake Charr Salvelinus namaycush: Biology, Ecology, Distribution, and Management (Fish & Fisheries Series #39)
by Andrew M. Muir Charles C. Krueger Michael J. Hansen Stephen C. RileyThe lake charr Salvelinus namaycush is a ubiquitous member of cold-water lake ecosystems in previously glaciated regions of northern continental U.S., Alaska, and Canada that often support important commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries. The lake charr differs from other charrs by its large size, longevity, iteroparity, top-predator specialization, reduced sexual dimorphism, prevalence of lacustrine spawning, and use of deepwater habitat. The species is remarkably variable in phenotype, physiology, and life history, some of which is reflected in its ecology and genetics, with as many as four morphs or ecotypes co-occurring in a single lake. The lake charr is often the top predator in these systems, but is highly adaptable trophically, and is frequently planktivorous in small lakes. The lake charr by their name highlights their common habitat, lakes both large and small, but often frequents rivers and occasionally moves into the Arctic Ocean. Movement and behaviour of lake charr are motivated by access to cool, well-oxygenated water, foraging opportunities, predator avoidance, and reproduction. Owing to their broad distribution and trophic level, the lake charr serves as a sentinel of anthropogenic change. This volume will provide an up-to-date summary of what is currently known about lake charr from distribution to genetics to physiology to ecology. The book provides a compilation and synthesis of available information on the lake charr, beginning with an updated distribution and a revised treatment of the paleoecology of the species. Understanding of ecological and genetic diversity and movement and behaviour of the species has advanced remarkably since the last major synthesis on the species over 40 years ago. Mid-sections of the book provide detailed accounts of the biology and life history of the species, and later sections are devoted to threats to conservation and fishery management practices used to ensure sustainability. A new standard lake charr-specific terminology is also presented. The book will be a valuable reference text for biologists around the world, ecologists, and fishery managers, and of interest to the angling public.
Lake Invaders: Invasive Species and the Battle for the Future of the Great Lakes (Great Lakes Books Series)
by William RapaiThere are more than 180 exotic species in the Great Lakes. Some, such as green algae, the Asian tapeworm, and the suckermouth minnow, have had little or no impact so far. But a handful of others--sea lamprey, alewife, round goby, quagga mussel, zebra mussel, Eurasian watermilfoil, spiny water flea, and rusty crayfish--have conducted an all-out assault on the Great Lakes and are winning the battle. In Lake Invaders: Invasive Species and the Battle for the Future of the Great Lakes, William Rapai focuses on the impact of these invasives. Chapters delve into the ecological and economic damage that has occurred and is still occurring and explore educational efforts and policies designed to prevent new introductions into the Great Lakes. Rapai begins with a brief biological and geological history of the Great Lakes. He then examines the history of the Great Lakes from a human dimension, with the construction of the Erie Canal and Welland Canal, opening the doors to an ecosystem that had previously been isolated. The seven chapters that follow each feature a different invasive species, with information about its arrival and impact, including a larger story of ballast water, control efforts, and a forward-thinking shift to prevention. Rapai includes the perspectives of the many scientists, activists, politicians, commercial fishermen, educators, and boaters he interviewed in the course of his research. The final chapter focuses on the stories of the largely unnoticed and unrecognized advocates who have committed themselves to slowing, stopping, and reversing the invasion and keeping the lakes resilient enough to absorb the inevitable attacks to come. Rapai makes a strong case for what is at stake with the growing number of invasive species in the lakes. He examines new policies and the tradeoffs that must be weighed, and ends with an inspired call for action. Although this volume tackles complex ecological, economical, and political issues, it does so in a balanced, lively, and very accessible way. Those interested in the history and future of the Great Lakes region, invasive species, environmental policy making, and ecology will enjoy this informative and thought-provoking volume.
Lake: A See to Learn Book (See to Learn #2)
by Kate Moss GamblinLake: A See to Learn Book, the second book in the See to Learn series, is designed to inspire scientific curiosity, appreciation of beauty and connection to the natural world, through gentle questions and vibrant illustrations. Lake: A See to Learn Book is the second title in a series of non-fiction picture books for very young children that uses lyrical language to encourage a sensitive perception of the natural world and a caring connection with it. The text asks young readers to consider what they see and experience at a lake through the seasons — from dragonflies and hummingbirds in summer, to crimson leaves in fall, to goslings on the lake’s icy surface in winter, to moose calves by the water’s edge in spring — drawing local connections alongside those of a global sensibility. Gorgeous illustrations show a child and adult appreciating the lake’s beauty, learning its secrets and enjoying moments of wonder, all first steps toward developing a lifelong awareness of our interconnectedness to the Earth and our impact on the environment. Includes suggestions for further reading and an author’s note regarding aspects of shaping our inner environmental compass. Key Text Features author's note further reading Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4 Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
Lakeland Terrier
by Patricia PetersThis Comprehensive Owner's Guide to the Lakeland Terrier serves as a complete introduction to this unique British terrier breed known for its prowess at seeking both quarry and comedy. The Lakey, as the breed is affectionately known, is a free-thinking little devil, smaller than most of the other long-legged terriers and more easygoing. The Lakeland Terrier, named for the Lake District in Britain, is unspoiled compared to many of his more popular earthdog brethren, and yet he is equally as bold, daring, and fearless as the larger Airedale, Irish, and Welsh Terriers.Written by Patricia Peters, well-known dog illustrator and Lakeland Terrier breeder of the famed Kilfel Kennels, this "Special Limited Edition" offers an opening chapter on the history of the breed, from its beginnings in the Lake District to its coming to the United States in the 1920s. The chapters on characteristics and the breed standard encapsulate all of the virtues and potential drawbacks of this cocky, little terrier breed, offering sound advice about which owners are best suited to handle the cunning "con artist" and clown of the Terrier Group.Potential owners will welcome the chapter on finding a breeder and selecting a health, sound puppy. Chapters on puppy-proofing the home and yard, purchasing the right supplies for the puppy as well as house-training, feeding, and grooming are illustrated with handsome adults and puppies bursting with intelligence and mischief! In all, there are over 135 photographs in this compact, useful, and entertaining volume. The author's advice on obedience training the Lakeland Terrier, a bright and industrious breed that can pose a challenge to novice owners, will help readers better mold and train their dogs into the well-behaved canine citizens. The extensive and lavishly illustrated chapter on healthcare provides up-to-date detailed information on selecting a qualified veterinarian, vaccinations, parasites, infectious diseases, and more. A chapter on senior dog care gives readers insight into what's required to care for these long-lived terriers once they reach their golden years. A chapter on competing with the Lakeland Terrier in dog shows and various trials sponsored by the American Kennel Club gives owners a glimpse into the many possibilities of participating with their Lakeys in the dog sport. Sidebars throughout the text offer helpful hints, covering topics as diverse as specialty shows, dental care, toxic plants, first aid, crate training, and parasite control.
Lakes: Their Birth, Life, and Death
by John Richard Saylor&“Lakes is my favorite kind of natural history: meticulously researched, timely, comprehensive, and written with imagination and verve.&”—Jerry Dennis, author of The Living Great Lakes Lakes might be the most misunderstood bodies of water on earth. And while they may seem commonplace, without lakes our world would never be the same. In this revealing look at these lifegiving treasures, John Richard Saylor shows us just how deep our connection to still waters run. Lakes is an illuminating tour through the most fascinating lakes around the world. Whether it&’s Lake Vostok, located more than two miles beneath the surface of Antarctica, whose water was last exposed to the atmosphere perhaps a million years ago; Lake Baikal in southern Siberia, the world&’s deepest and oldest lake formed by a rift in the earth&’s crust; or Lake Nyos, the so-called Killer Lake that exploded in 1986, resulting in hundreds of deaths, Saylor reveals to us the wonder that exists in lakes found throughout the world. Along the way we learn all the many forms that lakes take—how they come to be and how they feed and support ecosystems—and what happens when lakes vanish.
Lakeside Redemption
by Lisa JordanFresh Start Family Zoe James is starting over. She's worked hard to get past the foolish mistakes that landed her in trouble four years ago. Now the young mom is back in Shelby Lake and ready to reconnect with her son. When she bumps into old friend Caleb Sullivan and his two adorable girls, she sees the possibility of a happy future. Caleb has always secretly loved Zoe, but her turbulent past brings up tough memories of his own. As they spend time together training his girls' new puppy, Zoe and Caleb will learn that if they can forgive themselves, they might have a chance at a new life-and new love-together.
Lali's Feather
by Farhana ZiaA vivacious and endearing story of identification, values, and the rewards in looking closely and thinking imaginatively.Lali finds a little feather in the field. Who might it belong to? Lali sets out to find the feather a home, but one bird after another rejects it. The feather is too small for Rooster, too slow for Crow, and too plain for Peacock. That is until Lali decides to keep the little feather and discovers all the things she can do with it, and the other birds begin to recognize its value.Farhana Zia offers a charming tale with an inventive circular structure that reveals the importance of looking beyond first impressions. Illustrator Stephanie Fizer Coleman brings this delightful story of imagination and inspiration to life.
The Lamb and the Butterfly
by Arnold SundgaardA protected lamb and an independent butterfly discuss their different ways of living.
Lamb in the Laundry (Animal Ark #12)
by Ben M. BaglioLittle Jenny Spiller has become fast friends with a tiny black lamb who was rejected by its mother. When Jenny gets trapped in a collapsed shed, the lamb's loud cries become a life-saving call for help.
Lamb Lessons (Animal Ark Pets #11)
by Ben M. BaglioMandy's class visits a farm to learn about the animals. But Mandy's partner is Dillon, the class bully. Will Dillon be mean to the animals? It's time for Mandy and a lamb named Snowy to teach Dillon a lesson.
Lamb to the Slaughter
by Roald DahlFive short stories by the master storyteller Roald Dahl, which are: Parson's Pleasure, A Piece of Cake, Lamb to the Slaughter, The Bookseller, and The Butler.
The Lambing Season: Stories of Life on an Irish Family Farm
by John ConnellA hymn to the rituals of farming life from the bestselling Irish author of The Farmer's Son.For John Connell, the lambing season on his County Longford farm begins in the autumn. In the sheep shed, he surveys the dozen females in his care and contemplates the work ahead as the season slowly turns to winter, then spring. The twelve sheep have come into his life at just the right moment. After years of hard work, John felt a deep tiredness creeping up on him, a sadness that he couldn't shrug off. Having always sought spiritual guidance, he comes to realise that, in addition to the soothing words of literature and philosophy, perhaps the way ahead involves this simple flock of sheep. In the hard work of livestock rearing, in the long nights in the shed helping the sheep to lamb, he can reflect on what life truly means. Like the flock that he shepherds, this book is both simple and profound, a meditation on the rituals of farming life and a primer on the lessons that nature can teach us. As spring returns and the sheep and their lambs are released into the fields, skipping with joy, John recalls the words of Henry David Thoreau, reminding us to "live in each season as it passes."
The Lambs: My Father, A Farm, and the Gift of a Flock of Sheep
by Carole George“An enchanting book—please read.” —Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE; Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of PeaceIn this touching memoir about the relationship between father, daughter, and animals, Carole explores life after adopting thirteen pet Karakul lambs. Throughout her years with the lambs and her aging father, she comes to realize the distinct personality of each creature, and to understand more fully the almost spiritual bond between man and animals. This is a beautiful book in every way that will touch the hearts of readers everywhere.“In her new book, The Lambs, Carole George shares the fulfillment she has experienced over years tending a flock of sheep. I hope that this book will inspire readers to become more compassionate toward the living beings deprived of the many privileges we humans enjoy.” —His Holiness The Dalai Lama“The Lambs is beautifully written, and right on target as an example of the natural—pastoral—world where we may achieve the fullness of human experience. Our descendants may gravitate toward the equivalent of [Carole’s] Virginia farm.” —Edward O. Wilson, University Research Professor Emeritus, Harvard University
Lampreys: Volume 2 (Fish & Fisheries Series #38)
by Margaret F. DockerThis book, published in two volumes, provides the most comprehensive review of lamprey biology since Hardisty and Potter’s “The Biology of Lampreys” published more than 30 years ago. This second volume offers a synthesis of topics related to the lamprey gonad (e.g., lamprey sex ratios, sex determination and sex differentiation, sexual maturation, and sex steroids), the artifical propagation of lampreys, post-metamorphic feeding and the evolution of alternative feeding and migratory types, the history and status of sea lamprey control in the Laurentian Great Lakes and Lake Champlain, and an overview of contributions of lamprey developmental studies for understanding vertebrate evolution.
Lana Llama's Little Lamb (Animal Antics A to Z)
by Barbara deRubertisLana Llama loves little Lucky Lamb. But Lucky has a problem—the sly and sneaky wolf down the lane! Luckily, Lana and her teacher, Alpha Betty, know just what to do!
Land Animals (Wonders of Science)
by Joan S. GottliebChildren's textbook about animals that live on land.
The Land Before Time: The Lonely Dinosaur
by Catherine HapkaThe Feast of Great Giving has arrived. Chomper feels left out because he is the only Sharptooth there, but his friends show him that he will always be one of them!
Land Hermit Crabs
by Philippe De VosjoliCrabbers should grab Philippe de Vosjoli manual on land hermit crabs for expert advice on keeping this popular and colorful invertebrate thriving in its vivarium! The popularity of hermit crabs is undeniable, as the author states in his introduction, "Their droll appearances and interesting behaviors have made them appealing to both children and adults looking for an affordable, low maintenance, and undemanding pet." Land Hermit Crabs seeks to inform dedicated hobbyists and casual crabbers alike about the requirements-minimal though specific-of land hermit crabs to keep their pets alive and healthy. Due to the low cost of hermit crabs, too many keepers carelessly allow their pets to die unnecessarily. The author says that the "high mortality of captive hermit crabs is [due to] the failure [of keepers] to provide a proper environment." This Advanced Vivarium Systems title provides detailed information on the selection of a health crab, housing, water and feeding requirements, molting, breeding, behavior, and health and other husbandry-related problems. Crab enthusiasts will also be interested to read about other crabs for freshwater aquaria in the final chapter, with photos of and information about fiddler crabs, red-clawed freshwater crabs, coconut crabs, and land crabs. Resources and index included.
Land of Hunters: Earth's Most Fearsome Predators
by Clive GiffordExplore seas, swamps, deserts and mountains, from the earliest life on Earth to our present day, and get up close to our planet's all-time deadliest predators.Join the hunt with Velociraptor, defend your prey with mighty Smilodon, see how you measure up to the biggest shark of all time and take to the skies with some of the world's most incredible birds of prey.A stunning central gatefold opens to reveal a timeline of life on Earth and the size of these incredible hunters.
Land of Hunters: Earth's Most Fearsome Predators
by Clive GiffordExplore seas, swamps, deserts and mountains, from the earliest life on Earth to our present day, and get up close to our planet's all-time deadliest predators.Join the hunt with Velociraptor, defend your prey with mighty Smilodon, see how you measure up to the biggest shark of all time and take to the skies with some of the world's most incredible birds of prey.A stunning central gatefold opens to reveal a timeline of life on Earth and the size of these incredible hunters.
Land of the Dragons
by Rod MorrisKomodo dragons are the world's biggest lizard, and they are just as fierce as the dragons you read about in storybooks. A big male Komodo dragon can be over ten feet long! There are over three thousand of these giant lizards living on Komodo--they really are the rulers of the island.
Land Shark
by Beth FerryThe only thing Bobby wants for his birthday is a pet shark. So you can imagine his disappointment when his parents get him...a puppy. Everyone knows shark lovers can never become dog lovers. Or can they? Full of humor and heart, this ebook explores the idea that sometimes, getting exactly what you don't want turns out to be exactly what you need. Plus, this is the fixed format version, which will look almost identical to the print version. Additionally for devices that support audio, this ebook includes a read-along setting.