University Alabama Press Alabama Wildlife 4 Volume Set

Comprehensive guides to the vertebrate and invertebrate wildlife of the state. The four volumes in this collection present current, detailed information on the known vertebrates, freshwater mussels, and snails in Alabama. Volume 1, A Checklist of Vertebrates and Selected Invertebrates: Aquatic Mollusks, Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals, is a field guide to all vertebrates and many important invertebrates found within the state. It provides brief descriptions of each species, including scientific and common names, range, habitat, and level of conservation concern. Color photographs are included for many species. Volume 2, Imperiled Aquatic Wildlife, and Volume 3, Imperiled Terrestrial Wildlife, provide a closer focus on the vertebrates and invertebrates of special interest within the state, many of which are rare and endangered. These volumes contain expanded species descriptions that include anatomic features, more detailed habitat and distribution information, and distribution maps. Volumes 2 and 3 together provide a detailed review of at-risk Alabama wildlife. Two color photographs illustrate each species to provide aids to visual identification and range within Alabama. Entries in these volumes also describe the factors that place each species in danger. Volume 4, Conservation and Management Recommendations for Imperiled Taxa, contains even more detailed information on select species and is directed at the professional wildlife researcher involved in the study and protection of endangered populations. Review "Regardless of their abundance, each species is part of the gift that has been bestowed upon us. Each has its place, role, and function. As the most intelligent beings on this planet, and those capable of impacting it the most, we have been given the responsibility to allow other organisms their space and to understand their roles and functions as best we can." --from the foreword by Gary H. Moody, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries About the Author Ralph E. Mirarchi is William R. and Fay Ireland Distinguished Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at Auburn University.