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Sharks of the World: A fully illustrated guide
Sharks of the World is the essential book for everyone interested in sharks, from the expert requiring a major reference work, to the layperson fascinated by their beauty, biology and diversity.
Packed with unique colour illustrations, line drawings and photographs, well-presented and easy to use, this book is currently the only single guide to cover over 500 of the world’s shark species. It incorporates the most recent taxonomic revisions of many shark families, featuring not only many species that were only described in recent years, but several more that are still awaiting their scientific names.
Its production is timely. Overfishing and the shark fin trade have pushed sharks into the most threatened categories of marine animals. Their depletion has serious implications for the stability of marine ecosystems. Some species are now listed in international environmental agreements, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and they are becoming a management priority for many Regional Fisheries Management Organisations. Implementation of conservation and fisheries management measures, and international trade regulation is impossible without a good identification guide.
Sharks of the World is the end product of well over a decade of collaboration between David Ebert, Sarah Fowler and Leonard Compagno (globally-recognised experts in shark taxonomy, identification, biology and shark conservation policy and status) and the renowned natural history illustrator, Marc Dando – pooling a total of over 100 years of professional engagement in this field.
Packed with unique colour illustrations, line drawings and photographs, well-presented and easy to use, this book is currently the only single guide to cover over 500 of the world’s shark species. It incorporates the most recent taxonomic revisions of many shark families, featuring not only many species that were only described in recent years, but several more that are still awaiting their scientific names.
Its production is timely. Overfishing and the shark fin trade have pushed sharks into the most threatened categories of marine animals. Their depletion has serious implications for the stability of marine ecosystems. Some species are now listed in international environmental agreements, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and they are becoming a management priority for many Regional Fisheries Management Organisations. Implementation of conservation and fisheries management measures, and international trade regulation is impossible without a good identification guide.
Sharks of the World is the end product of well over a decade of collaboration between David Ebert, Sarah Fowler and Leonard Compagno (globally-recognised experts in shark taxonomy, identification, biology and shark conservation policy and status) and the renowned natural history illustrator, Marc Dando – pooling a total of over 100 years of professional engagement in this field.
528 pages, Hardcover
First published July 31, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 1, 2025
Bury this masterpiece alongside me when I die and I’ll be consummated as a reader and man.
September 9, 2024
I love reading all about sharks! Highly recommend the book if you are a bit obsessed with the ocean :)
August 12, 2021
I had no idea that the cartilaginous class of fish is so biodiverse. This book is amazing. It's beautifully illustrated, easy to use, and comprehensive, describing every shark species known to man around the world. At 608 pages, it is a hefty tome but an essential reference for shark enthusiasts. Together with the companion Pocket Guide, which would be useful for cruising sailboats, divers and snorkelers, it is a truly impressive resource.
July 17, 2022
Everything you would want in a book like this, great information on all aspects of sharks are given at the beginning with the bulk of the book being plates on individual species. The only downside is with the rate of new discoveries surrounding sharks newer editions will be needed soon
January 10, 2024
The penultimate illustrated field guide to sharks classification and identification, with absolutely stunning illustrations.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews