Handbook of Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the World

by Mark Carwardine

The most authoritative reference guide to every cetacean species and subspecies in the world

Handbook of Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the World is the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide to these popular mammals. With nearly 1,000 accurate color illustrations―complete with detailed annotations pointing out significant field marks―this outstanding book covers all 90 species and every subspecies of cetaceans around the globe.

Leading cetacean biologists have collaborated with pioneering conservationist Mark Carwardine on the concise text, which is packed with helpful identification tips. From the blue whale to the Indo-Pacific finless porpoise, the illuminating species accounts are accompanied by abundant distribution maps and photographs. Designed to ensure easy access to critical information, Handbook of Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises of the World is an indispensable resource that every whale watcher and cetacean seeker will find invaluable.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Animals, Nature, Field Guides, Education, Natural History

528 pages, Paperback

Published February 25, 2020

About the author

Mark Carwardine is a zoologist who achieved widespread recognition for his Last Chance to See conservation expeditions with Douglas Adams, first aired on BBC Radio 4 in 1990. Since then he has become a leading and outspoken conservationist, and a prolific broadcaster, columnist and photographer.

Reviews

[itchy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This looked insurmountable going in, but I was able to slog through. And I was able to pick up a few tasty bits here and there.

I had a handful of opportunity, especially when crossing the Tañon Strait (Negros-Cebu strait) during my academic years, but I don't think I was graced with an eyeful of these noble creatures.

[Trees a Crowd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Carwardine's wonderful new Cetecean guide. Give his interview a listen to hear why it's so revolutionary: https://www.treesacrowd.fm/mark-carwa...

[Kiril Valchev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Може би най-доброто и актуално справочно ръководство, " Handbook of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises of the World " е един прекрасен пътеводител в света на китоподобните и тяхното разпознаване. След кратък обзор на 14-те семейства китове, делфини и морски свине, следва систематизирана и достъпна информация за всеки един от 90-те (засега) вида (+ подвидовете им), придружена от над 1000 илюстрации, снимки и карти.
Поредната чудна книга на зоолога Марк Каруордин!

П.П. Това е изданието с меки корици на "Принстън" (за САЩ, Канада и Филипините). Британското издание е с твърди корици, в заглавието липсва "...of the world", китоподобните върху предната корица са други, но съдържанието вътре не се различава нито на йота.

[Leelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best handbook of cetaceans that I have seen yet and I have purchased quite a few. A plethora of fine illustrations and photographs. Four or five paintings of blue whale to differentiate different populations (or species?) I lost count of how many paintings of orca species are represented. And I had no idea there were so many kinds of beaked whale. This is a must-have for anyone interested in whale and dolphins.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saw this book on a shelf in the Azores and liked it so much I bought it and took it home. Brilliant guide, packed full of information and science but most importantly the essentials of and variety of cetacean species you can see, and where, whilst our whale watching. I already know I will pick this up many times over the years.

[Ana Casaca · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best hand book about cetaceans.

[Nicholas Sly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is simply superb. It has everything you could want in a field guide / handbook for a taxonomic group. It is lavishly illustrated with multiple high quality paintings for each species, showing all the age/sex/color variation, from multiple angles, and illustrating behaviors, plus photographs for most species. The level of detail that went into explaining identification is exhaustive, it is truly impressive. The text accounts for each species are also nicely detailed summary of everything about the natural history and distribution and more. Also contains multiple quick Id plates at the front end that group together every species from a given region. I really can’t think of any aspect that could be improved upon as a field guide. I wish more taxonomic groups had guides this good.