Bats: Biology and Behaviour

by John Altringham, Tom McOwat (Illustrator), Lucy Hammond (Illustrator)

Bats are arguably the most diverse of all animals, comprising as much as one quarter of mammals. This book covers all the bats and their natural history, with a unique emphasis on how their lives exemplify processes and principles of broad biological relevance. Topics range from their most
distinctive features (echolocation, flight) and individual and group behavior, to their modes of reproduction and interaction with other organisms and the environment. No other book covers all this ground with a blend of up-to-date scientific information and fine line illustrations. Professional and
amateur naturalists will find this an indispensable reference.

Genres: Nature, Nonfiction, Natural History

272 pages, Paperback

First published August 22, 1996

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an introduction into the complexities and diversity of bat biology around the world this book is superb. It is written for the lay-person and for the more experienced bat person and covers every aspect of bat biology from their physiology and flight characteristics to their behaviours and their importance in the wider ecosystem. While there is some information that is out of date (unsurprising since this was written in 1998) this doesn't detract from the book in anyway as the basics are still there and just as relevant (and it is always useful to know how views and interpretations of species and their behaviours change over time, I think it gives you more of an understanding of them, but that could just be me). My only slight criticism of this book is that the sections that deal with flight characteristics and the physics thereof could've done with a few more illustrations and examples as, I'll be honest, I struggled with this bit (going to go back and read it again and see if I can figure it out), but other readers may not have any issues with this bit at all. Overall a fantastic introduction to and staple of any bat library (mine included).

[Liv · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent read for a medium-depth overview of bat biology and behaviour, accessible to the lay-person but detailed enough for a more advanced nature enthusiast or biologist to get into. Major issue is just that it's pretty out of date at this point.