Black and White in the Wild is a photographic celebration and investigation into the anomaly that is black and white colouration in wild animals.
In this beautiful book Dr John Feltwell explores the nature of black and white in mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates as well as the remarkable albino and black forms of animals. This is the first ever book on the subject. The many photographs in Black and White In the Wild are a result of 35 years of pursuing nature in far off places and observing animals close-up.
The scientific community is still undecided on what evolutionary trick has caused some animals to develop rigid black and white colour patterns (as in pied birds) and random patterns in others (such as zebra). Our understanding of genetic mutations such as albinism and melanism is better understood but there has never yet been a book that looks at the many animals that display black and white colouration and why they do so.
Black and White In the Wild aims to fill that gap, and while it doesn't pretend to have the absolute answers, puts suggestions forward in an engaging and digestible style that will appeal to both the lay reader and the academic.
Scientist, zoologist, naturalist and intrepid rainforest traveller John Feltwell has spent his life observing the intricacies of nature by enthusing others. Colour has always fascinated him whether it is jet black jaguars, pure white elephants or black and white killer whales.
John has written over 40 books on conservation, natural history, rainforest and gardening and some of his childrens' books are now in over 30 languages. One of his latest books he collaborated on was for Her Majesty The Queen on the mulberry trees of Buckingham Palace Gardens. Debrett's Distinguished People of Today lists John's interest as 'observing nature, especially in rainforests'. He has lived in 1066 Country with his wife and children for over 35 years.