Whale Watcher

About this book

Whale watching is one of the fastest-growing tourist activities in the world, attracting over four million people every year. This sumptuously illustrated book brings the exhilarating experience of whale watching to life for the whale and dolphin enthusiast.

Whales, dolphins and porpoises are known collectively as cetaceans. "Whale Watcher" describes the world's species currently recognised with feature spreads on over 40 of the most frequently watched and fascinating species. For easy identification, families and species are described in descending order of size, from the blue whale to the tiniest dolphins and porpoises. Stunning action photography of each species is coupled with watching information, including guidance on where and when to watch, and how to identify the species from its behaviour and physical characteristics. The natural history and habitat of each animal is described, as well as the latest research on topics such as cetacean communication and social structure. There is also information on endangered species, responsible watching and conservation that make this an essential and comprehensive visual reference.

Contents

An Introduction to Watching; Watching Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises; Watching Rorqual Whales; Watching Right and Grey Whales; Watching Sperm Whales; Watching Beaked Whales; Watching White Whales; Watching Blackfish; Watching Oceanic Dolphins without Prominent Beaks; Watching Oceanic Dolphins with Prominent Beaks; Watching River Dolphins; Watching Porpoises; Glossary; Gazeteer; Index; Acknowledgements

Customer Reviews

Biography

Trevor Day trained as a zoologist and marine biologist before working for the United Nations Development Programme. He has written on whales, dolphins and porpoises in leading UK newspapers and magazines, including The Economist, Geographical and The Telegraph. His recent publications include Exploring the Ocean (Oxford University Press) and Marine Science on File (Facts on File).