Bovids of the World - (Princeton Field Guides) by José R Castelló (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The most comprehensive guide to the bovids of the world

Bovids are a diverse group of ruminant mammals that have hooves and unbranched hollow horns. Bovids of the World is the first comprehensive field guide to cover all 279 bovid species, including antelopes, gazelles, cattle, buffaloes, sheep, and goats. From the hartebeest of Africa and the takin of Asia to the muskox of North America, bovids are among the world's most spectacular animals and this stunningly illustrated and easy-to-use field guide is an ideal way to learn more about them.

The guide covers all species and subspecies of bovids described to date. It features more than 300 superb full-color plates depicting every kind of bovid, as well as detailed facing-page species accounts that describe key identification features, horn morphology, distribution, subspeciation, habitat, and conservation status in the wild. This book also shows where to observe each species and includes helpful distribution maps.

Suitable for anyone with an interest in natural history, Bovids of the World is a remarkable and attractive reference, showcasing the range and beauty of these important mammals.

• The first comprehensive field guide to all 279 bovid species
• 337 full-color plates, with more than 1,500 photographs
• Detailed species accounts describe key identification features, distribution, subspeciation, habitat, behavior, reproduction, and conservation status
• Fully updated and revised taxonomy, with common and scientific names
• Easy-to-read distribution maps

From the Back Cover

"This is a very good field guide, with excellent illustrations."--Don E. Wilson, curator emeritus, Smithsonian Institution

"Timely, superb, and grounded in thorough research, this book displays the real diversity of the bovid species--in all its complexity and splendor."--Fenton P. D. Cotterill, Stellenbosch University

Review Quotes

"Bovids of the World offers a compelling and beautiful introduction to one of the world's most diverse and important families of creatures with hair. . . . Few books have done more to remind me than Bovids of the World that I've only just scratched the surface of what the planet has to show me."---Ed Kanze, Bedford (NY) Record-Review

"I am confident that Bovids of the World is a valuable addition to any wildlife biologist's library. Those with and without close familiarity to the family Bovidae will have a handy reference for office and field use. Hats off to Jose R. Castello, an M.D. from Spain, for his knowledge and passion to highlight the bovids in such a detailed and taxonomically relevant field guide."---David M. Leslie, Jr., Journal of Wildlife Management

"I often wonder why there hasn't been any really good books dealing with the antelopes, wild cattle, sheep, gazelles and goats of the world. Well I guess I need wonder no more. With the publication of Castello's new book, I have found a resource that will be invaluable as I travel in search of wildlife. . . . As with other Princeton guides, the layout is eye-pleasing and the text factual, informative and inclusive. Ranges, habitats, descriptions, subspecies and behaviour are covered for every species."-- "North Durham Nature Newsletter"

"This is a handy reference to what I consider the coolest taxonomic family on earth: the bovids. . . . Sit down with it and enjoy these fascinating creatures."---Matt Miller, Cool Green Science

"This volume provides excellent introductory information about hundreds of animals; it will serve a wide range of readers seeking a basic understanding of this subject; high school students, college students, and interested adults will benefit from its content. Libraries working with these populations should consider adding this reasonably priced volume."---Mark Schumacher, American Reference Books Annual

"With this title, new ground has been broken in several ways. Visually, Castelló, a medical doctor, has replaced traditional artists' renderings with photos from global photographers. This is also the first field guide to reflect the revised species list, which recently doubled the number of bovid species from 143 to 279. . . . Castelló fills a void, and this book should generate wide interest in scientists, students, and general reader. . . . This volume may inspire a new generation of conservationists and raise awareness of beautiful, endangered bovids and their perilous situations."-- "Choice"

About the Author

José R. Castelló is a medical doctor with a particular interest in zoology and biology. He is a member of the American Society of Mammalogists and the Spanish Society for Conservation and Study of Mammals. He lives in Madrid.