Handbook of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises

'Everyone who loves the sea and what's in it should own this book.' - Bill BrysonFrom the blue whale to the Indo-Pacific finless porpoise, this handbook is the most comprehensive, authoritative and up-to-date reference to each of the world's 90 species of cetaceans.With more than 1,000 meticulous and specially commissioned illustrations - complete with flukes, blows and dive sequences - it includes detailed annotations pointing out significant field marks, as well as extensive distribution and migration maps.Many of the world's most respected whale biologists have collaborated on the text, helping to provide the ultimate guide to the identification, distribution, behaviour, life history and conservation of every species and subspecies of whale, dolphin and porpoise.This is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in these truly spectacular animals.

Includes unique identification material, such as dive profiles and typical spout shapes, along with illustrations and photography chosen to help you get the most from any whale-watching trip

How to use this bookThe challenges of identificationIntroduction to the 14 cetacean familiesInformation for working at seaCetacean topographyBarnacles to whale liceQuick ID GuidesBow-riding dolphins and porpoisesIdentifying whales by their flukesIdentifying whales by their blowsNorth Atlantic OceanSouth Atlantic OceanNorth Pacific OceanSouth Pacific OceanIndian OceanSouthern OceanRight and bowhead whales (family Balaenidae)Pygmy right whale (family Neobalaeidae)Grey whale (family Eschrichtiidae)Rorquals (family Balaenopteridae)Sperm whales (families Physeteridae, Kogiidae)Narwhal and beluga (family Monodontidae)Beaked whales (family Ziphiidae)Blackfish (family Dolphinidae)Shorter-beaked oceanic dolphins (family Delphinidae)Longer-beaked oceanic dolphines (family Delphinidae)River dolphins (families Platanistidae, Iniidae, Pontoporiidae, Lipotidae)Porpoises (family Phocoenidae)Caring for whales, dolphins and porpoisesGlossarySpecies checklistConversion unitsSources and resourcesArtists' biographiesAcknowledgementsImage credits