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Carnivores in the broader sense are animals or plants that eat flesh.
In this ebook, you will learn about mammals of the Order Carnivora which includes such animals as dogs, wolves, bears, raccoons, cats, weasels, hyenas, seals, sea lions and walruses. This book covers an array of facts about the biological characteristics of different groups of carnivores. Learn about the anatomy, habitat, behaviour, physiology, diet and reproduction of different carnivores. The ebook also covers the relationships between humans and carnivores, both in the context of managing domestic and wild carnivores.
The authors have written this book as a useful reference for those wanting to specialise in their animal studies and as a useful starting point for anyone wishing to learn about these unique mammals. The book may also be useful as a complementary text for anyone studying Vertebrate Zoology or any of the Zoo Keeping or Wildlife courses offered by ACS Distance Education.
The book includes a multitude of illustrations, providing the reader with an interesting learning experience about this unique group of mammals.
Pages: 127
Pictures: 61
ISBN: 978-0-9954356-4-3
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction to Carnivore Taxonomy
Taxonomy and conservation
Principles of taxonomy
Modern Science Has Changed Taxonomy
Classification of carnivores
Key points
Chapter 2 Carnivore Biology and Behaviour
Anatomy and feeding
Senses
Range and distribution
Ecology
Longevity
Behaviour
Altruism
Reproduction
Predation
Pathogens and parasites
Sustainable management
Conservation case studies of iconic carnivores
Tiger
Giant panda
Walrus
Chapter 3 Canines
Genus: Atelocynus
Genus: Canis
Genus: Cerdocyon
Genus: Cerdocyon
Genus: Cuon
Genus: Lycalopex
Genus: Lycaon
Genus: Nyctereutes
Genus: Otocyon
Genus: Vulpes
Chapter 4 Felines
The Big Cats (Pantherinae)
The Small Cats (Felinae)
Chapter 5 Bears
Introduction
Hibernation
Bear species
Chapter 6 Aquatic Carnivores
Family Odobenidae (Walrus)
Family Phocidae (True Seals)
Family Otariidae (Eared Seals, Fur Seals, and Sea Lions)
Chapter 7 MUSTALIDS
Family Mustelidae (weasels, badgers, otters)
Genus: Taxidea
Taxidea taxus (American Badger)
Genus: Mellivora
Genus: Arctonyx
Arctonyx collaris (Hog badger)
Genus: Meles
Meles (Eurasian Badger, Japanese Badger, Asian Badger)
Genus: Eira
Eira barbara (Tayra)
Genus: Gulo
Gulo (Wolverine)
Genus: Martes (Martens)
Genus: Melogale
Genus: Galictis
Examples of other animal in this superfamily include:
The Domestic Ferret
American Mink
Chapter 8 Other Carnivores
Family Procyonidae (Raccoons, Coatis and relatives)
Family Ailuridae (Lesser Panda or Red Panda)
Family Viverridae (Civets, Genets, Linsangs)
Family Herpestidae (Mongooses)
Family Hyaenidae (Hyenas and Aardwolf)
Chapter 9 MANAGEMENT OF CAPTIVE CARNIVORES
Managing the Welfare of Captive Carnivores
Duty of Care
Assessing Animal Welfare
Preventing Disease and Injury
Health Checks and Observations
The Importance of Good Nutrition
The Effect of Poor Nutrition
Provision of Water
Exercise
Stimulation
Appropriate and Safe Environment
Controlling Pests and Diseases
Veterinary Prevention
Pet carnivores
Health
Nutrition
Dogs
Cats
Sociability
Dogs
Cats
Environmental Enrichment
Cats
Training
Dogs
Cats
Territory
Dogs
Cats
Communication
Dogs
Cats
Considerations for Purchasing a Pet Carnivore
Captive carnivores
Principles and Ethics of Animal Management in Zoos
Health
Monitoring health
Hygiene
Diseases
Nutrition
Nutrition for Big Cats (e.g. Lions and Tigers)
Seasonal Changes and Food Requirements
Watering
Behaviour
Behaviour Management
Environmental Influences on Behaviour
Environmental Enrichment
Physical Enrichment
Feeding Enrichment
Cognitive Enrichment
Social Enrichment
Sensory Enrichment
Working Carnivores
Dog Racing
Dog Fighting
Hunting dogs
Farm Dogs
Chapter 10 MANAGEMENT OF WILD CARNIVORES
Wild carnivores
Awareness of the Threats
Conservation of Wild Carnivores
Captive Breeding
Goals of Captive Breeding
Management of Diseases
Pest Animals
Wild Dogs and Cats
Domestication of Wild Dogs and Cats
Examples of Other Pest Animals
Wolves
Meerkats
Territoriality
Chemical Communication
Controlling carnivores
Catch and Release
Catch and Neuter
Fencing or other Barriers
Culling
APPENDIX
Distance learning and online courses
E-books by John Mason and ACS Staff
Printed books by John Mason
Useful contacts
ACS global partners
Social media