Description

A stunningly illustrated exploration of the lives of wolves around the world

Hunted to near extinction, wolves evoke a sense of our planet’s dwindling wildernesses. Rather than fear them, we should better understand the crucial role they play in ecosystems throughout the world. This engaging, fact-filled book shares insights into the family histories, relationships, and significant life challenges of wolves while linking them to broader questions about wildlife conservation and management. Written by a world-renowned expert in wolf behavior and reintroduction, Wolf: The Illustrated Biography offers a unique perspective on these charismatic animals, charting the life stories of wolves in all their diversity and complexity.

Profiles wolves from North America, Europe, and Asia, describing their key characteristics, habitats, distinguishing features, common prey, and distinctive behaviors
Discusses evolutionary history, biology, ecology, taxonomy, and past and current geographical distribution
Covers key stages in the lives of wolves, from pregnancy and den building to birth and adolescence, play fights and learning to hunt, traveling with and leaving the pack, social hierarchy and bonds within packs, communication, territoriality, and more
Emphasizes the leadership role of alpha females in the everyday life of the pack
Explores the complex relationship between wolves and humans throughout history
Considers the prospects for wolf populations in an age of accelerating environmental degradation

Publisher Review

“A book for its time. . . . This factual account, free from bias and exaggeration, clearly points out that humans and wolves can both enjoy life on this precious planet.”—David Gascoigne, Travels with Birds