Elephants

Patrick Colgan is the executive director of the Canadian Museum of
Nature in Ottawa.

This comprehensive and accessible nature series offers a rich
introduction to a variety of charismatic species. Topics covered include
evolutionary origins, anatomy and physiology, lifestyle and behavior,
general ecology, endangered status, human interactions, and folklore.
More specifically, the series deals with subjects as diverse as
infrasounds and musth of elephants, the importance of the bamboo cycle
and “thumbs” in pandas, imprinting and molt in cranes, communication
and caching in wolves, diet and delayed implantation in grizzlies, and
the sociality of gorillas.

The text is conversational, neither dry nor sentimental, and there is a
useful glossary, germane suggested readings (including websites), and an
index. The color photographs are excellent, and the overall layout is
very attractive. Several well-designed features enhance these volumes,
including Twenty Interesting Facts for each species, quotations from
leading researchers, quizzes, and opposing viewpoints on such
controversies as hunting, culling, the ivory trade, and captive
breeding. Also included are the addresses of pertinent conservation
organizations. Highly recommended.