Bat Ecology edited by Thomas H. Kunz and M. Brock Fenton, University of Chicago Press, 拢38.50/$55, ISBN 0226462064
BATS are the most diverse of all mammalian orders, comprising over 1000 of the recognised total of 9000-plus species. Here in the 15 chapters of Bat Ecology, Thomas Kunz and Brock Fenton present the distilled wisdom of some of the world鈥檚 greatest bat experts. Covering far more than the title promises, there are chapters on sensory ecology, migration and physiology, along with rabies, and the challenge of educating people so bats get the appreciation they deserve.
Humour lightens the technical style, as exemplified by the title of 鈥淏ats and balls鈥� for a chapter on testes size and social evolution. Just about every bat lover will find something to interest and surprise them, while the more general reader will find a rich vein of information that may be mined with pleasure. For at least 2000 years, Chinese culture has considered bats lucky. This book should help western society to catch up and at least regard bats as truly admirable creatures.
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