Bats: Biology and Behaviour By John D. Altringham Oxford
University Press, 1996. Hardcover. 262 pages $75.00, Available
in Fall 1997 BCI catalogue. In his new book, Bats: Biology and
Behaviour, Dr. John D. Altringham skillfully summarizes many of
the most fascinating traits of bats, at the same time providing
exceptional lessons in mammalian adaptation, co-evolution, and
systematics. Drawing from 445 references, the books eight
chapters cover bat evolution, flight, echolocation, torpor and
hibernation, reproduction and development, behavior, community
ecology, and conservation. The information is accurately
annotated with line drawings and illustrations, compiled in such
a way that scientists, students, wildlife professionals, or bat
enthusiasts will find it to be not only interesting reading but
an invaluable reference. This book is an excellent investment
for any natural history library. Altringham, a longtime BCI
member, holds a senior academic post studying comparative
physiology at the University of Leed