This first volume in the Handbook of the Mammals of the World series deals with the following families: African Palm Civet; Cats; Linsangs; Civets, Genets and Oyans; Hyenas; Mongooses; Euplerids; Dogs; Bears; Red Panda; Racoons; Skunks; Weasels, Martens, Polecats, Badgers and Otters. This volume includes an introduction to the Class Mammalia by Don E. Wilson. Family accounts cover the following: systematics, morphological aspects, habitat, general habits, communication, food and feeding, breeding, movement, home range and social organisation, relationship with humans, and status and conservation. Species accounts include chapters on taxonomy, descriptive notes, habitat, food and feeding, activity patterns, movements, home range and social organization, breeding, and a bibliography.
Includes bibliographic references. Volume 1 of an eight part series. Features distribution maps, colour photos and colour illustrations.