Discusses the natural history of the four living species of sirenian, as well as the extinct Stellar's sea cow, explores sirenians in myth and tradition, and examines efforts to protect the different species from extinction
Numerous color photos accompany the text to introduce the natural history of the four living species of sirenian, including the Florida and Antillean subspecies of the West Indian manatee, the Amazonian and West African manatees, and the extinct Stellar's sea cow. Ripple, a(natural history writer and photographer, provides details on topics such as evolution, range, movement and habitat use, physical description, senses, anatomy and physiology, among others. He also devotes one chapter to sirens in myth and tradition, and another to the protection of the sirenian. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Details the natural history of the four living species of sirenian, plus the extinct Stellar's Sea cow. Also devotes chapters to sirens in myth and tradition and to the protection of the sirenian.
