Whales and Dolphins

Whales and dolphins are some of the most fascinating mammals in the world, and this New Naturalist provides a comprehensive account of their biology and natural history, from their evolution and habitats to social structures and behaviour. Unless you have seen one of these beautiful creatures in the wild, it is hard to imagine the excitement of seeing a school of white-beaked dolphins herding mackerel into a bay, or the thrill of riding a boat alongside a pod of killer whales.

Yet these experiences are available not far from our doorsteps, and help to explain the steady increase in the number of European countries which run whale-watching trips. In New Naturalist Whales and Dolphins Peter Evans describes all the species found in Europe.

He discusses their evolution, habitats, migrations, food and feeding, breeding, social structures and behaviour.

He gives a survey region by region of the best localities for watching whales and dolphins, and discusses their conservation in the light of the pressures they face from humans.