Most people in the world will never see a whale, yet are fascinated by them, and even knowing nothing about them, are in favour of their conservation. Indeed, for those who have the chance to participate in whale watching tours, it is one of their most cherished memories.
Two distinguished marine biologists have joined forces to produce a compendium of information compressed into 160 pages that will enable you to to go from ignorance to knowledge in one easy read. It is remarkable how much information can be provided in one of these "Little Books" and there is a fairly extensive bibliography for those eager to know more. For even the casual reader, it is possible to go from a warm, fuzzy feeling that cetaceans should be protected, to knowing which species are most threatened and how specifically to intervene on their behalf. The power of an informed citizenry should never be underestimated.
Tugce Okay, in her usual way, embellishes the text with a range of scintillating illustrations.
She has illustrated all but one of the books in this series, ranging from dinosaurs to mushrooms, from spiders to trees - and all done incredibly well. It is a noteworthy achievement to achieve this level of quality over such a diversity of subjects.
Some species of cetaceans have been making a comeback from the brink of extinction in recent years, as international legislation is respected by most nations most of the time, but perils remain. Let us not forget that the Yangtze River Dolphin has been driven to extinction in our lifetime, entirely due to anthropogenic actions.
It has been established that acoustic communication is vital to the lives of whales, with sound travelling over vast distances. Numerous human activities such as drilling and mining, shipping and military exercises all interfere with this essential faculty of cetacean lives. Add to these disturbances increased atmospheric CO2 levels, ocean warming, acidification, bycatch, plastic pollution, diminished marine productivity and you realize quickly that many species are living on the edge.
Young and Berta are impassioned in their pleas for the conservation of these magnificent ancient mammals; we should be too.
If the bell of extinction tolls for them, it tolls for us too.
The Little Book of Whales - Princeton University Press
Robert Young and Annalisa Berta
Hardback - $15.95 USD - ISBN: 9780691260129
160 pages - 3.75 x 6 inches (9.375 x 15 cm)
140 colour illustrations
Publication date: 22 October, 2024
The illustrations looks very nice, David. No, I have never seen a whale, but it had been interesting to see one!
ReplyDeleteHugs and kisses, Marit
As you say, I've never seen a whale. I have seen dolphins pass by and it is a fascinating spectacle.
ReplyDeleteIn the Strait of Gibraltar there are many orcas that have had encounters with sailboats. They will be fed up with so much traffic...
Thanks David
We once saw a blue whale, off the coast oh Hatteras. It was stunning! It breached several times near our boat, so close i could look it in the eye. I remember people were freaking out, afraid we would capsize, but I told them if that did happen, what a way to die!
ReplyDeleteThis tiny book series is so cool. They would be great Christmas gifts.
That must have been quite an experience. I have seen many whales of several species, but never so close!
DeleteIt's shameful that "impassioned pleas" are still necessary in 2024; the International Whaling Commission was set up in 1946. Everyone knew that there was a problem before I was born and many nations still can't agree on the best way forward.
ReplyDeleteShameful indeed, John, and very sad.
DeleteI love whales. I’ve seen them from boats and from the shore (that mainly in Hawaii). Once, while snorkeling, I heard them singing. In one location on a bay in Baja California, whales habitually approach little boats — so we saw a baby whale up close — my husband stroked it but I was on the wrong side of the boat. What remarkable creatures! I hope the book encourages protection of whales.
ReplyDeletebest, mae at maefood.blogspot.com