In this updated edition, award-winning author and whale researcher Erich Hoyt takes readers into the field for an intimate encounter with 93 species of cetaceans that make their homes in the world's oceans, rivers and lakes. Drawing on decades of firsthand experience and a comprehensive familiarity with the current revolution in cetacean studies, Hoyt provides unique insights into the life histories of whales. This new edition features descriptions of three new whale and dolphin species, along with the latest discoveries about cetacean biology and behavior, from the physical differences and adaptations among the baleen and toothed whales to their highly intelligent hunting and feeding methods. Uncovered in fascinating detail are the courtship and mating practices, family relationships and the lifelong bonds among some family members. The symphonic composer of the whale world is the humpback whale, whose complex 30-minute songs reverberate across the liquid universe of the ocean. Current research reveals that blue, fin, bowhead and other whales also sing, mostly in tones below human hearing. Using sound for navigation, some whales hunt in deep, high pressure waters while others negotiate migrations across entire ocean basins. Thoroughly updated to reflect the latest findings, this book is perfect for anyone curious about the cetacean world. Budding whale students will gain insights on how to research whales, dolphins and porpoises as well as how to save at-risk species and their increasingly damaged habitat. Encyclopedia of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises includes: . detailed profiles of 93 current species of cetaceans (3 more than in the previous edition) . the story of the newly discovered Sato's beaked whale, a small black whale from the North Pacific related to the Baird's beaked whale . fascinating sidebars that bring to life cetacean society and culture . an enlightening discussion of the differences between dolphins and porpoises . new information on the history and impact of whaling illustrations of each species by renowned artist Uko Gorter, including the three new species named in the past five years . color photographs by world-famous marine photographer Brandon Cole, among others AUTHOR: Erich Hoyt has spent four decades working with whales, dolphins and porpoises to understand their daily lives and to protect their habitat in the oceans. He is the author of 25 books for adults and children, including Creatures of the Deep, Planktonia, The Earth Dwellers and Orca: The Whale Called Killer. Hoyt directs scientific work on killer whales, Baird's beaked whales and humpback whales in the Russian Far East. His research and public talks on whales, marine protected areas and whale watching have taken him to every ocean and more than 50 countries. Currently living with his family in Dorset, England, he is Research Fellow for the U.K.-based Whale and Dolphin Conservation. He has helped establish several large marine protected areas in the ocean.
Industry Reviews
With stunning photography, beautifully crafted illustrations, and engaging text, Hoyt's 2023 update of Encyclopedia of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises is a thrilling adventure. This is one of the most magnificent books we've seen on ocean life, and we know readers of all levels of interest will enjoy it -- leafing through its gorgeous pages in awe or digging into the well-presented research.-- "Nature Book Guide" (12/1/2023 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of hardcover edition: ] An interesting and beautiful global overview of cetaceans. Part pictorial guide, part research over-view, part coffee table book, and part call to action, and brimming with incredibly beautiful photographs showing cetaceans in action, this book will appeal to many readers in its attractive, easy-to-read format... This book is very ambitious in its scope and meets many of its objectives. Comprehensive, colourful, and full of interesting facts, it does an excellent job of showing the diversity of cetaceans around the world and raising awareness of conservation challenges and concerns for their future... An excellent addition to your natural history and conservation library.--Ted Armstrong "Canadian Field-Naturalist" (10/1/2017 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of hardcover edition: ] Despite its name, the Encyclopedia of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises is no dry, encyclopedic tome. Instead, Erich Hoyt's 300-page labor of love for all things cetacean focuses on stories of more than 90 species of wild whales, dolphins, and porpoises, with over 300 photographs and illustrations. Hoyt draws on his decades of experience studying and writing about cetaceans, and has created an excellent up-to-date resource with the latest insights into our understanding of cetaceans.-- "Hakai Magazine" (1/5/2018 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of hardcover edition: ] Gorgeous photographs accompany details of the basic biology of these marine mammals... A rich and detailed learning resource.--Raine Sillito "Green Teacher Magazine" (3/29/2021 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of hardcover edition: ] Marine researcher and conservationist Hoyt (Weird Sea Creatures, 2013) introduces readers to the field of cetaceans with this eye-catching and appealing work. Beginning with an overview of the intertwined history of whales and humans, the book's following sections provide context on methods of research at sea and an introduction to the basic biology (anatomy, migration, social behavior, and more) of cetaceans. Thought-provoking questions peppered throughout the text on topics such as invasive research tools and recent whale strandings will help to keep the reader engaged. There are complete chapters devoted to baleen whales, toothed whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The appendix comprises approximately a quarter of the book's content, with profiles of 90 recognized species of cetaceans, including information on their length, weight, habitat and range, diet, social notes, and conservation status. The attractive layout features dazzling photos on almost every page spread. The book concludes with a list of ways individuals can get involved as citizen scientists, in addition to a list of sources and resources and an index. An accessible volume for school and public libraries.--Maren Ostergard "Booklist" (12/12/2017 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of hardcover edition: ] Required reading... In the beautifully illustrated Encyclopedia of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises, award-winning author and whale researcher Erich Hoyt takes readers into the field for an intimate encounter with the roughly 90 species of cetaceans that live in the world's oceans. Drawing on a comprehensive familiarity with the current revolution in cetacean studies, Hoyt provides unique insights into the life histories of these compelling marine mammals. His impassioned argument for the ongoing need for international protection of at-risk populations and their increasingly damaged habitat is impossible to ignore.-- "Canadian Geographic Newsletter" (8/1/2017 12:00:00 AM)
[Review of hardcover edition: ] The photographs are remarkable in their clarity, offering striking depictions of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in their natural habitats. Particularly arresting are the underwater photographs; these provide a perspective that few humans will ever see. These photographs seem powerful enough to imbue readers with an affinity for these animals that good drawings and interesting anecdotes cannot... Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and general readers.--S. R. Fegley "Choice Magazine" (6/1/2018 12:00:00 AM)
Best Reference Titles of 2017 List-- "Library Journal" (2/28/2018 12:00:00 AM)
