Llamas and Other Latin American Camels / Llamas y otros camélidos de Latinoamérica


Book Description

Llamas are camel cousins. It is true! Llamas are also a vital part of some South American economies. Readers will also find out about some of the other camelids that call Latin America home, vicunas, guanacos, and alpacas.




The South American Camelids


Book Description

"In this book, Duccio Bonavia tackles major questions about these camelids, from their domestication to their distribution at the time of the Spanish conquest. One of Bonavia's hypotheses is that the arrival of the Europeans and their introduced Old World animals forced the Andean camelids away from the Pacific coast, creating the (mistaken) impression that camelids were exclusively high-altitude animals. Bonavia also addresses the diseases of camelids and their population density, suggesting that the original camelid populations suffered from a different type of mange than that introduced by the Europeans. This new mange, he believes, was one of the causes behind the great morbidity of camelids in Colonial times. In terms of domestication, while Bonavia believes that the major centers must have been the puna zone intermediate zones, he adds that the process should not be seen as restricted to a single environmental zone.".




Llama and Alpaca Care - E-Book


Book Description

Designed for the mixed practice large animal veterinarian, veterinary students, and camelid caretakers alike, Llama and Alpaca Care covers all major body systems, herd health, physical examination, nutrition, reproduction, surgery, anesthesia, and multisystem diseases of llamas and alpacas. Written by world-renowned camelid specialists and experts in the field, this comprehensive and uniquely global text offers quick access to the most current knowledge in this area. With coverage ranging from basic maintenance such as restraint and handling to more complex topics including anesthesia and surgery, this text provides the full range of knowledge required for the management of llamas and alpacas. "..an essential text for anyone working with South American camelids." Reviewed by Claire E. Whitehead on behalf of Veterinary Record, July 2015 Over 500 full-color images provide detailed, highly illustrated coverage of all major body systems, physical examination, nutrition, anesthesia, fluid therapy, multisystem diseases, and surgical disorders. World-renowned camelid experts and specialists in the field each bring a specific area of expertise for a uniquely global text. Comprehensive herd health content includes handling techniques, vaccinations, biosecurity, and protecting the herd from predators. Coverage of anesthesia and analgesia includes the latest information on pharmacokinetics of anesthetic drugs, chemical restraint, injectable and inhalation anesthesia, neuroanesthesia, and pain management. Reproduction section contains information on breeding management, lactation, infertility, and embryo transfer. Nutrition information offers detailed nutritional requirements and discusses feeding management systems and feeding behavior.







Megafauna


Book Description

“An enjoyable read that provides a substantial amount of detail on the biology, ecology, and distribution of these fantastic animals . . . Highly recommended.” —Choice More than 10,000 years ago spectacularly large mammals roamed the pampas and jungles of South America. This book tells the story of these great beasts during and just after the Pleistocene, the geological epoch marked by the great ice ages. Megafauna describes the history and way of life of these animals, their comings and goings, and what befell them at the beginning of the modern era and the arrival of humans. It places these giants within the context of the other mammals then alive, describing their paleobiology—how they walked; how much they weighed; their diets, behavior, biomechanics; and the interactions among them and with their environment. It also tells the stories of the scientists who contributed to our discovery and knowledge of these transcendent creatures and the environment they inhabited. The episode known as the Great American Biotic Interchange, perhaps the most important of all natural history “experiments,” is also an important theme of the book, tracing the biotic events of both North and South America that led to the fauna and the ecosystems discussed in this book. “Collectively, this book brings attention to the discovery and natural history of ancient beasts in South America while providing a broader temporal and geographic background that allows readers to understand their evolution and potential immigration to South America.” —Quarterly Review of Biology “An excellent volume . . . This book is likely to facilitate progress in the understanding of fossil mammals from the Americas.” —Priscum




Jaguars and Other Latin American Wild Cats / Jaguares y otros felinos de Latinoamérica


Book Description

Jaguars are the largest wild cats of Latin America. Jaguars have been an important cultural symbol dating back to the Mayans and the Aztecs. They continue to be a symbol of Mexico today. Readers will be fascinated to learn about where these big cats live, what they eat, and how they hunt. Other wild cats in Latin America, including the ocelot and the puma are also presented.




Howler Monkeys and Other Latin American Monkeys / Monos aulladores y otros monos de Latinoamérica


Book Description

The amazing howl of the howler monkey has made this monkey a legend of the rain forest. Readers will be fascinated by the full-color photos and the informative text. The common wooly monkey, which features prominently in its local economy, is also discussed in this book, along with the tamarind.




Art and Vision in the Inca Empire


Book Description

This book offers a new, art-historical interpretation of pre-contact Inca culture and power and includes over sixty color images.




Coqui Frogs and Other Latin American Frogs / Coquíes y otras ranas de Latinoamérica


Book Description

Coqui frogs are the unofficial symbol of Puerto Rico. Readers will learn about their habitat and diet. Students will also learn about some other Latin American frogs, such as the poison dart frog and the red-eyed tree frog, too.




Quetzals and Other Latin American Birds / Quetzales y otras aves de Latinoamérica


Book Description

The quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala and lends its name to that country's currency. In fact, the quetzal has long been revered for its beautiful feathers. In ancient times, the Mayan people used quetzal feathers as money. Your fascinated readers will find out more about this resplendent bird and some of its neighbors, such as the toucan and the macaw.