Vanished Species

Rating:
Summary: best book on extinct animals in historic times money can buy
Review: This is an invaluable reference work and a work of art. Day covers extinct mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and even plants from all over the world, not only species but subspecies as well. All species and subspecies are illustrated, several with excellent color illustrations that are often very beautiful.

Each species and subspecies dealt with is covered as thoroughly as historical and scientific literate allows. The common, genus, and species names are provided, along with any alternate common names. Family relationships to living species are discussed as well, as in some cases closely related species alive today provide the best information on some species. Information on the discovery and co-history with humans of the various animals and plants are provided, showing how each organism became extinct. Though many species and subspecies are often poorly known, much of what was recorded on their life habits, including habitat, mating habits, food sources, and natural enemies is detailed as well.

Day covers not only well known extinct animals, such as the elephant bird of Madagascar, the moas, the dodo, the passenger pigeon, the great auk, the aurochs, and the quagga, often with highly detailed information. He also covers many much lesser known creatures, such as the Hispaniolan hutia, the Round Island boa, the Stephen Island wren, the Antarctic Wolf, and the Cuban red macaw. They are no less deserving of coverage, and make for interesting reading.

It is sad to see how many of the world's unique creatures have been lost over the centuries of human civilization. To get some appreciation of creatures almost literally "dead as the dodo" purchase this book. I highly recommend it.