On the Prowl : In Search of Big Cat Origins

"At the beginning of the Pleistocene Ice Age, changing climates and ecosystems of Africa and Asia opened newavenues for evolutionary adaptation to both herbivores and carnivores, and especially the pantherine felids, or big cats. Despite the iconic image of big cats like leopards, tigers and lions for us, their origins and history have been only imcompletely understood, and gaps still exist in the fossil record. This book provides an updated and as comprehesive as possible understanding of the big cats' evolution, and their significance in ancient Ice Age ecosystems. It will also describe their long, often adversarial relationship to another apex predator: human beings. The rise of the pantherines is here vividly portrayed not only through the carefully documented text, based on the most recent studies of leading carnivore paleontologists, but also through accurate, detailed illustrations. Hallett's talent for "life reconstruction" and "scenic" imagery will supplement the text by helping to bring these ancient animals to life. Ending with a strong case for renewed efforts for big cat conservation, the book will motivate all the more strongly those who care about the fate of the pantherines. By showing the great evolutionary distance travelled by the big cats, the challenges already overcome and adapted to, the authors hope their call to action will all the more poignant: will well, through simple negligence, be the ones to allow this long line to come to an end?"-- Provided by publisher Big cats such as lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars fascinate us like few other creatures. They are enduring symbols of natural majesty and power. Yet despite the magnetic appeal of the big cats, their origins and evolutionary history remain poorly understood--and human activity threatens to put an end to the big cats' glory. On the Prowl is a fully illustrated and approachable guide to the evolution of the big cats and what it portends for their conservation today. Mark Hallett and John M. Harris trace the origins of these iconic carnivores, venturing down the evolutionary pathways that produced the diversity of big cat species that have walked the earth. They place the evolution and paleobiology of these species in the context of ancient ecosystems and climates, explaining what made big cats such efficient predators and analyzing their competition with other animals. Hallett and Harris pay close attention to human impact, from the evidence of cave paintings and analysis of ancient extinctions up to present-day crises. Their engaging and carefully documented account is brought to life through Hallett's detailed, vivid illustrations, based on the most recent research by leading paleontologists. Offering a fresh look at the rise of these majestic animals, On the Prowl also makes a powerful case for renewed efforts to protect big cats and their habitats before it is too late. Mark Hallett is a naturalist, scientific artist, and author who specializes in prehistoric animals and their environments. His art and writing have appeared in Life, Smithsonian, and National Geographic. He is coauthor of Seismosaurus: The Earth Shaker (Columbia, 1994) and The Sauropod Dinosaurs: Life in the Age of Giants (2016), among other works. John M. Harris is chief curator emeritus at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and visiting associate in geology at the California Institute of Technology. He is coeditor of Laetoli: A Pliocene Site in Tanzania (1987) and Lothagam: The Dawn of Humanity in Eastern Africa (Columbia, 2013). SCI027000,Science/Life Sciences/Evolution,SCI054000,Science/Paleontology