Library Journal
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Bats make up about 20 percent of the world's mammals, but the challenges of studying such small, fast-flying, nocturnal animals mean that our knowledge about them is incomplete. Technological advances in field and lab research have increased our understanding, reflected in this spectacular volume from Taylor (The Way of the Hare). The precise text and lush, extravagant photographs from Tuttle (The Secret Lives of Bats) offer a compelling combination. A concise introduction explores evolution, diversity, biology, behavior, ecology, and the bats/people connection. Brief profiles of 1,386 known species, arranged taxonomically, comprise the second section and detail the distribution, conservation status, physical traits, habitat, and behavior of various kinds of bats. Mostly color and full-page photographs show the creatures doing their beneficial things: on the wing chasing insects, pollinating flowers, or aiding in seed dispersal. These animals astonish even in repose, especially when "sitting" for one of Tuttle's facial portraits or roosting en masse. Indexes provide access by scientific and common bat names, but one might wish for an easier way to pinpoint local species, such as an additional "distribution table." VERDICT Going far beyond the practical value of a guidebook, this is an important update to bat literature and one to savor, containing a wonder on nearly every page and proving that bats are indeed "intelligent, curious, comical, even essential animals."-Robert Eagan, Windsor P.L., Ont. © Copyright 2019. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Choice
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.

With more than 1,300 known species, bats represent the second most diverse order of mammals. Only the rodents are more speciose. Following a general discussion of chiropteran biology, the authors provide a broad overview of the various families and associated genera of bats. These are divided into the two currently recognized suborders, Yangochiroptera and Yinpterochiroptera, and arranged alphabetically by family. Each family/generic section includes a respective list of species (and geographic range) and a brief description of the natural history of select species. A total of 288 representative species are described and accompanied by high-quality, full-color photography, a thumbnail distribution map, and conservation status. Two separate indexes, one of common names and one of scientific names, is helpful; however, the book would have benefited from a listing of species by even broad geographic boundaries. Readers interested in the bats of a particular region must thumb through the species accounts and distribution maps page by page. The book is written in a clear, conversational style, and will be of interest to general readers wishing to learn more about the diversity of this intriguing and unique group of animals. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers. --Danny A. Brass, independent scholar

Book list
From Booklist, Copyright © American Library Association. Used with permission.

This thorough introduction to the world of bats begins with an overview that covers topics such as research, evolution, behavior, and ecology. Then over 1,300 species of bats are profiled in entries arranged by taxonomic order and covering distribution, habitat, behavior, and conservation status. An overview of each family as a whole precedes the individual profiles of each species. Each individual species entry is accompanied by a photograph. The book concludes with an index of scientific names and an index of common names. Taylor (Owls, 2012) and photographer Merlin Tuttle's dedication to the species shines through on every page. This comprehensive, clear, and concise guide is sure to appeal to any armchair enthusiast or researcher with an interest in the topic.--Maren Ostergard Copyright 2019 Booklist