The Hair Scale Identification Guide to Terrestrial Carnivores of Canada - Pelagic Publishing

The Hair Scale Identification Guide to Terrestrial Mammalian Carnivores of Canada

  • The only hair scale identification guide to cover all 25 mammalian carnivores found in Canada.
  • Featuring superb images of hair scale impressions at two magnification levels, also describing the sampling techniques used.
  • Includes range maps and key identification characteristics for all species represented.
    £30.00
    We currently have 998 in stock.

    • This handy identification guide to the hairs of carnivores found in Canada will be a valuable reference source for wildlife managers, biologists, and naturalists. The book is attractively presented with beautiful colour images of fur pelts accompanied by microphotographs at two resolutions that spectacularly illustrate the fine hair-scale impressions that will aid in identifying the species of carnivorous mammals.
      —Burton K. Lim, Assistant Curator of Mammalogy, Royal Ontario Museum
    Tags:
    • Canada
    • carnivores
    • identification
    • mammals

    Description

    Mammalian predators are keystone species in any ecosystem. But many are elusive by nature and have territories that cover large areas of land, which makes them challenging to monitor. When tracks and signs prove difficult to interpret or are non-existent, hair samples recovered from the field offer a fantastic resource – one that is often overlooked.

    The Hair Scale Identification Guide to Terrestrial Mammalian Carnivores of Canada provides a fully illustrated, up-to-date hair scale reference for all 25 of the terrestrial carnivorous mammals of Canada. From the tiny least weasel (Mustela nivalis) to the giant polar bear (Ursus maritimus), unique traits – as well as tricky similarities – can clearly be observed through hair scale patterns magnified at the medial portion of the hair impression. These scale patterns aid in species identification when hair is the only possible evidence available.

    This guide also outlines hair impression techniques for samples found in the field, assisting ecologists and technicians with wildlife monitoring studies on predatory mammals where additional identification is required. Including range maps and key identification characteristics for all species represented, as well as superb images of hair scale impressions at two magnification levels, this book is a comprehensive tool for animal hair ID.

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.53061/YGXZ6719

    Table of Contents

    Acknowledgements 
    Introduction and Guide Interpretation
    - Materials and Methods 
    - Hair Scale Reference Key 
    - Winter White Colour Phases 
    - Undersides: Colour Differences in Guard Hairs 
    - Colour Morphs and Regional Variations 

    CANIDAE 
    Swift Fox 
    Arctic Fox 
    Grey Fox 
    Red Fox 
    Coyote 
    Grey Wolf 

    FELIDAE 
    Bobcat 
    Canada Lynx 
    Mountain Lion 

    MEPHITIDAE 
    Western Spotted Skunk 
    Striped Skunk 

    MUSTELIDAE 
    Least Weasel 
    Short-Tailed Weasel 
    Long-Tailed Weasel 
    American Mink 
    Black-Footed Ferret 
    American Marten 
    Fisher 
    American Badger 
    Northern River Otter 
    Wolverine 

    PROCYONIDAE 
    Raccoon 

    URSIDAE 
    Black Bear 
    Grizzly Bear 
    Polar Bear 

    References 
    Appendix 1: A Summary of Scale Types 
    Appendix 2: Patterns and Comparisons 

    Reviews

    • This handy identification guide to the hairs of carnivores found in Canada will be a valuable reference source for wildlife managers, biologists, and naturalists. The book is attractively presented with beautiful colour images of fur pelts accompanied by microphotographs at two resolutions that spectacularly illustrate the fine hair-scale impressions that will aid in identifying the species of carnivorous mammals.
      —Burton K. Lim, Assistant Curator of Mammalogy, Royal Ontario Museum

    About the Author

    Justin Kestler is a wildlife technician and outdoor educator. He graduated from Sault College’s School of Natural Environment and earned a communications degree from the University of Toronto. He’s been involved in various wildlife monitoring projects and worked as a field technician for Natural Resources Canada, McMaster University and the University of Alberta.

    Bibliographic Information

    • 80 pages
    • 43 col photos, 61 b/w photos, 7 figures
    • BISAC SCI070030, NAT046000, 4.0.2.0.0.0.0
    • BIC PSVW7, RNKH1, 1KBC