Includes bibliographical references (pages 234-235) and index

pt. 1. The world of mammals. Introducing mammals / George McKay -- Classifying mammals / original text by J.E. Hill; revised by George McKay -- Mammals through the ages / Tom Kemp -- Habitats & adaptation / Gordon L. Kirkland, Jr. -- Mammal behavior / D. Michael Stoddart -- Endangered species / original text by Anne LaBastille; revised by George McKay -- pt. 2. Kinds of mammals. Monotremes / Tom Grant -- Marsupials / Ronald Strahan -- Anteaters, sloths & armadillos ; Insectivores ; Tree shrews / R. David Stone -- Flying lemurs / original text by J.E. Hill ; revised by George McKay -- Bats / original text by J.E. Hill; revised by George McKay -- Primates / Colin Groves -- Carnivores / W. Chris Wozencraft & Judith E. King -- Whales & dolphins / M.M. Bryden -- Sea cows / Helene Marsh -- Elephants / Jeheskel Shoshani -- Odd-toed ungulates / Norman Owen-Smith -- Hyraxes ; Aardvark / Jeheskel Shoshani -- Even-toed ungulates / Valerius Geist -- Pangolins / R. David Stone -- Rodents ; Lagomorphs / M.J. Delany -- Elephant shrews / R. David Stone

"This thoroughly revised and updated edition of the Encyclopedia of Mammals features new conservation information on each order, highlighting the three levels of threat - critically endangered, endangered, and vulnerable. Statistics regarding the number of families, genera, and species within each of the orders and the number of endangered species have been amended to reflect the most recent data. The species distribution maps have also been updated." "The authoritative text is written by the worlds leading mammalogists who have included newly discovered species as well as numerous insights afforded us by recent research. The text is complemented by over 200 superb photographs and over 100 original paintings, diagrams, and maps to give an up-to-date overview of our knowledge of the once-secret lives of mammals."--Jacket