Twenty years in the making by a distinguished dolphin expert and his associates, The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin is the first comprehensive scientific natural history of a dolphin species ever written. From their research camp at Kealakeakua Bay in Hawaii, these scientists followed a population of wild spinner dolphins by radiotracking their movements and, with the use of a windowed underwater vessel, observing the details of their underwater social life. The authors begin with a description of the spinner dolphin species, its morphology and systematics, and then examine the ocean environment, the organization of dolphin populations, and the way this school-based society of mammals uses shorelines for rest and instruction of the young. The dolphins' reproductive cycle, their vision, vocalization, hearing, breathing, and feeding, and the integration of the school are carefully analyzed. The authors conclude with a comprehensive evolutionary analysis of this marine cultural system, with its behavioral flexibility and high levels of cooperation. This absorbing book is the richest source available of new scientific insights about the lives of wild dophins and how their societies evolved at sea.

The Hawaiian Spinner Dolphin

Crafts, Hobbies & Home

Wells, Randall S.

NORRIS, Kenneth S.

Wursig, Bernd

Wursig, Melany

Pets & Animal Care

University of California Press

"An excellent job of presenting complex information on marine mammal biology, conservation, and wildlife protection laws in an elegant and comprehensive manner. Their helpful suggestions will engage and inspire the reader to take positive action for the protection of marine mammals and their environment."—Trevor R. Spradlin, National Marine Fisheries Service 
 Dolphins, Whales, and Manatees of Florida is the book of choice for anyone interested in an identification guide and general reference to marine mammal biology, conservation, and governmental protective regulations. Written by two scientists who are recognized as international leaders and pioneers in marine mammal research and conservation--and the foremost authorities on marine mammals in Florida--the book will inform people how their activities affect marine mammals and what they can do to help safeguard the environment of Florida. 
John Reynolds and Randall Wells present important scientific information (accompanied by photographs), conservation principles, and wildlife protection laws in a way that will be easy for the general reader to follow and understand. Their skillful presentation of the issues will engage and inspire the reader to take positive action for the protection of marine mammals and their environment. 
The basic species descriptions and natural history include all of Florida's marine mammals and the occasional visitor to Florida waters: 
• Florida manatee • bottlenose dolphin • Atlantic spotted dolphin • pygmy and dwarf sperm whales • northern right whale • clymene or short-snouted spinner dolphin • spinner dolphin • rough-toothed dolphin • Risso's dolphin • short-finned pilot whale • false killer whale • pygmy killer whale • beaked whales • goosebeak whale • sperm whale • humpback whale • pinnipeds 
 For the general public and ecotourists as well as students, teachers, and marine educators, Dolphins, Whales, and Manatees of Florida is the primary reference for marine mammal biology and conservation and a guide to wildlife protection laws.
 John E. Reynolds III is manatee research program manager at Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, and professor of marine science at Eckerd College. Author of 150 publications and several books, he has served as chairman of the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission since his appointment by President George Bush in 1991.
 Randall S. Wells is a behavioral ecologist with the Chicago Ecological Society, director of the Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research at Mote Marine Laboratory, and adjunct associate professor of ocean sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He has authored or coauthored more than 100 scientific books and articles.

Dolphins, Whales, and Manatees of Florida: A Guide to Sharing Their World

Science & Math

Reynolds III, John E.

Biological Sciences

University Press of Florida

“Probably the most comprehensive single piece of work ever done on bottlenose dolphins, the book represents a milestone for all those who are interested in the cetacean. . . . Stands as an essential reference.”—Marine Mammal Science
“It is hard to imagine a better resource.”—Aquatic Mammals 
“Clear and compelling.”—Publishers Weekly “Comprehensive overview of the species, its evolution, place in ancient and modern myth, behavior, ecology, reproduction, and genetics.”—Florida Times-Union
 “A concise overview of a species that has fascinated humans for at least 3,000 years.”—Biology Digest
 “Covers everything from the historical myths about dolphins to their daily lives.”—EcoFlorida
 “This excellent introduction on the biology of the bottlenose dolphin also provides a review of conservation issues and outlines current knowledge of dolphins in general.”—Charles W. Potter, National Museum of Natural History "This excellent introduction on the biology of the bottlenose dolphin also provides a review of conservation issues and outlines current knowledge of dolphins in general. . . . for students, professionals, and anyone interested in the bottlenose dolphin."--Charles W. Potter, National Museum of Natural History The Bottlenose Dolphin presents for the first time a comprehensive, colorfully illustrated, and concise overview of a species that has fascinated humans for at least 3,000 years. After reviewing historical myths and legends of the dolphin back to the ancient Greeks and discussing current human attitudes and interactions, the author replaces myths with facts--up-to-date scientific assessment of dolphin evolution, behavior, ecology, morphology, reproduction, and genetics--while also tackling the difficult issues of dolphin conservation and management. Although comprehensive enough to be of great value to professionals, educators, and students, the book is written in a manner that all dolphin lovers will enjoy. Randall Wells’s anecdotes interspersed throughout the work offer a first-hand view of dolphin encounters and research based on three decades working with them. Color photographs and nearly 100 black and white illustrations, including many by National Geographic photographer Flip Nicklin, beautifully enhance the text. Readers of The Bottlenose Dolphin will better appreciate what dolphins truly are and do, as well as understand some of the controversies surrounding them. While raising compelling questions, the book provides a wealth of information on a legendary species that is loved and admired by many people. John E. Reynolds, professor of marine science at Eckerd College, St. Petersburg, Florida, is chair of the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission. He has written over 100 articles on marine mammal biology and conservation and is coauthor with Daniel K. Odell of Manatees and Dugongs and coeditor of Biology of Marine Mammals. Randall S. Wells is a behavioral ecologist with the Conservation Biology Department of the Chicago Zoological Society and adjunct associate professor of ocean sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He also serves as director of the Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research at Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, Florida, where he conducts the world’s longest running study of wild dolphins. Samantha D. Eide, a graduate student at the University of South Florida, is field leader for the Eckerd College Dolphin Project, St. Petersburg, Florida.

The Bottlenose Dolphin: Biology and Conservation

Eide, Samantha D.

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Books by Wells, Randall S.