Eminent authorities from around the world have contributed to this book on ruminants, integrating information from paleontology, molecular and population genetics, anatomy, morphology, and field studies of behavior, ecology, and the effects of climate change. Also covered are the genetics, morphology, and behavior of the saola (one of several new species recently found in the Annamite Mountains between Laos and Vietnam) and other survivors from isolated and ancient branches on the ruminant family tree. Many of the living species are endangered, say the authors, and knowledge of their history, evolution, and basic biology is critical to their conservation.
