^* (Centre for Dolphin Studies, P.O. Box 13147, Humewood 6013, South Africa.)
The following is a synopsis of the article's contents: On 11 and 12 March 1995, 28 dugong carcasses were found on the islands of Murawah and Fiyyah, off the coast of the United Arab Emirates, approximately 150 kilometres west of Abu Dhabi. There was no indication of the exact cause of death in any instance, other than the fact that most animals were found in fish dumps along with a catch of numerous sharks, batoids and other fishes, turtles and cetaceans. Catches by 'artisanal" fishermen are unrecorded, and the extent of this catch alone is cause for concern, especially since the estimated number of dugongs harvested annually is conservative; fishermen obviously attempt to hide evidence of dugong catches; female dugongs appear to account for the majority of those harvested.

Info on myths, facts, hunters, conservationists, gentleness, and possible extinction.

Describes in alphabetical order more than 120 species and sub-species of sea mammals (including pinnipedia, sirenia, and the sea otter). Every aspect of their anatomy, behavior, evolution, reproduction, and conservation is covered in detail. Also describes what scientists know about sea mammals' intelligence, complex social orders, methods of communication, and rearing of their young. Also includes a brief chapter on the dangers of pollution, and an index.

Discusses baleen and toothed whales (including dolphins and porpoises), manatees and dugongs, seals, sea lions, walruses, and otters.

Abstract: This is a worldwide guide for the identification of marine mammals and those cetaceans, seals, and sirenians also found in freshwater. The 119 species include a variety of taxa: baleen whales, toothed whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sea lions, sirenians, marine otters, and the polar bear. There is an introduction with notes on marine mammal distribution in regard to oceanography and marine mammal identification, a glossary of technical terms, illustrated keys to species, illustrated family keys for skulls, species sheets, and a table of species by major marine fishing areas. Every species sheet includes scientific and official FAO names, diagnostic features, notes on similar species, size, distribution, biology, habitat, behaviour, exploitation, and IUCN (World Conservation Union, formerly International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) status. The work is . . . indexed [by scientific and vernacular names] and includes a list of references and sources for further reading.

Ordering information available from Ms. Unchalee Kattachan at kattachan.unescap@un.org. Report of workshop in Dumaguete, Philippines, 27-30 June 1995.

"Age determination is a tool central to the development of life history parameters. This essential reference volume examines the practical problems in age determination of toothed whales and Sirenians and reviews current and new techniques of specimen preparation and reading. In addition to an extensive report agreed to by over 50 experts from around the world, the 16 papers included cover theoretical, histological and practical aspects of this topic, including case studies for a number of species. Over 15 years after its appearance it remains the leading volume on this subject . . . "

"It's an excellent reference ... and gives good historical background to the entire Sirenian group. It's not pure science text so students can probably read it in a couple of days and not be thoroughly fried."

Chapters include: Dugong--Dugong dugon; Manatees--Trichechus manatus, Trichechus senegalensis, and Trichechus inunguis; Gray Whale-- Eschrichtius robustus; Minke Whale--Balaenoptera acutorostrata; Bryde's Whale--Balaenoptera edeni; Sei Whale--Balaenoptera borealis; Fin Whale--Balaenoptera physalus; Blue Whale--Balaenoptera musculus; Humpback Whale--Megaptera novaeangliae; Right Whales--Eubalaena glacialis and Eubalaena australis; Bowhead Whale--Balaena mysticetus; Pygmy Right Whale--Caperea marginata.

From a review by John Dillon in the March-April 1977 issue or Oceans magazine: "Victor Scheffer has that rare and precious ability to excel in the two worlds of top-drawer science and top-notch literature . . . [His] newest work is a popular introduction to . . . the natural history of the six mammalian groups which have taken to a fully ocean dependent existence: the sea otter, the walking seals, the crawling seals, sirenians, toothed cetaceans, and baleen cetaceans. Peter Parnall's illustrations add the appeal that has made him one of the leading wildlife illustrators in the country. He does, however, succumb to the common 'blimp-body' misconception of the great whales which has plagued scientists and artists alike for so many years.

Includes sections on Whales, Porpoises and Dolphins; Dugongs and Manatees; Seals, Sea Lions and Walruses; and Bears and Otters, plus a worldwide distribution map.