"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.

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"Although we are still just scratching the surface, studies on bottlenose dolphins, and other cetaceans, are making noteworthy contributions to the biological and ecological literature. The Bottlenose Dolphin summarizes many of those contributions an its benefits from the extensive experience and insights from long term studies by the first two authors." - Ecology
--Ecology

"A truly incredible concentration of authoritative bottlenose dolphin data. 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 cetacean, and for marine mammalogists, educators, and students it stands as an essential reference to be kept at hand in the nearst book shelf" - Marine Mammal Science
--Marine Mammal Science

"Comprehensive overview of the species, its evolution, place in ancient and modern myth, behavior, ecology, reproduction and genetics." -Florida Times-Union
--Florida Times-Union

"Clear and compelling." - Publishers Weekly
--Publishers Weekly

"The Bottlenose Dolphin presents a comprehensive, colorfully illustrated, and concise overview of a species that has fascinated humans for at least 3,000 years." -Biology Digest
--Biology Digest

"Covers everything from the historical myths about dolphins to their daily lives, and includes many nice photos." -EcoFlorida
--EcoFlorida

"An important addition to the libraries of cetacean specialists and of interest to other practioners in the field." - Choice
--Choice

"This book is very informative, integrative, and lucid. I found it packed with interesting and relevant facts. You will find this book a great read because of the global picture it provides, in a masterly and concise way. I believe this book is justly destined for the paperback, bestseller market. " - Aquatic Mammals 2001
--Aquatic Mammals 2001

"An interesting source for inhabitants of and visitors to the southeast of the USA, who have an interest in the marine mammals."
--Mammalia Biology

“Gives the reader a good overview of our current knowledge of the biology of the bottlenose dolphin”
--Ecology