Wild Animals (Encyclopedias)

Illustrated with more than 250 outstanding photographs, Wild Animals presents an in-depth look at the natural world’s most deadly, endangered or just plain strange creatures, from poisonous spiders to aggressive caimans and man-eating sharks. The selection spans a broad spectrum of wildlife, from large carnivores such as the grizzly bear and great white shark to smaller creatures such as the kiwi, elephant beetle and sea spider. Each of the world's habitats is covered, with examples carefully drawn from every region of the planet – from the majestic lion of the African plains and the polar bear of the Arctic wastes, to the Komodo dragon of Southeast Asia, whose saliva carries poisonous bacteria that can kill a person in hours. Featuring around 175 species, each photographic entry is supported with a fascinating caption, explaining how the animal manages to be so deadly. Beautifully presented, this accessible book is a wonderful introduction to some of the planet’s most fascinating wild creatures.