Field Guide to the Mammals of Oman

Field Guide to the Mammals of Oman Synopsis

The first book to present all of the known mammals of Oman in a single volume. The invaluable fieldguide is aimed at a wide audience - from visitors and residents, through to amateur naturalists and environmental professionals. Its purpose is twofold: firstly, as a guide to finding and identifying the mammals of Oman, be they on the land, at sea or in the air; secondly as a key reference, explainging habits of the the mammals, supplying maps of known distribution and signs that may be used to find species, many of which occur at low densities and are nocturnal or highly elusive.

The book's second purpose is to inspire people, whether they are Omanis, residents or visitors, to go out to find and enjoy Oman's unique wild mammals. An encounter with a wild mammal can happen at any time. It might be Spinner Dolphins seen on a boat trip; Arabian Gazelles seen from the car; Arabian Tahr seen while trekking in the mountains; the eyes of foxes, or even Striped Hyaena, caught in the car lights at night; a Pipistrelle Bat hunting insects around a street light; an Egyptian Fruit Bat sweeping low to drink from a swimming pool; or a mighty Blue Whale surfacing in the ocean swell. On other occasions the encounter may not be with the animal but with the signs it leaves.