A Guide to the Large Mammals of Thailand
By John W.K. Parr – (2003)
206 pages; matt art paper, with 141 colour illustrations & 12 monochrome plates.
Soft Cover: 21cm x 14cm.
ISBN: 974-484-040-4
Sarakadee Press, Bangkok Thailand
As far as I know, this is the only field guide style publication that deals specifically with the mammals of Thailand. It covers all 138 mammalian species known to Thailand comprising Cervus schomburgki(Schomburgk’s Deer) globally extinct since the 1930’s which was only known from the now nonexistent forests of Thailand’s Central Plains and four other species now nationally extinct, including Bos sauveli(Kouprey) suspected as globally extinct and Rhinoceros sondaicus (Javan Rhinoceros) which sadly is most definitely on the verge of global extinction.
The introduction and opening pages deal with history, forest types, mammal diversity, origin of species, conservation and defines quite nicely the makeup and elements of the numerous forest types and zoogeography. This is followed by the magnificently illustrated colour plates of the mammal species before the text descriptions and systematics of each species.
Each species has its common name, scientific name, a detailed description, behavior and habitat and conservation status. The area of distribution is restricted to Thailand indicated by a shaded area within a map of Thailand opposite each species. The monochrome plates at the back of the book are the tracks (foot/hoof prints) of numerous mammals, with 2-4 species per plate, some plates illustrating the foot/hoof track impression left in both hard and soft ground.
This is a good little book with my only real criticism being the lack of text notes on distribution and no indication of distribution outside of Thailand, which can hardly be considered helpful for research. This beautifully illustrated guide makes a nice addition to any naturalists library and also rather useful for visiting international guests and tourists.
Rod Rice
Principal Reviewer
Nature & Travel Books