Primates of the World: An Illustrated Guide

by Jean-Jacques Petter

Overview

The essential illustrated guide to the world's primates

This stunningly illustrated guide to the world's primates covers nearly 300 species, from the feather-light and solitary pygmy mouse lemurs of Madagascar—among the smallest primates known to exist—to the regal mountain gorillas of Africa. Organized by region and spanning every family of primates on Earth, the book features 72 splendid color plates, facing-page descriptions of key features of each family, and 86 color distribution maps.

Primates of the World also includes concise introductory chapters that discuss the latest findings on primate origins and evolution, behavior and adaptations, and classification, making it the most comprehensive and up-to-date primate guide available.

• Covers nearly 300 species and every family of primates worldwide
• Features 72 color plates—the finest illustrations of primates ever produced
• Includes facing-page descriptions for each family and 86 color distribution maps
• The most comprehensive and up-to-date guide to the world's primates

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780691156958
Publisher:	Princeton University Press
Publication date:	08/25/2013
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	8.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Jean-Jacques Petter (1927-2002) was a world authority on lemurs and one of France's leading primatologists. He was a research fellow at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique in Paris. François Desbordes is one of France's premier wildlife illustrators. Robert Martin is the A. Watson Armour III Curator of Biological Anthropology at the Field Museum in Chicago.

Table of Contents

Fascinating Primates
The Beginning of an Adventure 1
In Search of Our Origins 4
The Precursors of Mammals 6
Evolution of Madagascar’s Lemurs 9
The Role of the Forest and Primate Adaptation 15
Predators 22
Primate Territories and Social Organization 26
Primate Sociability and Recognition Signals 28
Classification of Primates 36
Primates by Continent: Plates and Descriptions of Species
Madagascar 48
South America 72
Asia 104
Africa 142
Bibliography 182
Index of Species 184

Editorial Reviews

"I can think of no better introduction to the non-human primates than Jean-Jacques Petter's and Francois Desbordes' Primates of the World. . . . The text is authoritative and readable and includes very good sections on the evolution of primates and the roles of environment and competition in influencing primate adaptations. There are also excellent chapters on territorial behavior, social organization, and sociality. The book is richly and beautifully illustrated by Francois Desbordes, and there are excellent life histories for each primate species. Primates of the World belongs on the shelf of anyone who wants to expand his or her understanding of human origins and of anyone who is captivated by the rich personal experiences, long-term detailed field observations, and passionate conservation messages of Diane Fossey and Jane Goodall."—-Wayne Mones, Perch/Audubon Magazine's Blog

"This volume holds a treasure. . . . Primates indeed contains 72 illustrated plates describing, by continent, the major primate species inhabiting our planet. . . . [E]ach drawing, precise and magnificent, unveils their morphology, their colors, their postures. . . . [A] splendid and fascinating book."—-Rafaële Brillaud, Science & Vie

"Those who love beautiful nature plates—in the tradition of Audubon and his birds—will be delighted by this landmark book. . . . [D]azzling illustrated plates."—-Rachel Mulot, Sciences et Avenir

"A masterpiece. François Desbordes's 72 watercolor plates are pure marvels, in the great tradition of scientific pictures of the 19th century."—-Marc Giraud, L'Oiseau Magazine

"Primates of the World by Jean-Jacques Petter & François Desbordes is a beautifully illustrated guide that is perfect for those who are interested in primates and a great reference guide to use for primate classes."—-Raymond Ho, Prancing Papio

"'The' reference everyone interested in primates should have by their bedside."—-Sylvie Nandelec, Scoop on Primates

From the Publisher

"This text offers readers brief yet substantial information on almost 300 species of primates. . . . Introductory material provides significant information that is relevant across the primate species, including material on the origins of various primates, predators, social habits, classifications, and more. . . . Appropriate for students or general readers interested in enhancing their knowledge of primates."

Booklist

"The design of the book is excellent, with color-coding employed nicely in the finely detailed range maps and in the classification section, and with the plates featuring high-quality reproductions on heavy paper. The plates are the real heart of the book and Francois Desbordes's wonderful watercolors will excite anybody interested in wildlife art."

Discovery

"This text offers readers brief yet substantial information on almost 300 species of primates. . . . Introductory material provides significant information that is relevant across the primate species, including material on the origins of various primates, predators, social habits, classifications, and more. . . . Appropriate for students or general readers interested in enhancing their knowledge of primates."

Booklist

A masterpiece. François Desbordes's 72 watercolor plates are pure marvels, in the great tradition of scientific pictures of the 19th century.

L'Oiseau Magazine - Marc Giraud

Those who love beautiful nature plates—in the tradition of Audubon and his birds—will be delighted by this landmark book. . . . [D]azzling illustrated plates.

Sciences et Avenir - Rachel Mulot

10/15/2013
Sifakas, aye-ayes, indris, crested mangabeys, tarsiers, langurs, and guenons—all are species of primates that are as exotic looking as their names imply. This beautiful book, published in France in 2010, is a collaboration by two Frenchmen. Petter (Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Paris), an authority on lemurs, who died in 2002 (the work was completed by others after his death), was one of France's leading primatologists. Desbordes (Le Tigre) is a wildlife illustrator, and the 72 color plates here testify to his skills. In this work that was translated by Martin (A. Watson Armour III Curator of Biological Anthropology, Field Museum), Petter begins by summarizing the evolutionary history of nonhuman primates, with a focus on lemurs. He then describes patterns of primate social organization, their adaptation to diverse forest habitats, and their means of vocal and tactile communication. Desbordes's illustrations of the many primate species take up three quarters of the book. They are so intensely vibrant that they almost leap off the page and are organized first by continent and then by species. The book also features 86 color maps showing primate distributions. VERDICT Readers will be fascinated by what Petter describes as the "dazzling diversity of primates," and they'll be dazzled by the stunning illustrations. Highly recommended for specialists and nonspecialists alike.—Cynthia Lee Knight, Hunterdon Cty. Lib., Flemington, NJ

Library Journal