Customer Reviews:
 For those looking for techniques and help November 28, 2005
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book is a very good read for those people who work with cetaceans, or who are at university studying cetaceans. A good read, but think hard before you spend the money.
 Invaluable October 1, 2002
9 out of 9 found this review helpful
An academic book aimed at students and researchers in cetology, behavioural and conservation ecology as well as readers with a serious interest in cetaceans. Cetacean Societies reviews the research on the social lives of whales and dolphins and aims to bring the study of cetaceans firmly into mainstream behavioural ecology and provide incentives for further research, accelerating the transition from taxon-focused to question-focused science, a transition which behavioural primatology underwent some twenty to thirty years ago, beginning in 1965 with Primate Behaviour: Field Studies on Monkeys and Apes (DeVore 1965).The book is sectioned into three parts; (1) The history and methods, long term studies, observational methods and innovative techniques of study into cetacean societies; (2) A profile of four species, bottlenose dolphins, killer whales, sperm whales and humpback whales; (3) Comparative studies, theory and conservation, covering aspects such as group living, reproductive strategies, communication, conservation, protection and management. Illustrated throughout with photographs, diagrams and appropriate representations of data from research studies, the book is written by some of the world's leading cetacean scientists. It is a treasure trove of references and absolutely invaluable for anyone wishing to make sense of the social lives of whales and dolphins. Ruth Searle
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