Arid lands require that organisms inhabiting them be well-adapted to thrive or even just to survive. This book provides a review of the ecological adaptations - be they behavioural, physiological or morphological - of carnivores to arid environments. Following a general introduction into aridity and arid lands in Africa, the major carnivore families are presented. Ecological adaptations of carnivores in arid lands reveal the amplitude and resilience of the ecology of these animals. In setting up conservation measures, the nature and extent of such adaptations are important facets in determining the effective area and degree of heterogeneity required as habitat by a carnivore population so as to produce a viable unit.

A contribution to man's understanding of arid lands A synthesis of relevant information for both researchers and resource managers Provides important ecological guidelines for the development and management of conservation areas

Inhalt
1 Introduction.- 2 Family Canidae.- 3 Family Felidae.- 4 Family Hyaenidae.- 5 Family Herpestidae.- 6 Families Mustelidae and Viverridae.- 7 Synthesis.- References.- Genus and Species Index.