Biology of the Koala. by Lee, A. K. (editor); Handasyde, Kathrine (editor); Sanson, G. D. (editor) - 1991

Sydney, Chipping Norton: Surrey Beatty & Sons / World Koala Research Corporation, 1991. c1990 for 91 ed.. Hardback large tall quarto, dustjacket, very good condition (in very good dustjacket), three colour plates, black & white photos & plates, black & white drawings, figures, tables, frontispiece, drawing front & rear endpaper, minimal foxed spots edges, few tiny pinhead marks pastedowns. 336 pp. This fascinating comprehensive and substantial book gives a current view of the biology, conservation and care of koalas. There is a reassessment of the phylogenetic affinities of the koala; several contributions reviewing the dynamics and status of natural populations; reassessments of our knowledge of diet; a substantial review of digestion which sheds new light on digestive function in hind gut fermenters; the first description of the social system in natural populations of koalas; new information on the endocrine control of reproduction; a substantial body of information on the impact of Chlamydia on koalas; and papers on management. The text includes 31 papers from experienced scientists who have worked in their respective fields. This reference volume emanates from the Third National Symposium, sponsored by the World Koala Research Corporation, held in February 1988.