The Mammals of Virginia

The First Edition of The Mammals of Virginia (1998) was the first book on the subject and scope of Virginia’s mammals to have appeared in more than fifty years and, as such, was a major contribution to the literature on Virginia mammals. Twenty-three years later, the Second Edition presents the very latest and updated research on the subject. An Introduction discusses the general characteristics of mammals and their classification. This is followed by a detailed history of mammal investigations in Virginia beginning in 1585 and a discussion of Virginia’s five physiographic provinces. Individual species accounts have been prepared for each of the 122 species of mammals currently or previously inhabiting the state. Accounts of several new species that were not found in Virginia in 1998 are included. Each account includes a description of the animal, its distribution (including updated national and statewide range maps), habitat, habits, food, reproduction and development, longevity, pelage variations, parasites and diseases, predation, geographic variation, and the location of all known specimens in museum, college, university, or private collections. Some topics specific to one or more species such as white-nose syndrome, hibernation, rabies, and introductions (both successful and unsuccessful) are discussed where appropriate. Each species account includes a color photograph and an artist’s rendering of the skull (dorsal, ventral and lateral views). Diagnostic keys are provided to Orders, Families, Genera and species. A new chapter entitled “What May the Future Hold for Virginia’s Mammals?” discusses natural and human-induced changes including urbanization, climate change, effects of non-native mammals and plants, habitat restoration, wind turbines, pesticides, mining, transmission lines and pipelines. The uncertainties and probabilities of the future of Virginia’s wildlife inspired the author to share with readers his motivation that the new edition “. . . bestows upon naturalists the responsibility to educate others about the lives and habits of our native biota in the hope that such enlightenment will lead to a greater appreciation of native species and a desire for their preservation. Such a hope has been uppermost in my mind as I prepare this book.”