THE NATURAL HISTORY OF BADGERS. By Ernest Neal.

(1986) 1986 Book Club edition. 8vo (162 x 240mm). Ppxviii,238. Colour and b/w photographs, illustrations, maps, bibliography. Red boards, spine titled in gilt.

"This book concentrates on the European badger, covering all aspects of its natural history and how it may be studied in the field. Chapters on the American badger and species from Asia and Africa are also included to offer an up to date, world wide view of current research. There is also a comprehensive chapter on the relationship between badgers and man. In addition, an informed assessment is given of the controversy raging over the badger/cattle/bovine tuberculosis problem". Chapters include: Badgers - studying them in the field; General characteristics; The badger's home and environs; Distribution and choice of habitat; Sett tenants and associations with other animals; The special senses; Activity patterns; Food and feeding behaviour; Social life; Reproduction and development; Numbers; Badgers and man; The American badger; Badgers of Asia and Africa. Appendices are: Skeletal criteria for determing the age of badgers; Road underpasses for badgers; Badgers and the law in Britain.