Secret Language & Remarkable Behavior of Animals

Author Janine M. Benyus transforms the rather scholarly discourse of animal communication into a tome that is clear and engaging--making this the perfect book for animal lovers of all ages. Benyus, a zookeeper and an expert on animal behavior, has spent years researching and studying the body language and verbal communication of zebras, lions, bald eagles, giant pandas, and dolphins to name but a few. The early chapters of her book take the form of a simple primer--with short but fascinating information on DNA, the role of habitat in the animal kingdom, feeding, predatory behavior, and the many forms of animal communication. The author then guides us on a worldwide journey, exploring the quintessential animals of each continent with a detailed look at the behavior of each species. You'll discover, for example, that gorillas signify their superiority by growling--so it's probably best to stay away from a grumbling gorilla! Learn why giraffes like to lick each other; what a crocodile is signifying when it lifts its spout; and how a peacock defends its territory. The Secret Language and Remarkable Behavior of Animals is illustrated throughout with ornate pencil drawings by Juan Carlos Barberis, a former artist for the Museum of Natural History in New York. --Naomi Gesinger