Whale Sharks/Китовые акулы

Книга на английском языке.
Whale sharks are the largest of all fishes, fascinating for comparative studies of all manner of biological fields, including functional anatomy, growth, metabolism, movement ecology, behavior and physiology. These gentle ocean giants have captured the interest of scientists and the imagination of the public, yet their future is uncertain. The conservation status of whale sharks was upgraded to Endangered on the IUCN Red List and the species faces a range of intense threats from human activities. Can these iconic living animals, who have survived for millions of years, survive us?
Written by the world’s leading experts in whale shark biology, ecology, and conservation, Whale Sharks: Biology, Ecology and Conservation is the first definitive volume about the world's biggest fish. Chapters include discussions of satellite-linked tags, used to track whale shark movements; genetic sequencing, to examine evolutionary adaptations; even the use of underwater ultrasound units to investigate the species’ reproduction. The editors hope that by collating what is known, they can make it easier for future researchers, conservationists, and resource managers to fill some of the remaining knowledge gaps, and provide the information they need to join the team.
As you work your way through this book, we hope that you will develop a sense of awe and marvel at all of our good fortune to share the ocean, and the planet, with this utterly extraordinary species.

Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Editors
Contributors
Chapter 1 How and Why Is the Whale Shark the World’s Largest Fish?
Chapter 2 Whale Shark Reproduction, Growth, and Demography
Chapter 3 Whale Shark Sensory Biology and Neuroanatomy
Chapter 4 Parasites and Other Associates of Whale Sharks
Chapter 5 Genetic Population Structure of Whale Sharks
Chapter 6 Whale Shark Movements and Migrations
Chapter 7 Population Ecology of Whale Sharks
Chapter 8 Whale Shark Foraging, Feeding, and Diet
Chapter 9 Lessons from Care of Whale Sharks in Public Aquariums
Chapter 10 Whale Shark Tourism as an Incentive-Based Conservation Approach
Chapter 11 Global Threats to Whale Sharks
Chapter 12 Conservation of Whale Sharks
Chapter 13 Outstanding Questions in Whale Shark Research and
Index