Publisher description

This book attempts to move the family of squirrels (Sciuridae) out of the shadow of large charismatic mammals and to highlight management failures with the goal of moving towards an improved conservation approach. Particular attention is paid to the influence of taxonomic science on squirrel conservation. In addition, the authors show how human-driven climate change, global change and modern politics are shaping global squirrel populations as well as their surrounding environments and ecosystems. Squirrels are widespread around the globe, naturally occurring on every continent except Antarctica and Oceania, and they are certainly among the animals most commonly encountered in everyday life. Despite this, the authors of this volume identify worrying gaps in squirrel conservation. Squirrels are often hunted, trapped, poached, and stressed, and management strategies and legislation are often devised in the absence of proper knowledge of issues such as population sizes, taxonomies, and trends. Together, this can result in severe population declines and even species extinction. By assessing their taxonomic situation, ecology, the evolution and divergence of Sciuridae around the globe, and squirrels’ well-being across habitats, the authors set a baseline from which to launch future investigations into the conservation of squirrels and other species. Additionally, the authors highlight the influences of climate change, unsustainable growth, and various man-made threats to the future of this family.

Peanut the Squirrel: How One Squirrel’s Story Became a National Debate by David Shaun S. is a gripping true story that has captivated millions, sparking conversations across the nation. When Mark Longo rescued Peanut, an orphaned squirrel, he never imagined their bond would lead to a controversial legal battle and ignite a national movement for animal rights. Peanut’s journey from a vulnerable creature to an internet sensation touches on themes of compassion, government intervention, and the complex ethics surrounding wildlife laws. This heart-wrenching story dives deep into the emotional world of animal rescue and shines a light on the struggle to balance public health with compassionate care for animals who rely on human protection. Perfect for readers who enjoy The Elephant Whisperer and A Street Cat Named Bob, this book combines elements of real-life drama, legal intrigue, and the touching, personal journey of an unlikely pet who changed countless lives. As debates over animal rights continue, Peanut the Squirrel is a must-read for animal lovers, advocates, and anyone curious about the bond between humans and wildlife.

In The Great Squirrel Burglar, authors Mary Ellen Graham Wehrli and J. Lawrence Graham present us with an engaging story and charming illustrations for children, parents, and grandparents that teach the importance of multigenerational relationships and the worthy (and delightful!) lessons we learn from family. Alongside the “squirrely” characters of Grandpa Earl—aka the legendary Great Squirrel Burglar—and his “grandkit” Jack Boy, children and their families will go on a delightful journey to help Grandpa Earl solve the mystery of where he’s hidden his missing nuts and acorns. Joining Earl and his grandson are Carl the Cardinal, the fabulous feline Catrina, Spot the hound dog, Babbit the Rabbit, and more! ​This captivating cast of wildlife friends adds color and fun to The Great Squirrel Burglar, which teaches children about the joy (and excitement!) that older generations can add to their families.

A wide-ranging meditation on belonging and citizenship through the story of two squirrel species in Britain. Squirrel Nation is a history of Britain’s two species of squirrel over the past two hundred years: the much-loved, though rare, red squirrel and the less-desirable, though more populous, grey squirrel. A common resident of British gardens and parks, the grey squirrel was introduced from North America in the late nineteenth century and remains something of a foreign interloper. By examining this species’ rapid spread across Britain, Peter Coates explores timely issues of belonging, nationalism, and citizenship in Britain today. Ultimately, though people are swift to draw distinctions between British squirrels and squirrels in Britain, Squirrel Nation shows that Britain’s two squirrel species have much more in common than at first appears.