Animal Diversity Web – Black Mamba Fact Sheet
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Dendroaspis_polylepis.html
University of Michigan posts a detailed black mamba fact sheet on its Animal Diversity project Web site.

Australian Venom and Toxin Database
http://www.kingsnake.com/toxinology/LD50/LD50men.html
The question of which snake is the “most venomous” is actually very complicated and open to some interpretation.  The Australian Venom and Toxin database explains some of the variables involved in such a toxin analysis, and provides lists of venomous snakes based on various testing procedures.  The black mamba appears on several of these lists.

Sean Thomas – “Most Dangerous Snakes in the World”
http://www.seanthomas.net/oldsite/danger.html
South African wildlife filmmaker Sean Thomas also has a list describing the deadliest snakes.  He too acknowledges the difficulty in compiling a definitive list, and bases his on relative mortality rates.

Wildlife Pictures Online – “Black Mamba Myths and Other Snake Stories”
http://www.wildlife-pictures-online.com/black-mamba.html
This website provides an article discussing the myths and facts about the black mamba, from the perspective of a South African raised with a cultural fear of them.

Treatment of a Black Mamba Bite
http://drdavidson.ucsd.edu/Portals/0/snake/Dendroa3.htm
Bitten by a black mamba? University of California San Diego posts detailed instructions for treating a black mamba bite.

Kruger Park – Black Mamba Myths and Facts
http://www.krugerpark.co.za/krugerpark-times-17-facts-about-the-black-mamba.html
Kruger national park, just north of Swaziland in South Africa, posts another detailed description of the myths and facts surrounding black mambas.

Antivenom Swazi Foundation
http://www.antivenomswazi.org/#/our-mission/4533665167
Thea and Clifton started the Antivenom Swazi Foundation to help provide the resources to treat snakebite victims in Swaziland.

NEWS

Times Online (UK) – “Black mamba bite kills Briton who dreamt of becoming a game ranger” (March 12, 2008)
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/africa/article3529594.ece
This article underscores the importance of fast administration of antivenom in saving lives after a black mamba bite.

BOOKS AND PRINT

Frump, Robert.  The Man-Eaters of Eden: Life and Death in Kruger National Park. Globe Pequot, 2006.

Nagami, Pamela. Bitten: True Medical Stories of Bites and Stings. Macmillin, 2005.

O’Shea, Mark.  Venomous Snakes of the World.  New Holland Publishers, 2008.

General Information

Hawaii Whale Research Foundation
http://www.hwrf.org/
The HWRF researches whales and provides educational outreach to help the community better understand and appreciate these majestic animals.

Alaska Whale Foundation
http://www.alaskawhalefoundation.org/
Alaska Whale Foundation is a nonprofit organization “committed to research, conservation, and public education about marine mammals in Southeast Alaska.”

Intersea Foundation
http://www.intersea.org/index.html
The Intersea Foundation is a nonprofit organization allowing lay people to assist scientists on “high adventure natural history and research voyages” among the whales of Southeast Alaska.

NOAA’s Humpback Whale Page
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/cetaceans/humpbackwhale.htm
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s profile on humpback whales, including multiple links to further reading.

NOAA’s Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary
http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/
NOAA also maintains a marine sanctuary in the shallow waters of the Hawaiian Islands that serves to protect the whales and their habitats in Hawaii.

The Whalesong Project
http://whalesong.net/
The Whalesong Project allows site visitors to listen to a live feed of singing whales in Hawaii. Live listening is only available while the whales are wintering in Hawaii. While the whales migrate, the Web site provides recordings of recent songs.

ARKive: Humpback Gallery
http://www.arkive.org/humpback-whale/megaptera-novaeangliae/
ARKive hosts a great collection of pictures and videos of humpback whales.

Migration and Observation

Whale Route
http://www.whaleroute.com/migrate/
A description of migration routes of various whale species, including the best locations for whale watching.

Mayumba National Park
http://www.mayumbanationalpark.com/cetaceans.htm
Mayumba National Park in Gabon is another haven for migrating whales. Here is their profile of the whale’s presence in the park.

Whale Watching in Big Sur, California
http://www.bigsurcalifornia.org/whalehumpback.html
The Big Sur Chamber of Commerce provides information about Humpback whale watching opportunities in the waters off California.

Conservation

Though at one time as few as 5,000 humpbacks remained after centuries of whaling, conservation efforts in the 20th century have brought their numbers back to over 80,000. In 2008, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) upgraded their classification from “Vulnerable” to “Least Concern,” signaling the humpback’s achievement of a stable population after a brush with near extinction.

However, many other species of whales and cetaceans remain threatened, and a number of organizations provide care and raise awareness.

WDCS – The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society.
http://www.wdcs.org/
WDCS describes itself as “the world’s most active charity dedicated to the conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins and porpoises”. Their Web site contains a number of useful resources for getting involved in conservation efforts.

American Cetacean Society
http://www.acsonline.org/
The ACS is one of the world’s oldest whale conservation groups. They provide protection for whales, porpoises, and dolphins through education, research grants, and conservation programs.

The Oceania Project
http://www.oceania.org.au/index.html
The Oceania Project provides care, research and conservation initiatives for humpbacks and other cetaceans.

NEWS

PhysOrg.com – “Warbling whales speak a language all their own” (March 21, 2006)
http://www.physorg.com/news11980.html
Physicist Ryuji Suzuki uses information theory to analyze the communication power of whale songs, revealing a startling complexity.

Books

Bernard, Hannah J. Field Guide to the Humpback Whale. Sasquatch Books, 1993.

Bright, Michael. Whale Odyssey: A Humpback Whale’s First Year. JR Books Ltd, 2008.

Day, Trevor. Whale Watcher: A Global Guide to Watching Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises in the Wild. Firefly Books, 2006.

Martin, Stephen. The Whales’ Journey. Allen & Unwin Pty, 2002.

New York Times – “One Thing They Aren’t: Maternal”
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/09/science/09mama.html
This article features a number of animal mothers that “defy the standard maternal script in a raft of macabre ways.”

Emperor-Penguin.com
http://www.emperor-penguin.com/emperor.html
This Web site posts a detailed account of the breeding and birth cycle of emperor penguins.

Australian Government – Emperor penguins
http://www.aad.gov.au/default.asp?casid=1931
Here is another good informational site about the emperor penguin, from the Australian government’s Australian Antarctic Division.

Tufts University – Animal Psychology
http://www.pigeon.psy.tufts.edu/psych26/history.htm
For those with a devoted interest in animal learning and psychological development, this site hosted by Tufts University has an in-depth chronology of the most important research on the subject.

Time Magazine – “What Mother Nature Teaches Us About Motherhood”
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,996837,00.html
Time has an article about what we can learn about motherhood from nature.

RELATED PROGRAMS

These NATURE programs also depict life as a baby animal in the wild, across a variety of species.

Arctic Bears

Cheetah Orphans

Clever Monkeys

Penguins of the Antarctic

Prince of the Alps

White Falcon, White Wolf

BOOKS AND PRINT

Bekoff, Marc. The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy – and Why They Matter. New World Library, 2008.

Michels, Dia. If My Mom Were a Platypus: Baby Animals and their Mothers. Platypus Media, 2008.

Mock, Douglas W. More Than Kin and Less Than Kind: The Evolution of Family Conflict. Harvard University Press, 2004.

For our younger viewers, Kingfisher Editors puts out a series of books about baby animals in different habitats, including grasslands, polar regions, rain forests, rivers, oceans, and around our own neighborhoods:
Schofield, Jennifer. Baby Animals in Grasslands. Kingfisher, 2004
Schofield, Jennifer. Baby Animals in Polar Lands. Kingfisher, 2004
Schofield, Jennifer. Baby Animals in Rain Forests. Kingfisher, 2007

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov
The U.S. Geological Survey’s official Hawaiian volcano watch site has eruption updates and live, panoramic views of Pu’u O’o!

Hawaii Biological Survey
http://hbs.bishopmuseum.org
The Hawaiian Biological Survey (HBS) is an ongoing inventory of native and non-native Hawaiian species. Get free access to scientific research papers on Hawaiian flora and fauna.

Hawaiian Ecosystem and Risk project (HEAR)
http://www.hear.org
This Web site gives detailed information about the invasive species problem in Hawaii, and what you can do to help.

Invasive Species Specialist Group
http://www.issg.org
Part of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of The World Conservation Union (IUCN), the Invasive Species Specialist Group pays special attention to threats to oceanic island biodiversity.

Infrasound Laboratory of the University of Hawaii (ISLA)
http://www.isla.hawaii.edu
View photos, listen to audio clips, and learn more about infrasound and Milton Garces’s research.

Current Kilauea Volcano Eruption Update
http://www.volcanogallery.com/volcano_eruption.htm
“Current eruption status, information, and photos of Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii.” This site is part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Web site.

Books and Print

Wright, Thomas. Hawaii Volcano Watch: A Pictorial History, 1779-1991. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1992.

Zeigler, Alan. Hawaiian Natural History, Ecology, and Evolution. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 2002.

Macdonald, Gordon Andrew, A.T. Abbott, F.L. Peterson. Volcanoes in the Sea. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1983.

Wagner, Warren L., V.A. Funks (ed.). Hawaiian Biogeography: Evolution of a Hot Spot Archipelago. Herndon, VA: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1995.

Stein, Bruce A. Precious Heritage: The Status of Biodiversity in the United States. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2000.

ASPCA
http://www.aspca.org/
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provides local and national leadership in three key areas: caring for pet parents and pets, providing positive outcomes for at-risk animals and serving victims of animal cruelty. Visit their site for information about pet adoption, health, and more.

Meet Your Match (ASPCA)
http://www.aspca.org/adoption/meet-your-match/
For more information about the ASPCA’s Meet Your Match adoption program, featured in Why We Love Cats and Dogs, visit their Web site.

ICAT – International Cat Agility Tournaments
http://www.catagility.com/
You saw the cats in action in Why We Love Cats and Dogs! ICAT has created a new category of cat competition in which cats negotiate an agility course – showing off their skills and their connection to their owners.

The Humane Society: Pet Adoption
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_adoption_information/
If you’re considering bringing a pet into your life, the Humane Society urges you to consider adopting from a local animal shelter.

Jerry’s Place for Tripawds
http://www.tripawds.com/
Jim Nelson and René Agredano, featured in Why We Love Cats and Dogs, provide resources and support for three-legged dogs and their owners.

MedlinePlus: Pet Health
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pethealth.html
A resource of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, this Web site has lots of resources to help you keep your pet happy and healthy.

My Smart Puppy
http://www.mysmartpuppy.com/
Sarah Wilson, featured in Why We Love Cats and Dogs, maintains this Web site as a resource for dog training and behavior information.

BOOKS AND PRINT

Bekoff, Marc. The Emotional Lives of Animals: A Leading Scientist Explores Animal Joy, Sorrow, and Empathy – and Why They Matter. New World Library, 2007.

Croke, Vicki and Sarah Wilson. Dogology: What Your Relationship with Your Dog Reveals about You. Rodale, 2008.

Dodman, Nicholas. The Cat Who Cried for Help: Attitudes, Emotions, and the Psychology of Cats. Bantam, 1999.

Dodman, Nicholas. The Well-Adjusted Dog: Dr. Dodman’s Seven Steps to Lifelong Health and Happiness for Your Best Friend. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2008.

Amphibian Conservation Alliance
http://www.frogs.org
This non-profit organization is working to protect amphibian wildlife through scientific, educational, and advocacy programs.

AmphibiaWeb
http://www.amphibiaweb.org
This online system provides access to information on amphibian declines, conservation, natural history, and taxonomy.

Amphibian Research Centre (Gerry Marantelli’s org in Australia)
http://frogs.org.au/
This Australian site provides an expertise in all areas of frog knowledge including captive breeding, research and education.

Association of Zoos and Aquariums
http://www.aza.org/helpfrogs
This page suggests ways you can help frogs, from reducing your use of water and carbon-based fuels, to educating yourself about frogs and other amphibians.

FrogwatchUSA – USGS/National Wildlife Federation
http://www.nwf.org/frogwatchUSA
Frogwatch is a site where you can help scientists conserve amphibians through a citizen science program.

ASG – (IUCN Amphibian Specialist Group)
http://www.amphibians.org
This site provides information on several organizations supporting a global web of partners to develop funding for amphibian conservation.

CBSG (IUCN/SSC Conservation Breeding Specialist Group)
http://www.cbsg.org
This site has networking information on professionals dedicated to saving threatened species.

IUCN Global Amphibian Assessment
http://www.globalamphibians.org
This organization assesses the conservation status of species, subspecies, varieties, and even selected sub-populations on a global scale.

WAZA (World Association of Zoos and Aquariums)
http://www.waza.org
This educational organization is the “umbrella” for the world zoo and aquarium community.

Mountain Yellow Legged Frog Site
http://www.mylfrog.info/
This site provides up-to-date information on the natural history and conservation of the mountain yellow-legged frog, a group of two closely-related species that inhabit California’s highest mountains.

Atlanta Botanical Gardens
http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org/site/conservation/amphibian_research
The Atlanta Botanical Garden has an active captive breeding and research program with educational displays.

The Nature Conservancy
http://www.nature.org/
This wonderful site’s mission is to work around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.

Online Guide for the Identification of Amphibians in North America
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/herps/amphibid/links.htm
Get information of a variety of topics, from malformed amphibians to ways you can get involved in conservation, on this U.S. Geological Survey Web site.

Amphibian Diseases
http://www.jcu.edu.au/school/phtm/PHTM/frogs/ampdis.htm
This site is to provide high quality information on diseases of amphibians with a focus on diseases of significance in wild populations.

Save the Frogs
http://www.savethefrogs.com
Save the Frogs! is an international team of scientists, educators, policymakers and naturalists dedicated to protecting the world’s amphibian species.

Drakensberg Tourism Association
http://www.drakensberg.org.za/
The Drakensberg Tourism Association promotes tourism in the Central and Northern Drakensberg region of South Africa.

“Drakensberg: Barrier of Spears” – SouthAfrica.info
http://southafrica.info/about/geography/drakensberg-050705.htm
This site provides an overview of the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Drakensberg Mountains.

“uKhalamba / Drakensberg Park” – UNESCO World Heritage Centre
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/985
The uKhalamba Drakensberg Park was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2000, both for its exceptional natural beauty and remarkable collection of San rock art.

Books and Print

Bristow, David. Best Walks of the Drakensberg. Struik, 2003.

Hilliard, Olive Mary and Linda S. Davis. Grasses, Sedges, Restiads & Rushes of the Natal Drakensberg. Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal Press, 1987.

Lewis-Williams, J. David. Images of Mystery: Rock Art of the Drakensberg. Double Storey, 2003.

Liebenberg, Doyle P. The Drakensberg of Natal. Cape Town: Cape and Transvaal, 1972.

Opperman, H. The Later Stone Age of the Drakensberg Range and Its Foothills. B.A.R., 1987.

Vinnicombe, Patricia. People of the Eland: Rock Paintings of the Drakensberg Bushmen as a Reflection of Their Life and Thought. Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal Press, 1976.

Willcox, A. R. Rock Paintings of the Drakensberg, Natal and Griqualand East. M. Parrish, 1956.

Snake Venom: The Pain and Potential of Poison
http://coloherp.org/cb-news/Vol-28/cbn-0103/Venom.html
A very informative article by Ed Ferrer.

Snake Venom Therapy
http://www.annieappleseedproject.org/snakventher.html
An article on copperhead venom as a cancer treatment.

History of Snake Venom Use for Medicinal Purposes
http://www.bio.davidson.edu/biology/kabernd/seminar/studfold/MUVT/history.html
A brief survey of venom’s good side.

King Cobra
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/kingcobra/index-n.html
Information about cobras and other snakes from National Geographic.

Snake killing highlights need for education
http://southeast.fws.gov/news/1999/r99-090.html
The sad story of an indigo snake killing, from the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Snakes provide good pest control in the garden
http://eesc.orst.edu/agcomwebfile/garden/wildlife/snakes.html
A tip sheet from Oregon State University.

Books

Coborn, John. THE ATLAS OF SNAKES OF THE WORLD. New York: TFH Publications, 1991.

Cooper, Paulette. 277 SECRETS YOUR SNAKE WANTS YOU TO KNOW: UNUSUAL AND USEFUL INFORMATION FOR SNAKE OWNERS AND SNAKE LOVERS. Berkeley: Ten Speed Press, 1999.

Greene, Harry et al. SNAKES: THE EVOLUTION OF MYSTERY IN NATURE. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1997.

Mehrtens, John. LIVING SNAKES OF THE WORLD IN COLOR. New York: Sterling Publications, 1987.

Zug, George. Herpetology: AN INTRODUCTORY BIOLOGY OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES, SECOND EDITION. New York: Academic Press, 2001.

NATURE: Cheetahs in a Hot Spot
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/cheetahs/index.html
Discover how cheetahs are built for speed. Learn the art of stalking, cheetah-style. Then find out about efforts to protect these endangered animals.

NATURE: Intimate Enemies: Lions and Buffalo
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/enemies/index.html
Find out why the king of the beasts has to be patient when it comes to attacking buffalo.

NATURE: Leopards of Yala
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/leopards/index.html
Track leopards in the jungles of Sri Lanka.

Wild Cat Species of Africa
http://dspace.dial.pipex.com/agarman/bco/spec_afr.htm
Learn more about African’s feline hunters.

Cat Watching in Africa
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/features/174africa.shtml
Spot big cats in Africa’s numerous parks and reserves.

Big Cats Links
http://bigcatslinks.ath.cx/index.php?json=y
Links to articles, research organizations, and foundations on big cats.

Born Free
http://www.bornfree.org.uk/bcat10.htm
Learn the natural history of big cats, the threats these animals face, and how to help with conservation efforts.

Filming Wild Cats in Africa
http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/features/276feature1.shtml
Filmmakers Amanda Barrett and Owen Newman share some memories.

Wildlife-film.com
http://www.wildlife-film.com/
All about the wildlife film industry and how to get started as a filmmaker.

Small Wild Cat Species
http://www.messybeast.com/small-wildcats.htm
A guide to the smaller relatives of lions and tigers.

Books

Bosman, Paul. CATS OF AFRICA. Washington: Smithsonian Books, 1998.

Bauer, Erwin. THE LAST BIG CATS: AN UNTAMED SPIRIT. Minneapolis: Voyageur Press, 2003.

Kat, Peter. PRIDES: THE LIONS OF MOREMI. Washington: Smithsonian Books, 2000.

Miller, S. Douglas. CATS OF THE WORLD: BIOLOGY CONSERVATION, AND MANAGEMENT. Vienna, VA: National Wildlife Federation, 1986.

Sunquist, Fiona. WILD CATS OF THE WORLD. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2002.

CATS! WILD TO MILD

http://www.lam.mus.ca.us/cats/

A comprehensive exhibit from the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

The Shambala Preserve

http://www.shambala.org/

The refuge for big cats, founded and run by actress Tippi Hedren, that was featured on NATURE.

Links to Cat Sites

www.fanciers.com/links.html

Links and more from cat fanciers.

American Curl Breed Description and History

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/karen_obrien/history.htm

Learn more about these unique, curly-eared “purrsons.”

Pet Planet – Cats

www.thepetprofessor.com/secPetProfile/petProfile_cat.asp?breed=cat

An international Web site for cat lovers, including breed descriptions, useful information, and fun pictures.

Cat Shows, Registries and Clubs

http://www.fanciers.com/clubs.html

Show schedules and upcoming shows from Cat Fanciers.

Index of Famous Cats

http://www.citizenlunchbox.com/famous/cats.html

Famous cats throughout history, both actual and fictional.

Books

Capuzzo, Mike. CAT CAUGHT MY HEART: STORIES OF WISDOM, HOPE, AND PURRFECT LOVE. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell, 1998.

Edney, Andrew. ASPCA COMPLETE CAT CARE MANUAL. New York: DK Publishing, 1992

Edney, Andrew. CAT CARE: 101 ESSENTIAL TIPS. New York: DK Publishing, 1995.

Fogle, Bruce, D.V.M. THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE CAT. New York: DK Publishing, 1997.

Fogle, Bruce, D.V.M. KNOW YOUR CAT: AN OWNER’S GUIDE TO CAT BEHAVIOR. New York: DK Publishing, 1991.

Loxton, Howard. 99 LIVES: CATS IN HISTORY, LEGEND AND LITERATURE. New York: Chronicle Books, 1998.

Nash, Bruce. AMAZING BUT TRUE CAT TALES. New York: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 1993.

Tabor, Roger. ROGER TABOR’S CAT BEHAVIOR: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING HOW YOUR CAT WORKS. New York: Reader’s Digest, 1998.

Thomas, Elizabeth Marshall. THE TRIBE OF TIGER: CATS AND THEIR CULTURE.  New York: Simon and Schuster, 1994.

Torregrossa, Richard. FUN FACTS ABOUT CATS: INSPIRING TALES, AMAZING FEATS AND HELPFUL HINTS. New York: Health Communications, 1998.

To order a copy of EXTRAORDINARY CATS, please visit the NATURE Shop.
Online content for EXTRAORDINARY CATS was originally posted February 1999.