Lynx Nature Books: Comprehensive Zoological Reference Works
Lynx Nature Books has established itself as a pioneer in the field of zoological documentation, producing some of the most ambitious and detailed reference works in the history of natural science. By focusing on entire animal classes, the publisher provides an unprecedented level of detail for researchers, naturalists, and enthusiasts alike.
The Definitive Record of Avian Species
One of the most significant achievements of Lynx Nature Books is the Handbook of the Birds of the World. Completed in 2012, this 16-volume series represents a historic milestone in biological literature. It is the first time a single work has documented an entire animal class, providing detailed treatment and illustrations for every species within that class.
To make this vast amount of information more accessible, a condensed, single-volume version titled All the Birds of the World was released in 2020.
Comprehensive Mammalian Documentation
Following the success of their avian series, Lynx applied a similar rigorous approach to mammals. The Handbook of the Mammals of the World was published between 2009 and 2019 as a nine-volume series.
To keep pace with evolving scientific classifications, the publisher released the Illustrated Checklist of the Mammals of the World in 2020, a two-volume set featuring essential taxonomic revisions (the scientific process of classifying organisms). Furthermore, a condensed, single-volume edition titled All the Mammals of the World was published in 2023.
Regional Field Guides and Collaborations
Since 2018, Lynx has expanded its catalog to include specialized field guides focusing on the birds of various specific regions. A notable example of this effort is Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide, which was produced through a collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution.
Key Facts
- Historic First: The Handbook of the Birds of the World was the first work to document an entire animal class in a single publication.
- Avian Scope: The original bird series consists of 16 volumes, completed in 2012.
- Mammalian Scope: The original mammal series consists of 9 volumes, published between 2009 and 2019.
- Recent Updates: Condensed single-volume versions for both birds (2020) and mammals (2023) are available.
- Institutional Partnership: The Ripley Guide to birds of South Asia was created in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution.
| Publication Title | Format | Completion/Release Year | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handbook of the Birds of the World | 16-Volume Series | 2012 | All bird species |
| All the Birds of the World | Single Volume | 2020 | Condensed avian data |
| Handbook of the Mammals of the World | 9-Volume Series | 2009–2019 | All mammal species |
| Illustrated Checklist of the Mammals of the World | 2-Volume Set | 2020 | Taxonomic revisions |
| All the Mammals of the World | Single Volume | 2023 | Condensed mammal data |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Handbook of the Birds of the World unique?
It is the first comprehensive work in the animal kingdom to document and illustrate every single species of an entire animal class within one publication.
When was the original mammal series published?
The Handbook of the Mammals of the World, a nine-volume series, was published between 2009 and 2019.
Is there a shorter version of the multi-volume bird series?
Yes, a condensed, single-volume version titled All the Birds of the World was published in 2020.
What is the Illustrated Checklist of the Mammals of the World?
Released in 2020, this two-volume set provides updated taxonomic revisions to the previously published mammal series.
Which institution collaborated with Lynx for the South Asia bird guide?
The Smithsonian Institution collaborated with Lynx to publish Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide.